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✔︎Find Jim Bryson at Market Street Shops HERE
There’s the song—and then there’s the story God tells through ordinary people who said “YES”. In this episode, Kevin sits down with long-time friend Jim Bryson (former MercyMe keys, that iconic “Imagine” intro) to trace the surprising path from camp worship sets and 13-kid gigs to Billy Graham’s final crusade, Leno’s stage, and mainstream radio. It’s equal parts prank-fest and holy ground.
What we get into
The “accidental” ballad: How “I Can Only Imagine” went from a forced fast tune to a simple piano prayer—and the night the room went silent, then fell to their knees.
Hidden years > instant hype: Six indie years, 250 shows a year, Sunday school rooms turned into studios, and why slow faithfulness still multiplies.
Ministry in “other rooms”: Presenting at the AMAs, late-night TV, DJs and shock-jocks, and why kindness to crew members opened doors for the Gospel.
The label tension: “Christian band” vs. “Christians in a band.” Why the mission beats the marketing.
Holy mischief: Tour-bus stories, dry ice torpedoes, prank pens, and how joy keeps a team human (and humble).
Legacy moments: Arrowhead Stadium with Billy Graham; the piano lick that became a prayer for the world.
Why this matters for disciple-making
Faithfulness before fame: Movements usually start in the “unimpressive” places—youth rooms, small towns, second chairs. Don’t despise the gym where God’s training your courage.
Carry Jesus into secular spaces: The goal isn’t to be safe; it’s to be present. Kindness to backstage crews and genuine friendship often preach louder than a mic.
Excellence as witness: Master your craft. Let skill become hospitality—music, business, coaching, parenting—so people feel God’s goodness before they can name it.
Joy multiplies: Teams that laugh together last together. Holy playfulness is fuel, not fluff.
Practical takeaways (do this this week)
Name your “small room.” Where is God asking for consistent, quiet excellence? Commit to 6 weeks of faithfulness there.
Pick one “other room.” A place outside church walls where you’ll show up as a calm, kind, excellent presence. Put a date on it.
Crew care. Thank a behind-the-scenes person by name. Ask a curious question. Pray privately for them by name that night.
Tell one story. Share a 90-second “God showed up here” story with a non-church friend—no sermon, just gratitude.
Memorable lines
“We didn’t make a moment. God did. Our job was to be faithful in the room.”
“Excellence isn’t ego; it’s hospitality.”
“Labels don’t disciple people; relationships do.”
About Jim today
When he’s not triggering keyboard nostalgia, Jim runs Market Street Paint Shop in downtown Opelika—where creativity, humor, and hospitality still make space for God to work.
Call to Action
Share this episode with a friend who thinks their “small room” doesn’t matter.
Practice: This Sunday, arrive early and thank the people no one sees: sound, lights, kids check-in, janitorial. Watch doors open.
