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United States General Eric Shinseki once said, ‘If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance even less.’
This quote pushes me to my edge every time I hear it. Change can be painful. Change can take us to a place we never thought we would go. Change can stretch us to our breaking point. But as this quote clearly states, the alternative is simply not acceptable.
My name is Caleb Rowden. I am a husband, worship pastor, and musician. I have traveled the United States over the past 10 years telling people how messed up my life was before I met Jesus, and how amazing my life is now because of my personal encounter with a loving God. I still mess up. I still make mistakes. But I know God’s grace and love are bigger than my faults, and I want to do everything in my power to make sure the world around me know the same is true for them.
In 2005, I released my debut record, ‘Free from Ordinary’ on Slanted Records/WEA Distribution. We were fortunate to see two of the songs crack the top 30 on the national Radio and Records Christian AC chart, with one song [‘Made’] peaking at #12. I have always prayed that God would open the right doors and I would stay in step with Him and know when it was time to walk through. Having my songs on the radio certainly opened some big doors for us. We had the honor of playing alongside a crew of top-notch artists...Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Skillet, David Crowder Band, Kirk Franklin, and many more. We literally saw hundreds of people make decisions to follow Christ, and many others re-commit to a life of all out abandonment to their Savior. But for me it just wasn’t enough. I felt like I was missing something.
In January 2007, I accepted an invitation to join the staff at my home church, Christian Chapel in Columbia, MO. My role was to lead worship and create dynamic, relevant experiences where people could encounter God. As I began to transition to less travel and more time at my home church, I finally realized what was missing...my passion. I had become so comfortable with getting on a stage and singing praise to my God that it literally became a habit. It wasn’t something I did because I was cornered by the goodness of God’s love for me. I did it because it was my occupation. I did it because it paid the bills.
Week after week, month after month...sitting under great teaching and being a part of a fellowship that is making a difference in their world taught me a lot of new things. Things that I’m not sure I would have learned out on the road full-time. I was introduced [again] to the importance of relational connections among believers and pre-believers. I was reminded again that God’s presence doesn’t take days off. I was reminded that God can move in a way that our planning and preparation would never have allowed for. And I was reminded why I get up on stage. Because for some reason that I will never even begin to grasp, God called me to share the wonder of His goodness through music.
That is why you are reading this as a first person biography. No fancy writers. No Communication degrees here. Just a guy, his guitar, and his heart and soul laid out on the line for the world to see. I was drawn to music because of its ability to reach people right where they are, and it is that fact that has drawn me back again.
This summer, we will release our sophomore record ‘Until Everyone is Free’. Musically, it is a step in a new direction. We have enlisted the talent of Seattle-based producer Brian Eichelberger [Barcelona] for these new recordings. Brian brings a fresh, un-altered view to producing ‘Christian’ songs that I haven’t seen or heard before. Along with the help of some of Seattle’s finest musicians, we have crafted a record full of songs that are real. Songs that have come out of my personal journey of faith. In times past, I often leaned toward doubt...you will see that in these songs. At other times, I am so overwhelmed by God’s grace in my life it defies description...you will see that in these songs.
We are all real people with real problems searching for real answers. I am not naive enough to think that one listen to a song of mine can undo years of pain this world has thrown at you. But I am certain that one encounter with a gracious and merciful God can. It is my prayer that these songs will play a part in seeing you take your next step with Christ.
This is a new season for me. A season of growth, a season of renewed passion, and a season of change. I invite you to take this journey with me...a journey toward God. It will at times be uncomfortable and difficult, but it will be worth every second. It’s not about a band or a new record or a song. It’s about giving back all we can to the One who gave all He had. We are His mouthpiece. We are his words in action, and we cannot and should not rest ‘Until Everyone is Free’.
The people of my fellowship were very blessed by the Experiencing Worship with Caleb Rowden. Caleb's music selections made use of both new and fresh songs with some older favorites. The people of Calvary Temple are looking forward to Experiencing Worship with Caleb again!
Michael Neff—Pastor, Calvary Temple, St. Charles, MO
Caleb and the band did an exceptional job at the concert in Joplin, MO. They are truly gifted to reach the lost for Christ. I was amazed how Caleb and the band interacts with the people before, during and after the concert. Caleb doesn't only share Christ through his songs, but by short messages, videos and prayer. I was touched by listening to Caleb and the band. Many lives were touched and changed for the better. I am looking forward to see what God is going to do in their ministry!
Travis Bolin—Vice President of Neighborhood Life House
I’m writing you to recommend without reservation Caleb Rowden and band for your upcoming weekend of ministry. Caleb’s dynamic ministry is truly a great worship experience because Caleb has an ability of weaving past and future worship ballads together in a unique modern blend. As a district youth director, I have not only personally witnessed his ministry at our Youth Convention and Fine Arts Festival but I have also consistently seen it during Christian Chapel’s Sunday Morning where my wife and I attend when we aren’t on the road. You will be pressed to find a better team for your next weekend, camp or event.
Dave Pafford—Director of NOMO Student Ministries
…concert on Friday night was great as well as the acoustic set on Wednesday, you should do sets like that. Ministry was genuine and real.
Joe Skiles—National Youth Director, Pentecostal Church of God
Ladies and gentlemen, Caleb Rowden is the real deal. What you see, feel and hear during his concert is a young man pouring out his ministry and music using awesome melodies and heart-felt lyrics. Without a doubt, there is nothing pretentious or fake about this young man’s faith and music ability. We look forward to having him back again!
Craig Bence—St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Omaha, NE
I absolutely loved the band. They all sounded amazing! Caleb has such an amazing voice, I’m sure his church feels very blessed to have a worship leader of his abilities! Their ministry touched many people in our church. Not only are they extremely talented, but they are doing it all for God! I think all churches and promoters should consider bringing in The Caleb Rowden Band.
Shawn Shackelford—Forty-One Student Ministries, Family Life Fellowship, Moberly, MO
We were truly blessed to have the Caleb Rowden Band lead us in worship! They went out of their way to work us into their busy schedule so they could minister to our students. The guys didn't just put on a concert, they led us in a genuine worship experience. Very professional, very personable, highly recommended!
Scott Barton—Ozark Baptist Church, Houston, MO
Caleb Rowden and the band did a fantastic job at our church's 1 year celebration. They are a group of very gifted musicians and Caleb did a terrific job vocally. More importantly than those details is the fact that they lead us into the presence of God with their worship. There is an anointing upon their ministry and I would highly recommend it to you and or your church.
Steve Foley—First Family Church, Osage Beach, MO
What an amazing man of God! I had the rare opportunity to listen to Caleb with just a mic and a guitar, and it was truly one of the best worship experiences I have had. Caleb was touched by the Lord and didn’t just keep that to himself. He shared that with a group of volleyball players at their National Tournament. The spirit moved and Caleb’s heart shown bright. In just talking with him, his true passion seemed to be missions and in singing to us he touched struggling lives. So, thank you Caleb. We will remember you always. Your song, “Made” is even on our end of the year video.
Jennifer McGuyre—Assistant Volleyball Coach, California Baptist University
Our experience with the Caleb Rowden Band was fantastic! From the time they arrived in our parking lot to the time they packed their final piece of equipment. Their music, interspersed with Caleb's heart-felt remarks and videos, were dynamic and powerful. I really appreciated how they engaged students by leading in a few worship tunes. We know the night was a success because we had seven decisions for Christ at the conclusion of the concert.
Jason Pool—First Assembly, Des Moines, IA
One of the most effective ways, if not THE most effective way to reach our youth is through music. The Caleb Rowden Band reached our youth! All the band members were professional, yet related to the youth in a way that made them feel special, and as if we'd known them before. On our best of/ worst of camp surveys, the youth ranked the band just as high as swimming. (That's saying alot since the temperatures were in the triple digits that week.) On that same survey there were about 60 different subjects for the youth to pick that interested them. Christian music is the most popular subject! Isn't it wonderful that our youth want to learn more and explore Christian music- Caleb and the band are serving that experience up on a silver platter. Way to go guys! I know all the glory goes to God, but I just wanted you all to know that you make a difference and keep on ministering to youth the way you are.
Amelia Holder—Linn-Livingston Baptist Assoc. Youth Director & Youth Camp Director
It's been great to hear stories of how people were blessed and moved by the lyrics and the messages of Caleb's songs here at South County Christian Center. He's truly a great writer and God is using his songs to bless the church and to change hearts and lives.
Scott Reed—Worship Pastor, South County Christian Center, St. Louis, MO
Awesome music and great multimedia experience- but the biggest "wow" is Caleb's passion for delivering the message of the Gospel. Caleb Rowden delivers a wonderful show and brings home the truth of the call on his life with spectacular reckless abandon. My 12yr old daughter and I (a 42 yr old kid) both equally loved it.
Shannon Davidson—Owner of Bridge Studio Productions, LLC
Caleb and the guys were great! Thank you for making our inaugural New Years Family Bash a success. We feel that night went better than expected for a first time event. I appreciated the quality of the music being as good live, as the CD I’ve been listening for months since we booked the band. I have received only praises about the show and lots of great comments for the church services you did for us in the morning. My girls took their autographed posters to school today. Thanks for persevering through the back and vehicle issues to be with us. God bless.
Scott Huffman, Sidney, Ohio
We had heard Caleb Rowden perform once before and knew he was good, but when he came to lead worship at our Crusader Days event for prospective students, he blew everyone away. There were so many people complimenting his music and talent! We are so thankful to Caleb & the band. The entire group was down-to-earth, flexible and genuine. You could tell they loved the Lord in everything they did, from arriving and unloading to performing and hanging out with students afterwards!
Admissions, Evangel University, Springfield, MO
Fusion Student Ministries loved having Caleb Rowden’s Band in for our Wednesday Night Youth Service. It truly was a great night of ministry to all students! Caleb used a great mix of worship time and concert time that perfectly fit our students! We loved having Caleb Rowden’s Band in our youth service! If you ever have an opportunity to invite him to minister to your students you will be blessed.
Cheri Stevenson—Assoc. Youth Pastor, Central Assembly, Springfield, MO
I just wanted to write you a note to thank you for bringing your talent and ministry to Greenford Christian Church this weekend. From the Worship set in the AM service to the Sunday evening concert it was a great time of ministry, music and fun. I was impressed with your wonderful spirit and attitude in spite of the early morning and long day. It does not take long with you to see that your hearts are in the right place, and God has great things in store for you.
Steve Parry—Heaven on Earth Christian Resources, Boardman, Ohio
I would like to take a minute tell you about a new friend I met a few months ago. Caleb Rowden was on a radio tour passing through Springfield and asked if he could meet with me. Even though Caleb and I had never met before we formed an immediate bond. We were able to share our hearts and what God was doing in our individual ministries.
Caleb is a Christian music artist who is gaining national acclaim. He was raised in AG churches and participated in Fine Arts including song writing, short sermon and, of course, singing.
By the time we finished I sensed that God was beginning something bigger and better than either one of us had intended. Tears were shed as we shared our passion to see this generation experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
After hearing Caleb’s relevant sound and come to know his heart I asked him to minister during NYWC and FAF. Please take the time to get to know him when you attend these events. I think you will find, as I did, that God is going to use Caleb to help us reach students for Christ.
Jay Mooney—National Youth Director, Assemblies of God
It was very clear that Caleb is most comfortable in a church setting. He seemed much more "at home" and spent a little more time ministering between songs. Caleb has a very bright future. I believe he can become this generations Steven
Curtis Chapman!
John Adams—Cornerstone Chapel
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