7 Shocking Facts About Who Is Casting Crowns: The Ministry-First Band Taking A 2025 Break

Casting Crowns is not just a band; they are a ministry first, with a unique lineup of musicians who are also active youth workers and church members. As of December 2025, after two decades of unparalleled success in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), the group, led by founding member and youth pastor Mark Hall, is entering a period of deliberate rest, having announced a break from major touring to refocus on their local church ministries and family life. This break follows a massive 20th-anniversary celebration, highlighting their commitment to discipleship over commercial success, a philosophy that has defined their career since their formation in 1999. The band's current activities include fulfilling their remaining 2025 tour obligations, while Mark Hall continues to serve in student ministry, recently shifting his focus to a new school-based initiative. Their latest album, *Healer*, continues to resonate with fans, but the core identity of Casting Crowns remains rooted in the local church, a structure that allows their music to flow directly from real-life ministry experiences and challenges. This deep dive reveals the full, current lineup and the powerful, enduring mission behind their chart-topping hits.

The Full Lineup: Casting Crowns Band Members and Core Biography

Casting Crowns operates with a stable, seven-member lineup, each person bringing a unique musical and ministry background to the group. The band was originally founded in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1999 by Mark Hall, who was serving as a youth pastor.

• Mark Hall (Lead Vocals, Songwriter, Youth Pastor): The band's spiritual and creative leader. Hall is a continuous youth pastor, a role he has held for over 22 years, which is the primary source of the band's lyrical content. His songs are often described as "sermons set to music," focusing on discipleship and challenging the American church. He has openly shared his personal struggles with dyslexia, ADHD, and a cancer diagnosis in 2015, making his ministry relatable.
• Juan DeVevo (Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, Banjo): A founding member since 1999, Juan is a core part of the band's signature sound. His commitment to the ministry aspect is as strong as his musical contribution, often serving alongside Mark Hall.
• Melodee DeVevo (Violin, Cello, Vocals): Also a founding member, Melodee’s string arrangements—violin and cello—are a distinctive element of the Casting Crowns sound, setting them apart from many contemporary Christian rock bands. She is married to Juan DeVevo.
• Megan Garrett (Keyboard, Vocals): Joining the band in 2001, Megan's keyboard work and background vocals are integral to the band's live performances and studio albums.
• Brian Scoggin (Drums): Brian joined the band in 2009, providing the rhythmic foundation. His powerful drumming style anchors the band's Christian rock elements.
• Chris Huffman (Bass Guitar): Chris has been the band's bassist since 2001. His consistent presence and solid bass lines are key to the band's musical structure.
• Josh Mix (Lead Guitar): Josh joined the lineup as the lead guitarist, bringing a dynamic and modern edge to the band's sound. His guitar solos and riffs are prominent on the band's more recent albums, including *Healer*.

The Ministry of Discipleship: Why Casting Crowns is Not Just a Band

Unlike many music groups, Casting Crowns’ identity is inextricably linked to the local church and student ministry. This is the "secret sauce" behind their topical authority and enduring relevance.

The Youth Pastor's Perspective. Mark Hall’s primary title is not "rock star" but "youth pastor." The lyrics for their songs are born directly from his interactions, challenges, and lessons taught to his student ministry group in Atlanta, Georgia. This unique process ensures their music is always fresh, relevant, and focused on genuine spiritual growth rather than just entertainment.

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Songs as Sermons. The band’s biggest hits—including "Who Am I," "Praise You in This Storm," and "Slow Fade"—are essentially musical extensions of Hall's teachings. They tackle difficult, real-life issues with a direct, challenging tone, a style Hall terms the "ministry of discipleship." This focus on challenging the listener to live a more authentic Christian life is what has propelled them to over 10 million career sales and made them one of the most impactful groups in CCM history.

A Commitment to the Local Church. The members of Casting Crowns have made a conscious decision to remain active in their local churches, even while touring. This commitment means that for much of their career, their music career has been secondary to their church responsibilities. This foundation is why their recent announcement of a break from touring for 2025 is so significant—it's a move to prioritize their original mission.

From Grammy Wins to a 2025 Break: The Latest Updates

The past few years have been monumental for Casting Crowns, marking both a major milestone and a significant change in their professional schedule. Their recent activities provide the most current context for the band's future.

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The 20th Anniversary and the Break. In 2023, Casting Crowns celebrated their 20th anniversary as a major-label band. Following this celebration, they announced a planned break from extensive touring in 2025. This decision was not due to any internal conflict, but rather a deliberate choice to step away from the rigors of the road to focus on family and their local ministry commitments.

The *Healer* Album Era. Their latest studio album, *Healer*, released in 2022, continues to produce powerful messages and hit singles. Songs like "Scars in Heaven," which addresses the pain of loss and the hope of eternity, and "The Power of the Cross," have become new staples in their setlist. The album reflects a mature, reflective tone, dealing with themes of faith, doubt, and healing.

Recent Personal Milestones. In a personal update that resonated with fans, lead singer Mark Hall recently became a grandfather, adding a new dimension to his family life and ministry perspective. This kind of personal milestone underscores the band’s decision to prioritize their lives outside of the spotlight during their touring break.

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Casting Crowns: A List of Essential Albums, Hit Songs, and Major Entities

To truly understand the topical authority of Casting Crowns, one must look at their extensive catalog of work and the numerous accolades they have received. Their music has consistently dominated the Christian charts for two decades.

Key Albums and EPs

• Casting Crowns (2003): Their self-titled debut that launched their career with the hit single "If We Are the Body."
• Lifesong (2005): A Dove Award winner for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year, featuring "Praise You in This Storm."
• The Altar and the Door (2007): Another Dove Award-winning album that included the powerful track "Slow Fade."
• Come To The Well (2011): Featured the popular song "Courageous."
• The Very Next Thing (2016): A project focused on immediate action in faith.
• Healer (2022): Their latest studio album, featuring "Scars in Heaven" and "The Power of the Cross."

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords (15+ Entities)

The following entities and LSI keywords are central to the band's story and musical impact, enriching the topical authority of "Casting Crowns":

• Awards: Grammy Award (multiple wins), Dove Awards (over a dozen wins, including Song of the Year for "Praise You in This Storm"), BMI Christian Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards.
• Core Songs: "Who Am I," "Praise You in This Storm," "Slow Fade," "Voice of Truth," "Just Be Held," "God of All My Days," "If We Are the Body," "East to West," "Courageous."
• Industry & Concepts: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), Christian rock, Provident Label Group, Ministry of Discipleship, 20th Anniversary Tour, Student Ministry, Dyslexia, ADHD, 10 Million Records Sold.
• Locations: Daytona Beach, Florida (origin), Atlanta, Georgia (ministry base).

In conclusion, Casting Crowns is more than a successful band; they are a ministry with a soundtrack. The core of their identity lies in the commitment of Mark Hall and the other six members to their local church and the "ministry of discipleship." Their 2025 break is not an ending but a powerful reaffirmation of their original mission, ensuring that when they return to the touring circuit, their music will continue to be as fresh, relevant, and impactful as the real-life struggles and triumphs of the people they serve.