Chris Tomlin sells out Bridgestone Arena, set to release Christian book and live album

Christian artist Chris Tomlin is no stranger to selling out venues across the country. But selling out his annual Good Friday Nashville concert, being held here March 29, is an extra special feat for the artist.

Held at Bridgestone Arena for the last seven years on Good Friday, Tomlin's goal was always to plant a stake in the ground in Nashville with an annual worship event. He says he initially planned it by faith, hoping it would work.

The very first one sold out, as did several others, including this year's event.

"The first couple of years were sellouts, which really blew my mind," Tomlin told The Tennessean. "I'd played Nashville before but never to such a massive, humongous response. We asked ourselves, 'Could this work? Will people respond?' and wow, were we ever floored."

Proceeds from Good Friday Nashville benefit Tennessee foster kids

Tomlin said that as the Good Friday idea came together initially, he didn't feel right about making money off the show.

"This should be something the community does together," he said. "It takes a great expense to do something like this, but I wanted to give away the profits. We decided that Year 1. It felt like God was putting wind in our sails. Since we were giving it away, he was like, 'I'm gonna blow the doors off this place.' It's been that way since Day 1."

All of the profits from Good Friday Nashville are going to help foster kids in the state of Tennessee.

Chris Tomlin show — but different

While Tomlin has played hundreds of shows and has led worship for years, he said that what makes this show different is that it's actually held on Good Friday, which is the "most special time for believers to remember the cross, the resurrection and the hope."

Although Tomlin will perform, he said he feels more like the host of an amazing show that always includes special guests, along with some surprises. "Being in Nashville, it's a little unfair because so many amazing artists can just drive over from their house to join you," he said. "It gives us the opportunity to do something special. I always like to add surprise guests that people don't see coming, and this year is no exception."

Planned guests for this show include Kari Jobe and Anne Wilson, and Willie Robertson from "Duck Dynasty" will speak.

Live 'Good Friday' album coming out March 15

Over the years of hosting the Good Friday show in Nashville, Tomlin has been recording what he calls some of the shows' most special moments, and he is releasing "Live from Good Friday" on March 15.

The track list includes some of Tomlin's chart-topping and record-breaking worship songs such as "Good Good Father," "Holy Forever" and "How Great Is Our God."

"As I’ve listened to it, it feels like a very special record that people can come back to over and over," he said. "There is something about these songs. The moment of 'Holy Forever' on there is so moving and powerful. When you are singing at the cross on Good Friday, there's just a different feeling to it."

But wait ... there's more

In addition to a sold-out Good Friday show and the release of the live album, Tomlin is releasing a book on March 19. "How Great Is Our God: Living a Worship-Led Life in a Me-Driven World" is a collection of Tomlin's insights on how to focus on the greater story of life.

"'How Great Is Our God' is such a special song, but it really says everything," he said. "I've always wanted to point people to the greater story and to remember this life is not all about us. We live in a very 'me-centered' world and I wanted to write a book to remind ourselves there is something greater."

Tomlin added that while he writes worship songs, there's so much more to life than music.

"The music is the soundtrack and the life is the movie," he said. "What’s the life you are living? How do I live it in a way that’s less me and more God? That whole idea."

Melonee Hurt covers music and music business at The Tennessean, part of the USA Today Network — Tennessee. Reach Melonee at mhurt@tennessean.com, on X @HurtMelonee or Instagram at @MelHurtWrites.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Chris Tomlin sells out Good Friday show, releasing live album and book