I Can Only Imagine 2 2026

I Can Only Imagine wins Dove Award in 2002

I Can Only Imagine is named Song of the Year at the 33rd GMA Dove Awards in 2002, elevating MercyMe to the forefront of Christian music. The track becomes the most-played song in the history of Christian radio. The win helps establish the band's enduring popularity and sets the stage for their future hits.

Sam's early health challenge

Sam, the Millards' young son, suffers a seizure and is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The family grapples with the new reality as Bart and Shannon try to support him while continuing to pursue their musical dreams. The health challenge seeds ongoing family tensions and hope for Sam's future.

A decade later, Bart monitors Sam's condition

Ten years after the early struggle, Bart closely monitors Sam's blood sugar as he learns to manage the illness. Sam resents his parents for nagging about his health as he teaches himself to play the guitar. The tension between care and independence shapes their on-tour decisions.

Band promoted to headliners; Tim chosen as opening act

MercyMe’s manager Scott Brickell informs the band they have been promoted to headliners, replacing Audio Adrenaline who pulled out. Tim Timmons is selected as the opening act, bringing a different energy to the tour. Tim wears a wrist X as a symbol of gratitude to God and carries a hymn book as he dreams of writing a song like It Is Well with My Soul.

Sam joins the tour; Shannon agrees

Scott tells Bart to bring Sam on tour, and Shannon agrees, somewhat surprised by the decision. The arrangement promises a new balance of family and music but raises concerns about responsibility on the road. The addition sets the stage for a shared family-musical journey.

First concert hurdles; Sam on stage with Tim

On the first concert night, Tim's opening act struggles to excite the crowd. Scott pushes for more energy and on-stage personality. Tim then invites Sam to perform on guitar during his set, giving Sam a chance to be part of the show.

Tim shares the backstory of It Is Well

During the second show, Tim explains the backstory of the hymn It Is Well with My Soul, recounting its origin after Horatio Spafford's tragedies. The audience learns how faith can carry someone through personal loss. The moment deepens the emotional arc of the tour.

Sam collapses; Bart pulls him from the road

Midway through the tour, Sam collapses from low blood sugar and Bart pulls him from the road to recover. Sam resents his father for taking him off the dream of performing, and the incident strains their relationship further. The episode triggers memories in Bart of his own struggles with his father.

Tim reveals cancer; Even If demo

In the recording studio, Tim reveals he has cancer and that his wife Hilary is pregnant. He worries about whether he will be alive to see his children grow up. He hands Bart a demo of the song Even If and asks him to write new verses.

Bart reconnects with his past in the garage

Bart goes to the garage and remembers bonding with his father Arthur while they played guitar on old chairs at night. He finds his father's guitar, reigniting his own creative spark. He also attends a group therapy session to confront his past.

Downtime on tour; reconciliation with Sam

When MercyMe resumes touring, their bus breaks down, creating a quiet space for reconciliation between Bart and Sam. Bart hands Sam his father's guitar as a tangible link to family and forgiveness. The band uses the downtime to regroup and move forward.

Red Rocks tribute performance

For the final stop at Red Rocks, Bart spots Tim and Hilary in the audience and closes the show by performing Tim's song Even If as a tribute. Tim is deeply moved by the gesture, recognizing the friendship that sustained him. The moment marks a turning point for the new song's emotional weight.

Even If rises to prominence

Even If becomes MercyMe's most successful song since I Can Only Imagine, propelling Tim's message and the band's momentum. The track resonates with fans and cements Tim's role in the group's story. The success signals the enduring power of collaboration and faith.

Tim conquers cancer and grows his family

Tim beats his cancer prognosis and becomes a father to four children: Malia, Noah, Aaron, and Anna. He continues to influence MercyMe and his own family with faith and resilience. The news offers a hopeful coda to his battle and to the tour's shared memories.