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Hey yall, My daughters and I enjoyed the music and ministry at your concert in Ft Myers 11-15-09. My oldest daughter lives in nearby LaBelle and when she invited us to see yall I only hesitated because of the date: 11-15, it would have been my mother's 63rd birthday had we not lost her from post operative bleeding after open heart surgery on 2-7-09 (ironically, my son's 18th birthday)! It was amazing and although Mark was feeling "under the weather", yall did an awesome job! The praise and worship was amazing and I felt closer to God and my mom than I can ever remember! Thanks for all that you do and keep up the wonderful work!

Susan D.

Phenix City, AL

Hey, first off thanks to the whole group for the music that you have made and the impact that you have had on so many lives!  Your words are rich and deep and not fluff (to use an official word!).  I do have one question that has bothered my heart, and that is why among all the Christian artists that I have seen (or at least in the top ten albums) CC is the only group to charge the highest possible of 1.29 for your new albums music.  I don't want to lecture here or assume I know all the facts and be humble here.  Maybe there is a really good reason it is higher than really all the rest with the exception of a few that have a top song as 1.29 but the rest of the album still at .99.  I was disheartening to be honest, but maybe there is a really good reason.  So I will pray for you all as I know your service to Christ is hard, but for my 2 cents, I think more of the "whole world would hear" if the songs were .99.  For His glory and fame, ronnie.

You guys are awesome. I have seen you twice, but it's been awhile. I (We) have all your CD's except the latest which I'm sure will make it to us for the holidays!

You hit home with many of your songs and you are an inspiration.

Thanks for taking the time to tour and I (We) look forward to seeing you all soon.

The "we" is my wife and I. Married happily for 23 years because we believe!

Wayne and Donna Oursler, Manchester, MD.

What are VIP tickets?  Why do they cost more?  Are they better seats than a normal ticket?

you guys are the best! the new album is honestly one of the best cds ive ever heard in my life. thanx so much for doin wat you guys do... btw you are a beast guitarist! :D God Bless

Wow you couldn't have stolen the words from me better.

My family has had a recent loss just a couple of weeks ago. My grandfather passed away on November 2nd 2009. My sister has a knack for singing and was brave enough to perform "Who Am I" at the funeral. We both love your music so much and it helps get us through some rough times. With music (KLOVE) and prayer, it helps us get through life!

Thanks again for all you do.....we'll be meeting you tonight-Wichita Falls.

-Jessica

My sister and I came to see you for the first time in Belton last night.  IT WAS AWESOME!! God has blessed all of you with so much talent.  You sounded extremely well, just like listening to your CD.  Thank you for coming through our area.  We are from Bryan, TX and we wished more Christian bands would come here, especially with Texas A&M here in our community.  Matt Redmon was wonderful as well and we really enjoyed you both playing and singing together.  Last night was just incredible with you there and being surrounded by other Chrstians.  Your new songs are just as wonderful as all of your music.  May God continue to bless all of you and keep you healthy and safe.  I hope to see you again!

God bless,

Patsy

My mother, my sister, and I went to see ya'll last night in Belton tx. We drove all the way from San Antonio to see you all, and I will deffinetly say that... IT WAS SO WORTH IT! Thank you! It was just what I needed. thank you very much, and it was a pleasure to meet you all! You are all truly blessed with talent.

Thank you, and God Bless,

                      Rhiannon, Linda, and Kera (Scooter) Kellogg

I am so grateful that I was able to attend your concert. Your music is so awesome. The words are so touching and go straight in to my heart. I came away tonight with a renewed desire to give  my all to "sing until the whole world hears" Over the last year, I have been divorced and lost my mother, both could have been devastating. Thru your music and artists like you, I have been able to maintain a peace and joy that one can only recieve from God. I truly needed to learn to praise Him in the storm! I pray that you all will be safe in your travels. Please keep doing what you do!

Your Sister in Christ!

Stacey Cotton

Your concerts are always so worshipful and Holy Spirit filled.  Last night was no exception!  THANK YOU for always putting the words on the screen and the music not being so loud you can't hear.  I still have ringing in my ears, really, from another concert.  Our 12 year old loves your music and loved the concert.

Please pray for our church.  We need a pastor, youth minister, AND REVIVAL!

Hope you have some songs on the new Sherwood film!

Do you struggle with making money off of God's name?  You should.  How do you justify it?  Have you seen the ticket prices?  The concerts should be free.  You can receive your reward here or in Heaven  but not both and I'm sure you know that.  Taking full time jobs to support your family and then touring once per month to proclaim God's word free would be much more convincing that you are sincere. 

That includes myself in above title.... I love Casting Crowns and I thank them for thier music Hmmm.. Careful what you say. I mean, i agree the prices might seem ridiculous but you have to include the price of transportation, road crews, use of space, etc.  We dont know how  much they take home themselves and i am sure they do pray for guidance on how to use that money wisely. God blessed them with a wnderful gift and we should not critizie that.  PRay for them and that they Do things as God commands them to do in thier own prayers to God!

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.

You will know them by their fruit...and I can only speak for myself and my family but I know what they have meant to me.  It was my son and daughters first concert... in Dalton GA (a show that CC got no money for..not one penny) ... I barely knew them as a band until that night but after watching my kids respond to the holy spirit and praising God for the first time,.. I was a broken man.  I got their cds and the slobberfest was on!!!... you have to understand I just dont break like that.  For the next few weeks I would drop my kids off at school and crank up the CC music and try my best not to wreck my car...I would arrive at work all full of Jesus and then be forced to lie and blame my red and swollen eyes on allergies! (what?? well I dont claim to be perfect)  To this day I give thanks to God and get emotional everytime I hear their music because of that night of worship. I got the chance to meet them when they were in Chattanooga recently, ...I know that I have NEVER in my 41 years of living and 30 years of being a musician EVER come across a more humble band with such a sincere heart for God.  An as they played I once again found myself fighting back the tears of joy as God spoke to my heart and comforted my soul. 
 Just remember as far as the camel and the eye of a needle... it would also be impossible for us to make it to heaven as the sinners that we are...however with God all things are possible... many Godly ( although imperfect ) people in the bible had wealth.  Money is not the root of all evil... the love of money IS and unlike money, love can not be measured by anyone except God...That being said all you and I can do is look to Jesus and ask for forgiveness for our own sins and pray that our eyes will be opened that we may be able to love each other as Jesus loved.

D. Garrett
dawgar@catt.com

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

To those who do not understand, concert stadiums, personnel, security, airplane tickets, hotels, and road crews are not free. I seriously doubt that they are "making money off of God's name" in the sense that you are insinuating. This would be like saying that pastors are making money off of God's name because they are paid. They (CC) are out spreading God's word to as many people as possible and they have the unique ability to reach people (particularly kids) that conventional preaching may not reach. They have to live and eat just like everyone else and that is not free. I would imagine that they have little or nothing to do with setting the prices for the public venues that they play. I was fortunate enough to meet them with my daughter before the show in Wichita Falls Saturday and I walked away feeling NO DOUBT as to their sincerity. I am a piano and guitar player myself and felt a kinship with Megan (what a set of pipes she has!) and Hector. I will see them again at every opportunity!

God Bless,

David Harrison

Yes i understand tours cost money, but how much?  Do you have any problem with Hill making millions per year?  Is that healthy for a minister?  Any reason for them not to disclose their earnings? 

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.

First of all, I'm really sorry that you have such a poor attitude about God's calling on someone's life. I would like to clear up a few misconceptions.

Casting Crowns band members are ALL youth workers in their local church. They are on the road Wednesday thru Saturday and roll in on Sunday morning in enough time to lead worship. I know this because I see them every every week.

As for the money. Do you think that the venues allow bands to play for free? No, of course they don't! The promoter may use TicketMaster which tacks a fee on your ticket, as will the venue. That's why your $18.00 ticket costs $32.00--Crowns has nothing to do with that. They prayerfully consider EVERY date they do,and Mark meets with youth workers and pastors during intermission of EVERY concert. Not many artists do THAT!! How do they get their equipment to the venue? You have to have a truck, someone to drive it, and money to put diesel in it, plus people to unload and set up. You also have to get the band from one venue to another and that takes buses and people to drive them and since you can't pull in to your local Shell station and fill up for free, they have to pay for that too. Those people also have other jobs, but consider it an honor to fulfill God's call on their lives to travel with the band. By the way, they do plenty of free concerts at their own expense, they just don't advertise it!!

As for their sincerity. I can tell you've never been to a concert or listened to Mark's lyrics. I've seen their walk, they are all the REAL DEAL!!!! They don't just talk the talk, they teach, they live it and they sing about it on the weekends.

I hope this helps to clear things up for you. The BIBLE says: Judge not, lest you be judged. Think about it...

Serving Christ,

Terri Sawyer

You guys and gals rock!!!!!!!!!!! I LOOOOOOVVVEEEE the new CD!!!! I can't wait to see you in concert again....hoping you come back to Salisbury for the 3rd summer in a row!!!!!!!!!!!1

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. 

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 :) :)

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'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. 

My family and I went to the Aiken, SC concert last night and all I can say is "Amazing!" To see a group of people annointed by God, using the gifts and talents that He has given them to bless, encourage and disciple other people was truly awesome. You all have not only the gift of music, but also of teaching and each song and the words that are spoken before each song are like a mini-sermon. There is so much rich teaching at your concerts that it is so much more than fantastic music. Your concert has led our family into a beautiful time of revival for the Lord. So much drags at the attention of our boys, who are 11 and 10. This is an entertainment and pleasure loving culture and it is so easy for them to let idols rise in their lives. Thank you so much for encouraging my husband and myself to be strategic in not allowing Satan to have our children and our family. We will be praying for the rest of your tour diligently! Thanks! Kelly

Last night was the first Casting Crowns concert that I had the opportunity to go to, and I must say that it was the best concert ever! I was able to take my children and they truly enjoyed it. I am so grateful for you and other Christian artists. It is so nice to turn on the radio and be able to listen to music with my children without worrying about negative music playing. We were truly blessed by your concert last night!

Thank you guys for giving Aiken a chance to hear your music live, the messages are so anointed, I love hearing the prayer and encouragement along with the music, I personaly need the in your face approach that the lyrics to all the songs convey....the song " if we are the body" humbles me and reminds me where I come from....where I need to keep heading and not to exclude or belittle anyone for where they are...of course thats just one of the dozens of messages that are delivered through yalls songs....yes I said yall's...we are from down south in Aiken....please come see us again real soon,

                                                                                                                        Chris J

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

have u preformed in tx? u guys r my favorite band & i dont wanna miss u!

I never recieved the new album that I pre-ordered when Crowns was in concert at Evangel Cathedral in Spartanburg,S.C. Can you let me know what I should do? My e-mail is chadheaton@bellsouth.net Thanks!!!

Hi All,

Thank you all so much for your Love of Jesus.  It is truely a Blessing to be able to listen to the music you create all for Him.

Now on to the hard question...

When are you coming to Hawaii??? 

God Bless you all, and keep the Praise Rising!

Hello All,

I just wanted to tell you that your concert changed my life and my personal relationship with Christ! I have been a fan since I herd the song Who am I.  My first time experiencing Casting Crowns was at Elmbrook Church in 2005! Every time I see you Its amazing!  Not only did I worship with you but my mom was there with me too, Amazing.  I was honored when she told me that we would be apart of the team that prepared your meals that day.  we had the pleasure to meet some of you and your families.  What amazing people you all are and what God is doing in your lives!  Thank you for what you do! 

Jill

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

You guys done great at the concert in Jackson, MS!! We absoleutly loved it. We also are sponsoring a child from world vision in our Sunday school class. Thanks for the inspiration.

You guys & gals done the best job ever!! I felt so much better when I left that building, It's like I didn't even want to leave I wanted to hear more!! I have all of the albums of you guys, I absolutely love the music! I wished that I had people like you guys here!! That was upon the BEST concert ever!!  My church group is going to sponsor Rafiq from India.  We are so excited to get that started! I cannot wait to see you guys again, next time I will try to get an autograph from you guys, you are amazing and the work you do will definately not go unnoticed! Thank you so much!!    

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

Its me again... Your concert changed my life!!! you guys rock and i hope you come again!!! You all are talented musicians and i someday hope to be a great blessed christian singer like you all!!! I am now learning guitar with no lessons and am a good singer!!! I go to a great church!!! KABC here in Florida and i am 13 now! I truely love God annd someday will go to heaven. I wish tht i can actually talkto you!!! in like e-mail or phone... anyways you guys are now my favorite band and I am more faithful now. =) Thank you for coming!!!!

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

when are you returning for a concert in Ontario Canada???

you have LOTS of Canadian fans that would love to attend a concert!

I must admit that I heard you for the first time today on TV after one of my Sunday Morning Shows.  I was so very, very, moved by your music and by your openess and how you share your love and your faith.  I am pushing 60, sang and directed both adult and youth choirs and have never heard such joyous, heartfelt music.  Also, being a child of the 60's, I have had my ups and my downs.  I have been "Praised in the Storm" and have often wondered "Who Am I".  God Bless you guys!  I hope you come to NC soon.  I live in the Greensboro/Winston Salem area and we do have some decent places for you to come!

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

Your inspirational music has brought me through some pretty dark times.  I feel that God is speaking to me through your music and it's your music that has really helped bring me closer to Him.  There are a lot of fans out here that would LOVE to see you in concert! 

Hope to see you out here soon!

A blessed fan forever,

Marisa

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.

hey me and my family listeans to your music every time we get in our van. which we are always gone we rarely are ever home but we love to listean to your music. i can not find your music in stores at all. that is one thing i have been looking for every time i go in to a store. i want to come and see you all in concert, but my family said that we do not have the money. we are very poor. i have been praying for some tickets and a cd. i cant think how cool it would be to recieve a email from you. you can email me at eheathcoe@yahoo.com. i go to a very small church. we do not have very many people and they all love your music. my whole nyi loves your music. we do not have one of your cd's at all. love your 'music bye. 

I am definitely such a huge fan of the band. Keep up the good work with the great music. There is nothing better.

I am to and I cannot wait till they get on the road again and rock us nonstop!