After being eliminated from Idol, Dixon said he wanted to make a "faith-based album" without alienating a wider audience for his debut.

"[5] The majority of "A Messenger" was produced and mixed by Red Decibel (Adam Watts, Andy Dodd and Gannin Arnold).

On February 14, 2013, Dixon opened up for fellow American Idol season eleven alum, Jessica Sanchez in Manila.

It reached number one on the Christian Digital Sales chart and the music video has claimed over 4 million views on YouTube.

At CCM Magazine, Andy Argyrakis felt that Dixon "not only excels vocally, but turns in a vibrantly produced pop/rock statement on finding purpose and being a light in the darkness", and noted that the album has "an appropriate title that showcases his lifelong faith.

"[16] Laura Chambers of Christian Music Review told that "the message Colton Dixon carries comes through loud and clear.

"[19] At Jesus Freak Hideout, Cortney Warner questioned with writing that "Will it be put down in the books as the best and brightest debut for a new artist?

Probably not, but this record should appease his fans from Idol as well as enthusiasts of mainstream CCM music", but "A Messenger remains a solid effort.

[21] At New Release Tuesday, Kevin Davis felt that "these songs will certainly connect with radio listeners and showcase the multi-talented singer/songwriter's trademark balance with vocal tenderness and intensity, his energetic piano playing and, above all, a sense of hope and inspiration", and he alluded to how "this album encourages listeners to be a messenger.