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Singer crowned with courage
By John Benson
For more than a decade and a half, contemporary Christian music (CCM) act Casting Crowns has been helping fans celebrate their faith through good times and bad.
However, earlier this year it was the band’s singer Mark Hall who found himself in need of prayers. The longtime Christian youth minister had a cancer scare that led to the removal of a kidney.
“It was really weird, I’ve always been the guy who gets other people through their stuff,” said Hall, calling from the Atlanta area. “I’ve just always been the encourager. I go to the hospital to visit other people. It’s really kind of strange to hear the doctor say cancer and he was talking to me. It was quite a shock.
“My world got really small at that moment. I was at a funeral for a fellow from our church when my doctor texted me and said. ‘Call me.’ I knew when I was walking out of church something was going on. It was a bit of a whirlwind. Today I’m doing OK. I’m cancer free.”
While Hall’s year began with a cancer scare, it’s going to end on a high note with the new “Star Wars” movie.
“That’s all I need, I’m very excited,” Hall laughed. “I’m a Star Wars nerd from way back. I’m a nerd, period. Superhero movies and Star Wars movies, that’s where I live.”
When he’s not geeking out over Yoda and Han Solo, Hall can be found leading Casting Crowns, which is known for No. 1 CCM hits such as “Who Am I,” “Lifesong,” “Does Anybody Hear,” “Until the Whole World Hears” and “Courageous.”
The band has been busy of late. Not only is the group back on tour, including a Friday show at Covelli Centre, but it plans on releasing a new worship album this fall. “Casting Crowns: A Live Worship Experience” was recorded at the band’s home church.
There’s also talk about following up its 2014 album “Thrive” with a new album of original material.
“Right now we’re writing songs that meet people where they are and that create an atmosphere where they can talk to God,” Hall said. “I think worship is important because worship is prayer. People don’t really know how to pray a lot. They’re not sure what they’re supposed to say.
“And worship is praying without asking for stuff. To me, worship reminds me that I’m not a member of a building and I’m not a follower of a worldview. I am friends with a person that I’m having a conversation with and this is a relationship.”
Invariably, there’s a different relationship Casting Crowns has with its audience. When it’s pointed out Casting Crowns fans may view the band’s upcoming Youngstown show differently considering the serious medical issues he faced, Hall had this message for concertgoers.
“I tell the story about just what happened and what God brought us through,” Hall said. “I think for me it connects a lot of the songs I wrote for other people are now pretty kind of personal to me. So, yeah, it’s definitely an encouragement time.”