Mercy Me

Millard credits a host of people for influencing who he’s become through the years. “My wife and my kids teach me stuff every day,’ His son Sam, who lives with diabetes, was actually the inspiration for the song “Even If” on the band’s latest album. ‘And My dad was a huge mentor in my life, in the short amount of time he was in love with Jesus—before he passed away,” and he credits a host of notable musical influences from Electric Light Orchestra, to Amy Grant, and Russ Taff.

“From a spiritual standpoint, a guy named Rusty Kennedy—started showing me what my identity in Christ is over the last few years. Understanding more of who I am in Christ has completely changed my life, and then are authors like John Lynch, of The Cure, and author Andrew Farley.”

Aside from those who have influenced him, Millard, a dedicated supporter of Compassion International, (MercyMe continues to support Compassion on their tours) is in awe of the work of heroes who work in global relief efforts. One of his heroes in the humanitarian arena actually used to work alongside him in the music business. “Mark Stuart, a founding member of Audio Adrenaline, left the band 10 years ago and founded the Hands and Feet Orphanage in Haiti—There’s just too many to name that are doing Kingdom work and trying to make the world a better place.”

There’s no doubt that Bart Millard is one of those people. MercyMe continues sharing a message of faith, redemption, and life, and making their own difference.

“I really love the life I’m living. I’m so proud of the movie coming out telling the story about my dad, and the ability to pour into the lives of up and coming worship leaders and artists through the worship program at Trinity Western is something I’ve always dreamed of. In the end, just being able to ride off into the sunset have things that are so much bigger than me and here long after I’m gone is the ultimate dream…I’m really blessed. I really am.”

Millard, a faithful LIFER himself, has a word for anybody else who wants to make a difference in their world. He exhorts them first to understand what their own world is:

“A lot of people will say, ‘I want to be in a band like you, or do certain things—this is just a stepping stone until something bigger comes my way’—-well, don’t be surprised if nothing bigger comes—because your world is what’s right in front of you, and whether it’s 10 people or 10,000 people, you were raised up for that moment. That moment is specifically for you—not for me, or anyone else. Take advantage of the moment in front of you. You’ll be surprised where God will take you.”