It is a funny thing about time. You think you know exactly where a person stands in their life, especially someone who has been on your car radio for three decades. Then you look up the math and realize you’ve been slightly off for years.
If you’re wondering exactly how old is Bart Millard, here is the quick answer: As of early 2026, Bart Millard is 53 years old. He was born on December 1, 1972, in Greenville, Texas. Honestly, if you saw him on stage today with the rest of MercyMe, you might not peg him for his mid-50s. He still carries that same boyish energy that helped him transition from a high school football player to the face of contemporary Christian music.
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The Numbers Behind the Music
Age is more than just a birth date for Millard; it is a marker for one of the most enduring careers in the industry. Think about this: he founded MercyMe in 1994. That was thirty-two years ago.
He was only 21 when the band started. Basically, he has spent more than half of his life on a tour bus or in a recording studio. That is a lot of "re-entry" moments, a term he and his wife Shannon use to describe the jarring transition from being a rockstar back to being a dad of five in Franklin, Tennessee.
Most people assume he was much older when "I Can Only Imagine" blew up, but that song hit the mainstream around 2003. At that point, Bart was just 30 years old. He was already a veteran of the "indie" Christian scene before most of the world even knew his name.
Why 53 Hits Differently for Bart in 2026
This isn't just another year for him. Right now, there is a lot of buzz because of the upcoming release of I Can Only Imagine 2, scheduled for March 2026.
The first movie, which came out in 2018, was a massive hit. It focused on his childhood and his complicated, often painful relationship with his father, Arthur. But this new chapter? It’s different. It’s expected to dive into his life as an adult—specifically his son’s health battles and the inspiration behind the song "Even If."
Living through your own life story being filmed for the second time has to be surreal. He’s joked in interviews about how it feels to have an actor like John Michael Finley portray him on screen. It’s kinda like looking into a mirror that’s perpetually stuck in your 30s or 40s while you’re actually navigating the realities of being 53.
Breaking Down the Timeline
If you’re a fan of lists, here is the shorthand of how the years have stacked up:
- 1972: Born in Texas.
- 1991: His father passes away (Bart is 18/19).
- 1994: MercyMe is officially formed (Bart is 21).
- 2001: The album Almost There goes platinum.
- 2018: The first movie becomes a box office shocker.
- 2026: Bart turns 54 this coming December.
The "Older and Wiser" Shift
You’ve probably noticed a change in his songwriting lately. There’s a specific kind of nuance that comes when a singer reaches their 50s. On MercyMe's recent projects like Wonder & Awe, the lyrics aren't just about "getting through" anymore; they are about the deep, sometimes quiet appreciation of faith.
He’s talked openly about his health, too. Just recently in late 2025, the band had to reschedule a show because Bart was dealing with a nasty case of laryngitis. It was a reminder that even for a guy who seems ageless on stage, the body eventually demands a break.
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He and Shannon have been married since 1997. That’s nearly 29 years. In an industry where marriages often crumble under the pressure of the road, their longevity is probably more impressive than any Grammy nomination. They moved to Nashville a few years back specifically to be closer to the industry "hub" so he could spend fewer days traveling and more days being present at home.
Misconceptions About His Age
One thing people often get wrong is thinking Bart is much older because of his connection to "legacy" hymns. Because he released the Hymned solo projects (which his grandmother loved), many listeners associated him with an older generation of southern gospel.
In reality, those projects were just his way of honoring his roots. He’s actually a huge fan of "New Wave" music and bands like ELO. If you ever catch him in a candid moment, he’s more likely to talk about classic rock or his kids' latest interests than the "good old days" of the 70s.
What Is Next for Bart?
As he navigates his 53rd year, the focus seems to be on legacy. With five kids—Sam, Gracie, Charlie, Sophie, and Miles—and a band that shows no signs of slowing down, he’s in that sweet spot where he can choose his projects.
The sequel movie I Can Only Imagine 2 is going to bring his story back into the cultural conversation in a big way this year. It will likely highlight the "middle" years of his life, showing that the struggles didn't end just because the first movie's credits rolled.
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If you’re looking to keep up with what Bart is doing at 53, the best thing to do is keep an eye on MercyMe’s tour dates. They’ve cut back from their old 250-shows-a-year pace to a much more manageable schedule, which usually means the shows they do play are higher energy and more personal. You can also follow his updates on Instagram, where he’s surprisingly active and often posts about his family life in Tennessee.
Actionable Insight: If you're inspired by Bart's journey of reconciliation and endurance, take a moment to listen to the lyrics of "Even If" or "Almost Home." They provide a window into his current perspective on life and faith at this stage of his career. Watching the trailer for the 2026 sequel will also give you a better idea of the real-life hurdles he’s faced since his initial rise to fame.