The Tour Thus Far

First of all, welcome to the new website, and to a new era with a new album and new songs making it completely impossible to please everyone now, because we have too many songs for the time
coursework help | term paper help | research paper help | book report help

Please, Please, PLEASE come to Ontario. There is this big thing called No Other Name happening and some girls will be dancing to Slow Fade, East to West, What this World Needs, and Set Me Free.

I can not put into words what your new CD has spoken to my heart, but the good Lord gives you what you need when you need it. May God Bless you and your families in this new year. Hope I can make it to your concerts if you come back to Tenn.

A forever fan,

Pat Lewis

Well first of all I would like to say that the comment above is the same person that is writing this one and I don't care if any one belives me.  I would like to say thank you to the casting crowns band for all the hard work they do.  I can only imagine how tired you all must be.  The knee sugery went great.  I had it on the 2nd of December and not only I had a ACL (ligament) repair but I had 2 miniscus repairs also.  God is such a faithful and loving God and He will never never leave us or forsake us.  Thank you casting crowns for having the two in North Carolina and the one in South Carolina.  I will try to make it to one of these concerts.

Sincery, Grace

I just wanted to say a BIG "THANK YOU!" You all are so awesome and are truly annointed of God.  You have touched and blessed so many lives through your ministry.  I know it's not easy to be youth pastors and be Casting Crowns, but it's truly appreciated.  We just took our youth group to your concert here in Knoxville, TN and it was wonderful!  We all received a huge blessing out of it.  This was my fourth CC performance.  I can tell you guys have prayed before each one because they are all truly an AMAZING worship experience. 

God bless you all!!

Ashley Botello

Hello! I am Hanah and i went to your concert in Florida (Germain Arena) that was my very first concert. And I was AMAZED!!! now i love all of your songs

 thank you sooo much

These ears are not going to listen to something they don't agree with.  They are only going to listen to something that scratches their itchy ears and convicting them isn't scratching, just burning.  I've seen many forums where they get very defensive and rude over trying to justify their sin as you hit such a sore nerve with them.  The main problem lies in the fact that they are so certain they have received a spirtual gift, that they then think it is their posession and can use it as they like.  They lose sight on who gave it to them.  They feel they are being rewarded for their work for Christ.  And, in a way they are right, they are being rewarded, by man.  However, unfortunately that shall be their only reward. it's no use.  They will not listen.  They are too far deluded.  Their love of fame and fortune is too great to work for God for free.  They feel the ends justify the means.  Such a pity they twist scripture to suit their wants.  I suspect our posts will surface on their judgement day as evidence they were warned.  Unfortunately their responses will also be revisited at that time.  Such a shame that they can't even entertain the idea as something deserving of their attention.  Their certainty of their justifications is very alarming.

Please don't take anything I say personally or think that I think that all Christian musicians are just so many selfish persons. I don't think that.

But I do believe that in general Chrsitian musicians are not following in the footsteps of Jesus in charging for their songs. Just as Christian churches today are full of traditions and practices that don't line up with how things should be.

Anyway...

Let's start from a base that we can perhaps agree upon.

Christian musicians, Christian counselors, and other who might presently charge for their services...it seems to me that none of that is any good or does any real good unless the person doing it is gifted to do what they are charging for.

Musicians can come up with songs. Even Christian songs. Unbelieving musicians can do that. Write up some lyrics with Christian thoughts and voila...a "Christian" song.

But such songs are not anointed and do not bring life, His life, to the persons listening. They are flat. Spiritually devoid.

If a Christian musician has a gift for that and if his heart is in tune with God when he writes a song, expressing something of his relationship with Christ through that song when he writes and puts it to music...it can be the most wonderful thing. A holy...anointed song. To lift up the hearts of believers everywhere.

So...first off...let's assume we have a true Christian writing Christian songs as an expression of his gifting and of his relationship to Christ.

Is there any Scriptural grounds for justifying that Christian songwriter charging for his song?

More fundamentally is there any Scriptural justification for any Christian to use or make available his gifting to the Body only upon condition that he/she receive money for it?

I daresay...none at all.

In fact when Peter was laying hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit he told the man (I don't remember his name just now) who wanted to buy his gift so that he could lay hands on people himself...to get right with God for he was in the throes of bitterness and in the bondage of sin for thinking that God's gracious and FREE gift (the Holy Spirit) could be purchased with money.

So...the precedent if you will against God giving us things freely and us turning around and charging to help others derive benefit from our gifting or to receive God's gift is...well...firmly established Biblically I think.

More fundamentally...the goal in life is not or should not be to make money from our gifting. The goal is to exercise whatever gift we have for the edification of others and to look to God to provide through whatever means He chooses to provide for us through. Without our expecting anything from others around us but giving freely as Jesus gave His life for us.

Yes...that would mean less Christian musicians would make money or even that there would be less Christian songs but may I suggest that the one's who would remain are those who MUST exercise their gift because whether paid or not...it is their gift. And all of us cannot find our truest and highest calling in life before God unless we exercise our gifts for the edification of others.

It is a matter for such musicians, as it is for all of us of giving up our lives in service to Him (which is expressed in service to others since we cannot love God who we do not see if we do not love those we do see).

Freely we have been given...freely we must give. If we are to reflect the heart of God.

Your further thoughts on this? Please forgive any spelling or grammatical errors but I am somewhat rushed for time this morning.


PS. It might be helpful to realize a bit of where I am coming from with all this. I am just so sick and tired of all the stuff that passes for Christianity these days. All the Christian tradition and practice in our modern North American way of doing things which is so foreign to the way New Testament Christians under the direction of the Holy Spirit did things. It's time we took a step back, looked around, and went back to the way things were and that God meant for us to do in the New Testament.

I just turned 49 and I am a recovering alcoholic. I've been sober 17 months tomorrow  the 5Th of Dec. Your music has helped to connect me with Christ and the Father in such a way words can not explain. I am so often brought to tears.  It is not uncommon  to hear a  praise band play one of your songs and I  find I am unable to prevent the emotions from causing me to weep with joy.  To say that I relate to the lyrics and how I see myself or others I know in your songs is probably  expected and often expressed.  I  especially want to thank you for replacing my old music, that old music which I loved but  which had become linked to my self destructive behaviors, your music replaced that.  God, through your songs,  has shown and given me so many things that I truly could not have imagined. Your music feeds my soul more than Free Bird ever could. Thanks  be to God!  & C.C. whom He works through.

Lastly, more than anything  your music helped me to realize what it means to Praise God.  How about that,  I've learned what my Father wants from me, Praise. Your songs do it, and when I join in with your songs I'm doing it, and when I am thankful and testify of his gifts to me, I'm Praising Him. t truly fills my heart and I am peaceful and glad.

Thank you all for bringing God to me so clearly in your lives.  

Your brother in Christ,

David Smith, B'ham Alabama

I hope I'm not standing behind you on judgement day!!!! You don't know Mark's heart, or anyone else's. I hear him preach, I've SEEN his generosity, his wife is one of my dearest friends. I don't have to justify what they do or do not have to you!!!!!

Did you know that during their concerts they promote World Vision to help children all over the world? That they had Tony Nolan with them on tour and 10's of THOUSANDS of youth and adults were saved? I guarantee you he isn't making MILLIONS. If he is, you couldn't prove it by me!! You can't compare him to anyone else because he isn't like anyone else. Some people would not hear the gospel if their friends didn't take them to a concert. I know this because I took my mother and sister to a concert very recently and they DEFINITELY heard the GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe you should examine your own heart and see if there is some envy or jealousy there.

I was going to take my 14 year old daughter to one of these concerts and thought i would check out the web site to see who they are and get some info about them.  And then i run across this thread.  I had my daughter read it with me and then discussed it at length including my two 12 year olds and wife.  This is how i felt about capitalizing off of God's name but had never seen it addressed so i just figured i was the only one in the world that felt that way.  Now I'm joined by my entire family.  My sons play piano and guitar and my dauter plays flute and soprano sax.  They play worship songs together but declined to play in church because they felt it a distraction.  They have concluded that while they would not go as far as condemming or judging this band, they feel it's not right for them and they won't ever play their instruments for money while praising Him with their musical talents. 

I conclude my kids play their worhip songs to express their love to God.  I wonder how God feels about someone being paid to praise him.  I sure wouldn't feel too loved by a woman being paid to love me.  So i want to thank this site for helping me address an issue with my kids that i have been struggling to articulate for a long time.

I don't think christian artist are getting rich by playing concerts. Most artist play in churches and small arenas. Last Feburary my wife and I saw Third Day in Williamston NC. They played in a horse barn that held 2,000 people. Do you think U2 would play in a venue that small? Every year the NC state fair in Raleigh has a big name christian band play. Mercyme, Casting Crowns, Tobymac have played there in recent years. Dorton arena holds a little over 7,000 but 1/4 of the seats are not sold because they are behind the stage. Tickets for all fair concerts are $10 with a few $15 or $20. How many secular bands are willing to play at a state fair. Christian concert are more than a concert. They are a place of worship. And that's why christian bands are on the road. GOD bless.

then voluntarily give( it is a commandment...see Malachi). However dont complain about the ticket prices at a voluntary event. No one is forcing you to see them. Many Christians dont understand that spreading the Word costs money. Would you have a problem with missionaries or evangelists getting money? CC is a ministry and is spreading His Word in a way that many of us could never do on such a large scale. Keep up the good work and God Bless. 

You are right I can not possibly know Hall's heart, but then you can't either so to say with certainty you know their motives is just as error prone.  You attempt to make a case for becoming rich serving God.  No doubt a result of the "name it claim it" theology prevailing in the Christian community.  These guys have a right to make millions in the music industry, but not in the God industry which you seem unable to distinguish. 

So i guess this quasi ministry is focused on White suburban upper middle class kids that can fork up the money to pay for the CD's and concert tickets.  The poor inner city kids just don't have enough money to worship with this crowd do they?  I may be mistaken, but i don't think there was an admission charge to the early temple was there?  I will concede there was some good money being made by the Pharisees, so some things never change.  Jesus turned over the tables in the temple because of the money that had become involved with the worship.  You see it is human nature.  And because you like to look at your music heros as above human nature you can't see it.  Yes, these are your human heros of which the Glory you give them is being diverted from our real hero God.  It's in human nature to worship and so often man finds a way to tap into that God given human characteristic to make money which these guys are doing. 

Take two scenarios, CC giving a free concert in Central Park NYC and accepting donations by the crowd to offset their costs vs. their mercinary concerts they hold now.  Same music, same group same everything except the profit motive.  The first is honorable and serving God while the second is not.  Are you to say that if they made an appeal at a free concert for donations to conver their expenses and their lifestyle that the crowd would not donate $75 per person?  Why not?  Will the honorable Christians seeking God in the purest way only fork up the money if they are forced to?  Do unsaved people fork up $75 at a mercinary concert now to hear a group sing about God and then become saved at the concert?  Mark's own words are "They are preaching to the choir".  I assume the saved choir, the upper middle class choir, and in my opinion, the gullable choir.

Businesses market to Christians.  Look at World magazine and see how many Christian telephone companies, healthcare companies and more there are.  Whey does someone advertise their business as a Christian company?  To quickly gain the trust of the buyer and gain credibility.  Is it really right to do that?  To use God's name to promote your business?  Is that promoting God or you?  It's really a black and white issue to me but you have so much trouble with it.  Some have said, Christian music will die without CC and Smith and others doing what they do.  Would the music sound any different without a profit motive?  I think not.  These guys have stashed away millions and will continue to do so.  There is nothing to prevent them from living off the interest of those millions and do the right thing but don't count on it.  It is most likely a "love of money" that will keep them serving themselves until their time runs out.  So, while you hear "Until the whole world hears" I hear "Until the whole world pays". 

You  can't  possibly  know  where Mark Hall's  heart is  without knowing him but  to  judge him  and  Casting Crowns or any Christian Band for  making  money  on the   gifts  and  talents  God  has  given them  is unfair. it is  not  money  that is  the  root of all evil it is  the  love of  money. Paul  talks about  how if  we sow  spiritual  blessings  should  we  not  reap  physical blessings. God  doesn't  say  we  have to live  a life of  poverty  to please  Him. We  will look at  actors  and  other  musicians  or athletes who  make Millians of  dollars  per album movie  tv show and  say  they  earned it. But  let  a  Christian  band  do that  and  say " they're selling out." God  will judge  those  who  judge ,  I do  agree pray for  those in ministry. That  they  stay  focused  and  serve Him  in all areas of their  lives. Praise God  that  they  are being  blessed  and for the blessing  they are

Scott

You are right we should not judge them.  And they are surely gifted.  And true we don't know how much money they take home but we do know that touring and cd's are a lucrative business and they have been at the top of the charts since 2003.  They are now rich from their labor(or Hall).  I do pray for them.  They will be judged by God.  And if they think they can squeeze that camel thru the eye of a needle they are wrong.  If you continue to make that camel bigger by feeding it thru your ticket purchases and CD purchases then you too are responsible for you have been warned.  I can pray for them but they must be held accountable for their own actions.  I would hope my prayers would be answered by at least one of the band's members realizing that their youth pastor has used his power over them to convince them that they are not endangering their salvation by enriching themselves in God's name.  Pehaps he has used his position of power to convince them there is very little money being made, as I wouldn't doubt he has done the same thing on this forum to disuade dissenters.  I'm sure eventually one of them will figure it out and see that he is enriching himself claiming his goal is to proclaim God's word.  With millions of dollars involved, how would he at this point even know why he is doing it. 

You know, you look at someone like Hall and try to figure out what he really thinks.  A youth pastor had to be in the word at some point and surely would know how the scriptures describe his actions.  Either he has done a tremendous job at deceiving himself or is operating with no fear of the Lord.  I can't see a believer having no fear.  He has either deceived himself and the band or is deceiving us.  Either way he's in real trouble.

Though I was not able to go to your concert in Brookfield, WI, my best friend and his wife did and they shared with me what a blessing it was to hear you guys.  Sadly, I wasn't able to go because I had already planned a trip to SC to visit some friends at a Bible University there (you probably know of it) and hearing them share how you guys didn't present a concert- but presented a worship service- which is incredibly encouraging to me as a Christian musician.  

I have now had a chance to listen to the recording and I'm not going to lie- I'm rather picky as a musician.  I grew up listening to a lot of stuff I shouldn't have growing up in an unsaved home, and that's left some musical scars where I can't listen to stuff because of what it reminds me of.  However, I'm very appreciative of the fact that even with songs I don't like, I still can't argue with the quality of the lyrics. Also, I REALLY, REALLY love your rendition of "Living He Loved Me."  That song needed a facelift, and I'm so appreciative of how you guys handled the music with the text.   Thank you so much for allowing God to take the ministry of your local church and translate it into quality music that can enrich and encourage my walk with Jesus Christ.

One thing I'll share with you from my friends- they said that even though it was a 4 hour concert, they said it felt like it had been one of the few times where they wished a church service could have gone a few hours more.  Be encouraged- you guys could play as much as you want at your concerts and I highly doubt that anyone would complain- except perhaps the guys at your record company who pay you to keep within a time schedule.  ;-)  Seriously, thanks for your ministry.

Fighting the Good Fight of Faith

Noah

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

1 Timothy 6:12

My reply is also to address the emails further down that questioned the cost of the concert.

I listen to 88.3, our Christian radio station, and learned about this concert a couple of weeks ago.  I immediately decided to attend this concert with my son.  Of course, having adult ADD (I'll elaborate further down), I waited until the day before the concert to order tickets.  I planned on buying the $15 dollar tickets, but they were sold out as well as all of the tickets priced under $75.  At first, I went on line to purchase tickets and thought, maybe, if I called there might be tickets available that aren't on line.  My called proved me wrong and I declined to pay $75 for each ticket.  I had been talking to my son about this concert and told him we were going like I had already purchased the tickets.  My main concern was disappointing him.  I am a single mother raising a 16 year old boy and know that if I didn't involve him in church and provide him opportunities to experience entertainment that is teaching and spreading God's word or any other form of ministry, he would not know God today.  I felt in my heart that it was God's will to attend this concert, so I prayed that God would provide a way and if $75 per ticket is what I had to pay, then so be it.  I went back on line and selected the $40 seats just to see what would happen and,"Praise be to God!", 2 seats were available at $40! Still a little steep for my budget, but, I knew God had a hand in this. 

On the way to the concert I could tell my son had a little bit of an attitude.  I found out on the way he did not want to go to the concert.  Someone had invited him somewhere else last night.  We had a few words; I was hurt and he was being defiant.  At first, my son did not participate in the praising and worshiping and then I noticed he was clapping and singing along.  Later, he told me that God was speaking to him, Big Time! and he admitted he was glad he went with me...that's one of the blessings!  The other blessing came when Mark Hall gave his testimony about having dyslexia and ADD.  I have been struggling with ADD (found out there was actually a name for my scattered brained behaviors) and the man I have been dating for 4 years tells me about 2 weeks ago that my ADD was a burden he could not bear any longer and ended our relationship and he is very close to God.  His ministry is also singing, in which he created a group to sing in order to help raise money for those in need (a non-profit oranization).  ADDers are always late, very forgetful, unorganized and always last minute.  He was the exact opposite.  I understand his decision, nevertheless I was struggling with the fact that I was rejected because of my ADD by someone I had grown to love and feared I would never be accepted because of my ADD (which I will be receiving therapy for after the first of the year to reverse my not so desirable coping skills I aquired over many years of not knowing I had ADD).  The breakup is still new and I was extremely depressed.  Not only did God make a way for my son to hear and discern that He was talking to him through the lyrics of Casting Crowns' songs, but he spoke to me through Mark (what are the chances of the lead singer of a popular Christian singing group revealing he had ADD at the same time I was struggling with being rejected and not accepted because I have ADD?...GOD IS AMAZING!)  when he talked about the enemy pushing our buttons to keep us down and that we have a God who accepts and loves us, even when we are not perfect.  I knew then, that I would be okay because my God would never leave me (I knew my God would never leave me, but in times of hurt and confusion, sometimes we to be "hit in the face" with a reminder to strengthen our faith in God).  Thank you and God Bless you, Mark  (my fellow ADDer)!  There is absoluelty no way to put a price on the blessings I received last night.  I have no qualms about the cost.  I left with more than I could have ever paid to see Casting Crowns.

Have you ever been to one of their concerts?  I have and it was way more than great entertainment.  It was a true worship experience. I was blessed by being there.  I pray that they can continue to minister to people through their music.

Ministry

Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall calls the band's work a ministry akin to what the world would call "preaching to the choir." In keeping with The Great Commission, Hall describes their music as a "ministry of discipleship."¹⁰

Ministry, ministry like, depends on what the word "is" is.

^{I didn't realize touring was so unprofitable.  Makes you wonder why rock groups do it at all???  I thought rock starts got rich from touring and cd's but i guess that's just "other" groups.  Thanks for the correction.}

^{Not judging them, just wondering how they reconcile their profits with serving God.  Just an honest question about how do you know if you are serving God or serving yourself when millions of dollars are concerned.  It appears they are profiting off of God's word.  They are not breaking even here.  Is it wrong to target a demoagraphic based on believers and enrich yourself with that market?  Just wondering if anyone but myself thinks it could be a conflict of interest.  Could this be harming them?  I don't know why this iliicits anger from you when i feel it's a serious question about how to use God's word and his name.  Is it really a free for all and anything goes?  Yes, God will judge them but are you so sure of your position you would have them take their chances they are wrong?  There is a lot at stake here.  Their salvation?  Is that so insignificant to you because you enjoy their music?  I love the music but rather deny myself of it to see them reach the finish line.}

^{The question is what is God's view of using his flock and his word to make millions of dollars?  Does he mind?  Can you tell me with any certainty?  Because, his opinion is the only one that counts.  And just because Chapman or Smith do it does not make it right does it?  I don't see any scripture that justifies it.  But if there is some scripture based opinions to the contrary, it would be healthy to bring it up.  Whether it's a Ministry that has gone astray or a business that's captializing on Christian Youth doesn't matter. It still feels wrong because no matter what the lyrics say, they are profiting off of God's name.  While they may feel it's a service to say one thing and do another, discerning Christians know better.  If anything the hypocricy is confusing to young Christians.} 

I've just found you out and I'm amazed how God has been acting through your praise!! It's incredible, two days ago I got into a gospel store and they showed me your CD 'The Altar and The Door" and when I first listened to it, my heart started burning and I said to myself: "That's the message the world needs to listen to!". Thanks for being such a wonderful instrument of God in my life and in many others. I love your ministery. A warm hug from Brazil!

Mateus. 

A Spirit-filled believer should test the spirits (which we are instructed to do in 1 John 4:1), discern truth (see 2 Pet. 3:17) or evaluate prophecies and angelic encounters (see 1 Cor. 14:29, Gal. 1:6-8).

Thank you guys soooooooooooo much for planing to have a spring tour!  I'm sooooo excieted!!  If you can please come to Columbia South Carolina.  I wanted to go to the one in Akien but I am about to have knee sugery and plus I have already been to another concert.  Thanks again for having a spring concert :) :)

Akron Baptist Temple (October 30).  We knew going into the Worship Time with Casting Crowns that Mark Hall was very under the weather and Megan Garrett wasn't feling well either.  But they went on with the Worship Time.  This is their calling by God.  My husband and teenager were very captivated with what Pastor Mark Hall had to say.  This band, every member and spouse(s) give time to their church(es), and to their youth especially.  We should be honored that they want to take their story and God's Word and SPREAD IT (sorry guys - "Until the Whole World Hears").  My teenager wasn't so "hip" on going to this, our twenty-one year old threatened to leave "if people were going to raise their hands and be "Praisin Jesus" - I told him to "be ready, cuz I was one of those "people".  He didn't leave. We got his girlfriend a ticket at the last minute.  She fell in love.  A seed not otherwise planted, has been.  Personlly, my hope is that we would have more people like the band members and spouses of the Casting Crowns to move the youth in our country - because the kids relate to these guys.  They have been given a very special gift from God.  Thank you all for doing what you do.  God Bless all of you. To Mark:  Your book "Your Own Jesus" is almost completed by the above mentioned teenager.  You have spoken to his heart.  Thank you for opening the door.