If this night was any indication, that wave isn’t just approaching—it’s already here.
Not a single seat was empty among the nearly 15,000 fans who packed the iconic arena on April 13th, affirming Forrest Frank’s place as a key figure in Christian music’s revival. For years, some voices claimed CCM had lost its heartbeat. If that’s your perspective, it’s time to step outside your bubble and witness firsthand the resurgence unfolding right under your nose.
From the opening moments featuring archival footage of Forrest’s grandfather preaching at a 1985 Billy Graham crusade to the final notes of crowd favorite “NEVER GET USED TO THIS,” Forrest delivered an immersive, flawlessly executed 90-minute set. The Child of God Tour, primarily highlighting his celebrated album of the same name, was a masterclass in modern live performance.
The energy surged from the second track, the smash hit “UP!” Shortly after, “Your Way’s Better” transformed the arena into a joyful scene of families TikTok-dancing, reminiscent of the beloved human video era from ’90s Christian music. One couldn’t help but recall legendary tours like DC Talk’s “Jesus Freak” with Audio Adrenaline… even though Forrest himself was just a baby during those golden CCM days.
A standout moment occurred just before his upbeat anthem “Good Day,” when Forrest brought his creative process center stage—literally. Projecting his MacBook screen for the entire arena to see, he guided the captivated audience through the intricate layering of tracks composing his hits. “Parents thought concert tickets were expensive; wait until their kids start asking for MacBooks,” a friend humorously noted afterward. It was an inspiring peek into the meticulous artistry behind Forrest’s music, demonstrating to young fans exactly what it takes to create music in 2025.
Beyond his evident talent, Forrest deeply connected with fans through his approachable demeanor and genuine kindness. During the high-energy “God is Good,” he spontaneously invited a young fan named Caitlyn on stage to rap a verse, stunning the crowd with her impressive skills. Later, he welcomed ecstatic fans onto the stage’s hillside set and made efforts to interact directly with the audience.
In true Nashville fashion, the evening featured a surprise appearance: country superstar Thomas Rhett emerged from the crowd to join Forrest on their collaborative hit “Nothing Else,” pushing audience excitement to another peak.
As the show neared its conclusion, Forrest intentionally shifted gears, creating a powerful worshipful atmosphere. His passionate rendition of the timeless hymn “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” resonated across the diverse, multi-generational audience. For his encore, he returned with “Drop,” an unexpected powerhouse featuring nu-metal influences and killer guitar solos. Every dad aged 30-50 nodded approvingly with a smirk that clearly conveyed, “That’s what I’m talking about.” This moment underscored Forrest’s remarkable ability to effortlessly pivot from laid-back, lo-fi vibes to intense rock-rap performances.
Opening the evening, Elevation Rhythm set the tone with a dynamic 30-minute performance, featuring their monster hit “Goodbye Yesterday,” perfectly priming the audience for Forrest’s unforgettable spectacle.
Ultimately, the evening was a milestone moment for families and a clear testament to the revival and evolution of Christian music. For those still skeptical about CCM’s vitality, Forrest Frank provided undeniable proof: this is music that moves hearts, fills arenas, and unites generations. The message is clear—we’re back, it’s happening, and it’s boldly unashamed. Gone are the days of bands vaguely sharing their faith. This was Palm Sunday, and praise of Hosanna echoed loud and clear through Music City. As we were driving home I asked my family to rate the show. According to my son, this experience isn’t just a 10/10—it’s “50 out of 10. Off the graph!” Then the unthinkable happened, our niece… a teenage girl… stated that the Child of God Tour was a better show than Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. You can’t get a bigger compliment!
Indeed, Forrest Frank’s Bridgestone Arena show represents the exhilarating wave of revival the CCM world has eagerly awaited.
FYI:
Just a heads up for parents planning their next family night: Elevation Rhythm hits the stage promptly at 7 PM, followed by a child sponsorship presentation at 7:30 PM. Forrest takes the stage around 8:15 PM and captivates the audience until approximately 10:10 PM.
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