Their name is recognizable in part because one of the most indelible songs in recent years comes from the pen of MercyMe’s lead singer Bart Millard. “I Can Only Imagine” soared to the top of music industry charts and received much radio air play on both Christian and secular stations.
MercyMeIn light of the song’s success, MercyMe has continued to produce records that honor Jesus. And it was this spirit the group carried through to Big Youth Thing, a student event sponsored by the South Carolina Baptist Convention youth ministry group held every summer at Carowinds theme park in Fort Mill.
Students and adults alike enjoyed the theme park for the greater part of the day with MercyMe in concert later in the evening. Tony Merida, dean of chapel at New Orleans Baptist Seminary, spoke to participants as well.
While the students enjoyed the park, MercyMe spent some time answering questions from youth workers and ministers. The band detailed their life on the road and how their ministry has changed since the release of “I Can Only Imagine.”
“It is easy to make the mistake that the more time you spend on stage the more spiritual you are,” said Millard. “The best part of being in a band, as opposed to being a solo artist, is that there are several outlets of accountability.”
Millard told participants the group leans heavily on daily studying scriptures, which strengthen their faith.
“All of this is an overflow of our personal walk with Christ,” he continued.
Millard also had words of advice for those leading worship in churches.
“Don’t treat the place you are in as a stepping stone because it could be that God has you in that place for a reason – whether you are in front of five people or 5 million, you have the opportunity to share the gospel.”
Tony MeridaLater during the evening concert, Merida shared his personal testimony.
“I accepted Christ when I was 9, got put in the water, went to church, but nothing in my life changed,” said Merida. “I was created for the glory of God, but I rebelled against the glory of God.”
“I don’t know if you’ve come in this room like I used to be – you just came from the great rides – but you are not here by accident,” Merida continued.
Merida told attendees that Jesus is of “first importance.”
“You do not have to pay for your sins. Jesus has already paid for them.”
“If you came here tonight, saying, ‘I don’t want to go to hell,’ then don’t. We want you to know Jesus – because God raised Jesus from the dead, we don’t have to die; we can be different.”
More than 7,000 people attended this year’s event.