Harbor Baptist Church

Hey folks! Back at the end of November, the Veach and Busenitz families struck out on an incredible opportunity to attend the TobyMac, MercyMe, and Zach Williams concert, and, while I was very skeptical when we set out, it was truly a fascinating trip for me and a seemingly unforgettable experience for the kids who keep talking about it still today!

The Anticipation


This concert snuck up on us. We purchased our tickets several months before and then just forgot all about it with all the hustle and bustle of normal life. I don’t think the kids really understood what we were discussing or had any reference to draw from. I had been to a few concerts when I was younger. They were not all that fun. But, when the day came, the kids were very excited to be going somewhere with their friends, and heading off into the city was always fun for them.

Arriving at the Venue


We set out a little late but got on the road and made good time. We stopped off at Pinocchio’s Pizza in Cottage Grove (one of the best pizza places on the planet – IMHO), thinking we would have plenty of time to get to Eugene and find parking and get to our seats before the show began. When we arrived, the atmosphere was completely chaotic! There were people and families everywhere, and even more cars! We sat in traffic for over an hour, inching along every few minutes. I was pretty certain at that point that we would miss the entire show. But, after some quick maneuvering by the wives (who were driving), we managed to find a parking garage and then proceeded to walk forever to the venue.

Once inside, we scrambled to our seats, and came in right where Mercy Me was starting. Unfortunately, we missed Zach Williams’ set altogether. But, to my surprise, Mercy Me was pretty good. They had command of the stage and sounded perfectly fine. The kids, though, made the evening for me. They were wide eyed, excited, staring down at the stage with anticipation, not knowing what to expect next. Our daughter, Elly, was standing in front of her mother with her arms raised high, singing to the top of her lungs. I am always surprised how easy it is for her.

After Mercy Me finished their song list, there was an intermission, and I asked one of the security guards who was coming up next. That confirmed that TobyMac was next and last up for the night. His set kicked things off with a high-energy performance (though, I imagine, not like it used to be in his 20s), and the kids went wild. Our oldest son, Jeremiah, loved all the dance moves the singers did while singing, and everyone seemed enamored by the brilliant light show. I think I spent more time watching our kids dance and sing along was pure joy, than I did actually watching the concert. Their laughter and excitement were contagious, and it made me realize how special these moments are—connecting through music as a family.

He ended his set and the night with a song called “Feel It” which brought the house down. Here is a taste of what we got to experience.

My Personal Opinion

I came away from the evening with some mixed opinions. I did not personally care all that much for the music. I wanted to see Zach Williams, but that was just a lesson learned. In the end, though, I recognized that I would do it all over again a million times, just for the chance of implanting a seed in my kids’ minds and hearts. Toby Mac is 60 years old and he is doing what he loves to do and what God has called him to in this life. And, he does it quite well. He was able to connect with my kids in ways that we, as their parents, simply cannot. And, ironically, I used to listen to Toby Mac back when I was in my 20s when he was part of DC Talk. Here he is back then:

Tips for a Concert with Kids


So, If you’re considering attending a concert with your family, here are a few tips to make the experience even better:

• Arrive Early: This gives you time to explore the venue and find your seats without rushing.
• Snacks and Drinks: Bring some snacks and drinks to keep the kids fueled and happy!
• Discuss the Lineup: Talk about the artists beforehand to build excitement.
• Capture the Moments: Don’t forget to take photos and videos to remember the night.

The greatest part of the concert, though, in my view, is that TobyMac made a specific, intentional call to everyone who was there to the gospel of our Christ and invited anyone and everyone to accept Jesus and be saved. The video below is an example of what he did the night we were all gathered together in the spirit of our God and in the light of our King.

In Conclusion


Attending the TobyMac, MercyMe, and Zach Williams concert with our kids was a beautiful family adventure! The shared experience brought us closer together, and we left the venue with our hearts full of joy and our minds (and ears) buzzing with music. I highly recommend taking your family to a concert—it’s a fantastic way to create lasting memories together!

Just get there early so you can find a parking spot!

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You are all invited to join us here at Harbor Baptist Church in Winchester Bay, Oregon every Sunday at 9:30 AM for Sunday School and then at 10:30 AM for our main Service. We also have several small groups during the week, two in Lakeside (Wed/Thu) and a Men’s Prayer Group (Fri). And if you feel God’s tug on your life, please click here.