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Expressing from a Deeply Personal Experience
A prevalent misconception about Christian songwriting is that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can avoid the diligent process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a devoted Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With this spiritual foundation and strong songwriting abilities, there is no need to rely on shortcuts. The clarity and confidence to write well will always be available to tap into whenever you feel the movement of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalent culture of instant gratification and quick consumption in the digital age has deeply ingrained in us the belief that we can emulate the abilities of advanced language models like CHATGPT or AI. We have this notion that we should effortlessly generate a remarkable song within a matter of seconds by simply providing a few prompts.
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. These writers are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting who effectively communicate through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally produce hits like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the prominent figures emerged, they were already deeply engaged in studying and striving to excel in their artistic endeavors. They were consistently immersing themselves in the process of mastering the art of combining impactful words and melodies, creating captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with and touch the emotions of listeners. These compositions possessed an indescribable and captivating quality that instantly captivated anyone who heard them, leaving a lasting impression.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate myself to practicing, the more fortunate I become.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and committed songwriters who are already immersed in the process of learning and practicing advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. These individuals are willing to invest their time and effort to create music at a much higher caliber than most aspiring writers I come across.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated many years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges while refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or "hooks" overnight, and this is especially true for Centricity Music's rising star, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, this is not the case. Katy has been dedicated to her music for many years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life
As a Christian songwriter, there are various methods to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three important considerations to remember as you strive to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In the midst of our busy lives, it can be difficult to find time for self-care. However, it is important to remember that while we should not neglect our caring and service towards others, we will eventually exhaust ourselves if we do not also take the time to rest and recharge. Whatever self-care means to you, it is crucial for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely connected to taking care of your outer life and physical well-being.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential components of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of immersing themselves in profound knowledge. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first being filled with them. If you have ceased reading extensively since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to revisit the world of books. Merely consuming fear-driven news from television networks or cable channels will not suffice. If you desire to compose something impactful that transcends your own existence, you must nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news thrives on instilling fear in order to boost their ratings. Even channels that claim to be religious focus on anger-inducing content to keep you engaged and watching their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative commentators also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their positions. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and instead use that time to reflect on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals 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 abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their expertise as Christian songwriters. I greatly appreciate the words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and meaningful inner life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and liberating to the world through your music, rather than simply recycling the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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