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Expressing through Abundant Inner Thoughts
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if one acquires a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, they can avoid the arduous process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying on tips and tricks alone cannot replace the importance of having a deep spiritual connection with God as a committed Christian songwriter. When you possess a strong inner connection with God and have developed strong songwriting skills, there is no need to find shortcuts or hacks. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be present whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalent culture of instant gratification in the digital age has shaped our thinking to believe that we can emulate the abilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that by simply inputting a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song in less than three seconds that would impress everyone.
In my own personal observations, I have found that the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by individuals who rely on shortcuts or inferior techniques. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who excel in their art form. They do not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally come up with masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the influential individuals arrived, they were already dedicated to their craft and striving to achieve greatness. They consistently immersed themselves in learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with audiences. Their goal was to create something emotionally poignant, something that possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor that was instantly recognizable upon listening.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort he puts into practicing, the more fortunate and successful he becomes.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways with the intention of trolling. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and practicing advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. These women and men are committed to paying their dues and investing a considerable amount of time in order to create at a much higher standard than the majority of aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same effort into honing their skills.
We greatly respect individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without the powerful song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated many years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one can match their talent for creating catchy song titles, or "hooks," but this skill takes time to develop. It's not something that happens overnight for anyone. Even Katy Nichole, the rising star of Centricity Music, has been sharing her songs since she was fourteen years old. While her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it went viral by luck, that's not the case. She has been working hard at this for years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurturing and enhancing your inner life. Below are three essential factors to consider while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, it can be challenging to find time for ourselves. However, it is crucial to prioritize our own well-being and not neglect it while taking care of others. Ignoring our need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining our inner life, which is interconnected with our overall well-being and physical health.
Nurturing your intellect is crucial. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that they cannot produce remarkable lyrics unless they themselves are enriched with profound words. If you stopped engaging in reading after college, or maybe even high school, resuming this habit is indispensable for you. Merely fueling your fears and confirming your cultural biases by watching news on television or the internet does not suffice. If you desire to write something that can make a lasting impact, surpassing your own lifespan, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news solely focuses on generating fear and attracting viewers. Even the channels claiming to be "Christian" thrive on provoking anger in order to maintain viewership and keep their sponsored advertisements running. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative commentators also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to secure their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they spew has a detrimental effect on your soul and creativity. I suggest taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and using that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals away your joy and increases feelings of fear and anxiety. Give yourself 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, create their work from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their expertise in crafting Christian music. I am reminded of the words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner life. It is crucial to bring something fresh, daring, and freeing to the world through your songs, rather than simply recycling old phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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