I remember the first time I heard a Casting Crowns song—it was “Who Am I”; one of the other worship leaders brought it to our planning meeting and said, “We need to use this song for Lent.” That's right—Lent. Can you imagine? A Casting Crowns song being sung at a Catholic church? But it was, and I watched my community ministered to by the Holy Spirit through those words—such powerful words:
“Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done/Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are”With that song (along with several of their songs), I remember thinking, “How many good songs can one person write?” Apparently, a lot.
About a year and a half later, I walked into a concert with Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns and Chris Tomlin. I walked in to hear Mark talking in between songs and was really struck by his ability to communicate to this large crowd of people, not as a singer talking in between songs, but as one having a pastor’s heart—the heart of the Father.
Mark has been given a great and humble task of having God’s heart for His people. This is what comes out in all his songs. His greatest gift, in my humble opinion, is his ability to synthesize what the average listener/Christian is thinking and feeling. This, I'm sure, is evident in his years of experience in the local church; that is where the best songs of the church come from—they come from the church. The way Mark puts into words the thoughts, the questions, the hurts and the emptiness that we often feel; God has taken these words and used them to change the hearts and minds of countless people. Songs such as “Praise You In This Storm,” “Does Anybody Hear Her?” and “Every Man,” have a way of impacting our hearts and minds, because they’re saying what we’re all thinking and feeling in our daily lives.
Mark’s band, Casting Crowns, has undoubtedly made one of the biggest marks, ever, on the Christian music scene and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Very few artists come along that have that special “thing” about them, but Casting Crowns seems to have lots of special “things” that make them one of the most remarkable and blessed acts to ever converge on the music scene. The way the band ministers to God’s people, the way the band shares God’s heart through music, the way the band ministers to my heart—they have a special calling on their lives. I'm thankful that they’ve chosen to genuinely share it with all who will listen. God has blessed Casting Crowns in a mighty way.
I'm grateful to God for the gift of Mark’s ministry and craft as a songwriter for the church. I pray God will continue to use his gifts to encourage and build up the body of Christ. —
Matt MaherMatt Maher is a brand-new worship artist on Essential Records. With roots in the Catholic church, Maher has been writing songs for years recorded by artists such as Chris Tomlin, Bethany Dillon and Phillips, Craig & Dean. His debut album, Empty & Beautiful, releases April 8. Log on to mattmahermusic.com for more.