New Years Eve

[calicowriter]

I was always a little disappointed with the reasons we were given in the past for John and Greg never sharing the stage together. I thought Petra was all about the Gospel of Christ and not about an individual's fame?

I think that is precisely why they never shared a stage. John's main concern was that people would be so focused on comparing the two of them that they would miss the message.

I love Petra's music primarily because I love Bob Hartman's song writing and Petra's joint commitment to keep it blatantly biblical. Petra's success over the last few months has not been about John Schlitt.

I too feel that Bob's songwriting and the whole band's focus on ministry first is what most of us love about them. And no, Petra's "success" over the past few months is not about John -- but he's played a big part. Virtually every person who has been a member of Petra has played some role in God's plan for their ministry. Whether you liked the years without the touring Bob or not, surely you have to admit that John was the one who kept the ball rolling. He was the one on the front lines who had to hear people's complaints about personnel changes, deal with all of the financial problems, do all the interviews, try to keep people interested. Petra would have slipped into obscurity years before Bob decided to make a comeback if not for John's dedication. Twenty years of dedication to Petra's ministry, putting Petra first. He's wanted to release another solo project for 4 or 5 years now, but hasn't because he knew it would hurt Petra.

Let's not forget, Petra wasn't getting far without Greg's voice in the late 70's. He sure did an awful lot to lay the strong foundation that John reaped a great harvest from.

I agree that Greg also played a big role in making Petra what they are today. But the concert in Franklin was supposed to be the tribute to that. People were led to believe it was a special moment, never to be repeated. Besides, if they were so concerned with pleasing fans, this would have happened someplace more accessible with more than a week's notice.

I can understand the promoter wanting to make his event special, and I don't blame him for that. Whether or not I approve is not really too important. However, I will say that whoever made the decision to add a second show so late in the evening knowing full well that John had a solo show the next afternoon was selfish and inconsiderate. I don't care if that was Scott Huie, Wayne Seboa, Bob Hartman or all three. This is especially true if this truly is not the last show as BForm claims.

And yes, I am one of the folks who just had to shell out more money for tickets to the second show. Like I am going to travel all the way from Indy and be spending the night anyway, and not go. I guess even in the Christian world, there's one born every minute and they saw us coming.

[Shell]

I think it is really a shame that more people don't take the time to think about something as simple as plain old fashioned consideration; it would go a long way in making things go smoothly. Of course that doesn't eliminate problems, but it might make whatever problems come up easier to deal with.

Oh well, like I said, it seems to be a foreign concept and not high on the list of priorities. I've never heard of a little consideration hurting anybody though.

[BForm]

Before my e-mail box fills to overflowing, let me just say that my comment about this not being Petra's last show is just a reasonable assumption. I could be wrong, of course, but all the signs show that more people want to see Petra than they anticipated.

There have been complaints in the US and Europe about not enough dates, comments from both Bob and John about possibly extending into 2006 especially for Europe, and now claims that Petra is coming back to Brazil. Add all that to the fact that they will want to capitalize on the release of the DVD and I think it means more shows in 2006.

As I've said before, I think this is why the release date for the DVD seems to have been moved up. I think Petra will rest for the month of January and then hit the road for more shows after the release of the DVD. If that doesn't happen, I'm not going to be too terribly disappointed. You can slap my hand, spit in my face, and then tell me "Jesus loves you".

I also want to clarify that I don't minimize the role John has played in Petra. Of course he's been a huge part of the band since the late 80's. My point is only that it's not only about him and I don't think we should be claiming this is John's Petra. There was a foundation that was laid before he arrived and I believe that has had something to do with the success of Petra right up until the end, just like the modern church owes a tremendous debt the apostles, martyrs, reformers of the 16th and 17th centuries, etc., etc. Could you imagine Billy Graham not wanting to share the stage with Paul because today's church is Billy's church?

[Around The World Radio]

What an annoucement...plus what a forum this is...to let out some good diologue about what just happened...the + and - of what the Saturday night has changed into...

Please scroll down to the forum we posted on 12/13,

WWW.ATWR.ORG 12/31/05 Broadcast Update and your Questions!

please list any questions you would like us to ask "on air" to the band, and crew, the Forum is:

We will be in the lobby of the church LIVE from 4PM to 12MID(or later) EST, and we look forward to meeting each one. Let your friends back home who won't make the trip to listen in...and stop by our remote studio set up, bring a shout out to them "on air".

Blessing on your Christmas weekend!

[Edward]

Oh no, John will be there. Greg is just making a special appearance, which probably means he'll do what he did in Franklin.

Even if they were to have a private jet to take John to Myrtle Beach, to ask someone to sing TWICE and not finish up until well after midnight, and then have to perform again at 12:30 the next afternoon is just inconsiderate at best. As it is, John is performing twice at the solo gig in Myrtle Beach on the 29th, then in Dawsonville on the 30th, twice in Murphy on the 31st, and then in Myrtle Beach on the 1st. That's six shows in four days.

I just can't believe that there was anyone who thought this was a good idea.

Inconsiderate? That's crap. Nobody made Petra accept the offer. They need the cash. At $6k+ a show, that's some good change in a few days. John will be tired, no doubt about that. He is a stud and will have much time to recover. They will do more shows. The only thing is it makes it hard for people to market the last show. Who knows when that will be? 2007.

[Shell]

John = Stud. Hmmm, that's an interesting concept. It's true enough that nobody forced them to accept the offers, but it's not them having more shows that's the issue here. We're not talking brain surgery, just simple, old fashioned consideration. That does happen to be a Biblical concept by the way. The Bible does have a lot to say about how we treat each other and being considerate, fair and kind in our behavior, and it doesn't just apply if it should happen to be convenient. It applies to Christians no matter who they are or what they happen to do for a living. Of course we'll fall short in that sometimes because we're human, but I think it's sad something the Bible places a lot of importance on would be tossed out the window for the sake of "business." Call me overly optimistic or whatever, but I do believe it's possible to take care of business and maintain some consideration in the process.

Whatever the case, we all have our opinions, and this a discussion board to discuss stuff. They could probably use some prayer.

[Preacherman777]

So much for letting God be glorified. The people around here wanna complain and dog gone it they are gonna do it.

[executioner]

I don't really care. If Petra wants to do this than that is alright be me. I do have a problem though with marketing this as the last show in the U.S. We all know this to be NOT true! I know my church is neogiating a date right know in late March early April and they are having to neogiate because there is NOT alot of open dates. So managment and company are planning on doing some more dates in the U.S. I have a HUGE problem being lied too, because I considered going to the Dawsonville show since it was said to be the last show, but now I'm not going because it won't be the last one.

Also I know this might step on some toes here, but I've been a Petra fan since 1981 and have never really cared for Greg's vocals and really don't think he brought much if anything to the table for the band. I know of alot of fans that feel the same way. I just don't think his vocals are made for the Rock style Petra was playing and I and alot of others felt like they were out of place. BTW didn't you think it was strange for him NOT to sing any of the rock songs at the Farewell taping? There's a reason for that you know.

[Petrapraise]

I'm just happy to go to one of Petra's concerts. No matter who's participating.

[Edward]

The Eagles have had the "When Hell Freezes Over" Tour I and DVD I, Tour and DVD II. Maybe III. KISS had record sales on their retirement tours. Ozzy has been quitting for five plus years. People won't let them be. So, as long as there is money, Petra will so a show. Everyone has a price. Eventually the price will have to go up to make it worth their while.

[PetFCtr]

Am I missing out on something here? Or am I about to open a can of worms? What is this "Johns Moment" thing? I thought this was Petra who was started by Bob Hartman. So shouldn't it be Bobs moment? Or all inclusive Petra's Moment? Not just one members moment. Or maybe the one and only Jesus Christ Our Savior's moment? Just my opinion.

I couldn't agree more...

[PetFCtr]

Oh no, John will be there. Greg is just making a special appearance, which probably means he'll do what he did in Franklin.

Even if they were to have a private jet to take John to Myrtle Beach, to ask someone to sing TWICE and not finish up until well after midnight, and then have to perform again at 12:30 the next afternoon is just inconsiderate at best. As it is, John is performing twice at the solo gig in Myrtle Beach on the 29th, then in Dawsonville on the 30th, twice in Murphy on the 31st, and then in Myrtle Beach on the 1st. That's six shows in four days.

I just can't believe that there was anyone who thought this was a good idea.

Inconsiderate? That's crap. Nobody made Petra accept the offer. They need the cash. At $6k+ a show, that's some good change in a few days. John will be tired, no doubt about that. He is a stud and will have much time to recover. They will do more shows. The only thing is it makes it hard for people to market the last show. Who knows when that will be? 2007.

They need the cash. Yeah they're greedy greedy I tell ya. blah they need to buy they're mercedez's and they're BMWs...Johns a stud, do you mean in good health.

I thought this is for Jesus

[PetFCtr]

The Eagles have had the "When Hell Freezes Over" Tour I and DVD I, Tour and DVD II. Maybe III. KISS had record sales on their retirement tours. Ozzy has been quitting for five plus years. People won't let them be. So, as long as there is money, Petra will so a show. Everyone has a price. Eventually the price will have to go up to make it worth their while.

Thats what its all about isnt it $$$$$$. Lets make some money off of Jesus..Jesus did say Christians do not make good business men or women...

[Shell]

Rich, amigo, I don�t think you really have a complete understanding about what the Bible has to say about money. The Bible doesn�t say having money is intrinsically wrong. It�s when money becomes more important than anything else or everything else gets thrown out the window when you�re making your money that it becomes a problem. These guys have families and bills to pay just the same as any of us, and this is what they do for a living.

I don�t think anyone has a problem with them getting more shows. It�s how this was all thrown together so late in the game that people are having trouble with, and it�s a valid concern. Why should people be expected to fork over more money for another show with only a week�s notice, and are they really so sure they would?

I think what he meant by �stud� in this case is John�s used to a heavy traveling schedule.

[BForm]

Shell, I'm still not sure I get the discussion. Are the promoters demanding that everyone that has tickets to the first show buy them for the second as well? I'm sure they're not. So the decision is simple, if you don't have the money to spend, then do the disciplined thing and don't spend it. Sometimes we just don't get to do what we want to do.

I've complained about this show because of it's effect on the promoter for the Dawsonville show who was told he couldn't have this date. Now his date isn't the draw it used to be when he decided to fork over the $$$ to do this. As for myself, I won't be attending the show in Murphy because I feel convicted that it is too excessive and will take too much time away from my family. Woe is me since I'll only get to see Petra once this week.

If the promoters are responding to high demand that exceeded the capacity of the first show, then thank God they were able to work it out so that more people will get to see Petra. I don't think their main concern should be about the "poor" people going to the first show that can't afford the second.

As far as throwing it together and being too hard on John......well.....it's about time Petra fans stop whining about the promoters and booking agents and ask John and Bob why they still work with the people they work with. If they don't like the schedule, they need to either refuse or fire the people they've obviously chosen to use. If Scott and Wayne are such awful people, and Bob and John continue to work with them, well what does that say about Petra?