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Songwriter tunes into threefold mission
Mitch McVicker takes his faith on tour.
GIRARD — Singer/songwriter Mitch McVicker hopes to point people toward Jesus.
The award-winning artist has spent the past several years traveling across the county, carrying with him a threefold mission that focuses on introducing people to Jesus, waking Christians who have become apathetic in their faith and nurturing mature believers.
“My goal is to not take myself too seriously and to direct people to that which is beyond themselves,” McVicker explained during a telephone conversation earlier this week. “I try to keep it light and at the same time focus on the message of Jesus.”
McVicker will bring his acoustic singer/songwriter style to the Old Wellman Theater in Girard at 7 p.m. today.
Area worship leader Dan Robertson is also scheduled to play.
“The show is different every time,” McVicker said. “The same elements are there, but how everything plays out just depends on what’s going on at that time.”
McVicker earned a Dove Award in 1999 for the song “My Deliverer is Coming,” which he co-wrote with contemporary Christian artist Rich Mullins, composer of the popular worship song “Awesome God.”
McVicker and Mullins also collaborated on the song “Nothing is Beyond You,” which was recorded by Amy Grant and went to No. 1 on several pop charts. After graduating from Friends University in Wichita, Kan. with a degree in religion and philosophy, McVicker began touring regularly with Mullins.
On Sept. 19, 2007, Mullins and McVicker were on their way to a concert when the vehicle they were traveling in overturned. Mullins, who had written songs for Grant, Debby Boone and other performers, was killed. McVicker was in a coma for several weeks and went into extensive recovery for two years. These days McVicker travels to city after city throughout the year, sharing his music and his testimony.
In addition to Mullins, McVicker has recorded with dc Talk and Ray Boltz. He has shared the state with Mercy Me, Rebecca St. James and Bebo Norman. He has also been featured on the 700 Club television show and has participated in numerous other TV and radio interviews.
He has presented his ministry at colleges, churches, prisons, coffee houses and coliseums. He said this tour, consisting of 35 stops in 15 states and Canada, features songs from his latest and fifth CD “Love Will Rise.” Margaret Becker produced four songs and Nathan Nockels produced nine songs on the album.
At today’s performance McVicker will be backed by musician/singer Matt Wilson and assisted by soundman Kevin Synan.
“We just try to present a very strong message in a laid back way,” McVicker said. “The most important thing is to put ourselves aside and focus on Jesus, the message of Jesus.”
The concert is being sponsored by His Music Connection. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $3 for youth ages 12 and younger. Tickets will be available at the door. For information, call (330) 549-5349. Additional information about McVicker is available at www.mitchmcvicker.com or on his MySpace page.