Melanie's Page

What was the first Christian album that you bought or where given?
I grew up listening to my Dad’s 8 tracks of Dallas Holm, Bill Gaither, and Andre’ Crouch. But MY first LP was Amy Grant. I sang her songs in church.

What was the most influential person in your life during your High School years?
My Parents and my Youth Pastor Brent Shaw. He really encouraged me to be a leader. .

How hard is it to manage your life on the road vs. your life at home?
It is quite a challenge. On the road I am Band Road Manager/Wife/Mom/Home School Teacher. At home I do all of those things plus Youth Pastors Wife. Its an almost daily assessing and reassessing of priorities. I’m a list maker. You could honestly say that I have so many lists that my lists have lists. I have some talented people that help me keep all the plates spinning. Ashley Lowe is my nanny on the road and my personal assistant and right hand at home and in girls ministry. Susan Dose is my Crowns assistant and she helps get all the details done. Georgia Sexton is a very good friend and also an assistant in Youth Ministry and assists Mark with stuff at church. She also helps with the Girls Ministry stuff, too. I could not do what I do without these three very dedicated and talented women that serve the Lord by using their gifts, talents, and time with Casting Crowns and Eagles Landing First Baptist Church.

What is the funniest thing that has happened you while on the road with Casting Crowns?
Not long ago, we did a CD signing at a bookstore in Conyers, GA. We were running late and I was applying my lipstick (just like all good little southern girls are taught) in the car before we went in. Well lets just say that its normally a good idea to do it in the light and in front of a mirror. I walked into the back of the store with the band and immediately Megan pulled me aside and asked if I was going “Goth”. In the dark, I had used my black eye pencil for a lip liner. Yep. Funny, huh. Thanks to Megan, only a couple people saw it, and she got a pretty good laugh.. . She brings it up on a regular basis.  

Who is your favorite super hero?
Scrappy, from Scooby Doo, was my favorite super hero growing up. But now I think its Iron Man.

Who is your current favorite musical artist/group? Why?
Hmm .... I’m like Mark, its hard to pick favorites. I like Steven Curtis Chapman. Paul Baloche. Delirious. TobyMac. Natalie Grant.

What is a largely unknown skill that one of the other Crowns member that should be shared with everyone?
Juan can fly planes. Megan plays bassoon and penny whistle. Chris is a walking CCM librarian. Hector is also a drummer, and an artist. Melodee is a great cook. Brian (jury is still out this one. I’ll have to let you know at a later date). Lastly, Mark is also an artist and had planned on going to Art School before God put him on a track for ministry.

What is the best advice someone has given you about working with youth groups?
I learned a lot about student ministry from Roger Glidewell, our mentor. He lived it out for us more than taught us. One thing I learned from him is to listen to teenagers as though what they were saying was the most important thing you have ever heard. Because it very well could be.

Who do you enjoy following on Twitter?
@markhallcc – Cause he’s witty and encouraging. And cause he’s my hubby.
@oswaldchambers - I’ve been reading My Utmost For His Highest Devotional Book for more than 10 yrs. It is quite challenging to me.
@sghughes - She is Darren’s wife. She is very encouraging. And is an inspiration to me in my prayer life and also as a mother.
@ryangarrett– He is Megan’s husband and he’s a youth pastor. I love how he uses twitter as a way to reach his teenagers.
And I love following all of my friends from church. It makes me feel connected to them even when I’m hundreds of miles away.

If you weren’t in Casting Crowns, what would you be doing now?
I would be a Full Time Home School Mom and Youth Pastor’s Wife. Just like I was before this rollercoaster started.