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Expressing from a Fulfilling Inner World
There is a prevalent misconception regarding Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can effortlessly evade the effort required to master the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks cannot replace the importance of having a deep spiritual connection with God as a committed Christian songwriter. When you have a strong connection with God and possess excellent songwriting skills, you don't need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write proficiently with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you, especially when you feel the influence of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
Picture taken by Laura E. Partain
The way we consume digital content quickly and easily has shaped our thinking in a way that makes us believe we can replicate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We have developed a mindset that expects to generate a complete song within a matter of seconds by simply providing a few cues, and we anticipate that it will be a massive hit with everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or tricks. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song randomly and happen to create a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the big ones, they were already dedicated to honing their craft and striving for excellence. They consistently immersed themselves in learning the techniques of creating impactful lyrics and melodies, skillfully arranging them into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with the emotions of their audience. These compositions possessed an indescribable, yet undeniable, element of surprise and awe that could only be experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and time I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways as a means to improve their skills. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously learning and honing their skills in order to achieve the highest level of poetic and lyrical excellence. Unlike many aspiring writers who are not willing to invest the necessary time and effort, these men and women are willing to pay their dues and devote significant time to their craft.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is easy for us to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated numerous years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is particularly true for the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. She has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, this is not the case. Katy has dedicated years to her craft, and we applaud her for her hard work and dedication.
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous avenues to nurture and enhance your inner life. Consider the following three factors that can aid you in expanding and effectively conveying your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in busy and overwhelming schedules, leaving us with very little time to take care of our own souls. While it's important to show care and serve others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to find ways to take care of ourselves, as this is essential for maintaining our inner well-being, which is closely intertwined with the care of our physical bodies and overall life.
Nourish your mind. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that focusing on Bible study, prayer, and worship songs is sufficient for a sanctified life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the value of deep reading. They acknowledge that it is impossible to create incredible lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Simply relying on your education up until college or high school is insufficient. Engaging with captivating literature, poetry, and other inspiring works is essential if you aspire to produce impactful and enduring writing. Merely consuming fear-inducing news on television networks or cable channels does not qualify as feeding your intellect.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on instilling fear in order to boost their ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on angering you so that you keep watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is detrimental to both your soul and your creativity. Consider abstaining from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your artistic endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to write their songs with such passion and depth because of their strong connection and relationship with God. However, their success as Christian songwriters is also attributed to their talent and skill in the field. A quote by Australian golfer Gary Player resonates with this idea, as he famously said that the more he practices, the more fortunate he becomes.
While you focus on honing your songwriting skills for your Christian ministry, it is important to also nurture your inner life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply repeating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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