The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe’s beloved, chart topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness.
Faith-Based Film ‘I Can Only Imagine’ (song) With Dennis Quaid, Cloris Leachman And Trace Adkins Eyes Spring 2018 Release.
I Can Only Imagine is an upcoming American drama film based on the story behind the song “I Can Only Imagine,” the most-played contemporary Christian song of all time. The film stars J. Michael Finley as Bart Millard, the MercyMe lead singer who wrote the song, as well as Dennis Quaid, Cloris Leachman, and Trace Adkins. It is scheduled for release on March 16, 2018.
“I Can Only Imagine” was released in 2001 as the album’s lead single. It gained significant airplay on Christian radio formats before crossing over to mainstream radio formats such as adult contemporary and Top 40 in late 2003 and into 2004; to aid in promotion to these markets, a double A-side physical single (combined with “Word of God Speak”) was released in 2003.
“I Can Only Imagine” (sometimes shortened to “Imagine”) is a single recorded by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written and composed by Bart Millard, the song, based around a main piano track, was inspired by the death of Millard’s father and considers what it would be like in Heaven and to be standing before God.
The song was first issued as a track on MercyMe’s 1999 album The Worship Project, which was released on an independent record label. The song was re-recorded and included on their 2001 major-label debut album Almost There as the fifth song on the album. It’s the song that brings ultimate hope to so many … often in the midst of life’s most challenging moments. Amazingly, the song was written in mere minutes by MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. In reality, those lyrics took a lifetime to craft.
Although he found faith at a young age, life wasn’t easy for Bart. He leaned into an active imagination and his love of music as escapes from a troubled home life. As he grew older, Bart turned to football in hopes of somehow connecting with his abusive father. But a career-ending injury—combined with the vision of a teacher who saw unlimited potential—set Bart on a musical pathway.
Chasing a dream while running from broken relationships with his father and Shannon, his childhood sweetheart, Bart hits the road in an old, decrepit tour bus with his new band MercyMe—named for his grandmother’s favorite expression. With the guidance of a grizzled music-industry insider, the band begins a journey none of them could ever have imagined.
Directed by the Erwin Brothers (October Baby, Moms’ Night Out, and Woodlawn), I CAN ONLY IMAGINE stars J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Shirer, with Cloris Leachman and Dennis Quaid.
A gripping reminder of the power of forgiveness, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love—or from an eternal home in Heaven.
Have you ever felt rejected, guilty, or broken? Before he became the lead singer of MercyMe, Bart Millard suffered through a painful childhood, which led to him building walls around his heart. In the I Can Only Imagine Bible Study and Church Resources, Bart shares his story and leads you on a redemptive journey to see yourself through God’s eyes. Find rest in His approval, purpose, and eternal hope as you reveal the heart of the God who loves you … more than you can imagine.
Based on the movie, resources include Small Group Study, Pastor’s Kit, Participant’s Journal, Devotional, Gift Journal, and Student Study.
____________________________________________________________________
