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Tapping into the Depths of Your Mind
There is a prevalent misconception regarding Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire a sufficient number of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, you can effortlessly skip the arduous process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, having a deep connection with God and possessing strong songwriting skills is more important than relying solely on tips and tricks as a Christian songwriter. When you have a rich inner life in God, you don't need to rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always available to you, especially when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit inspiring you.
The image was captured by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of quick and convenient digital consumption has influenced us to adopt a mindset that expects instant results, similar to the capabilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that we should effortlessly generate a popular 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 take shortcuts. Instead, they are skilled Christian songwriters who excel in their craft and effectively communicate through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, they were already dedicating themselves to mastering their craft. They were continuously learning how to skillfully combine impactful lyrics and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their aim was to create something that evoked strong emotions and had an indescribable, yet undeniable, "WOW" factor that became evident as soon as it reached the ears.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become in my game.
These individuals are not actively seeking out opportunities for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. Instead, they are dedicated songwriters who are already committed to honing their skills and studying advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. They are the ones who are investing their time and effort into perfecting their craft at a much higher level than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without the powerful influence of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to refine both their songs and their ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is especially true for Katy Nichole, the rising star on Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old, and her hit track "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it went viral by chance, but that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her music for many years, and her success is well-deserved. Congratulations to Katy on her journey!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous methods to nurture and enrich your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be challenging to find time for self-care. However, it is crucial to ensure that we take care of our own needs for rest and rejuvenation. While it is important to be compassionate and serve others, neglecting our own well-being can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is interconnected with the care of our outer life and physical body.
Nurturing your intellect is crucial. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs alone are sufficient for a sanctified life. However, successful songwriters understand the necessity of immersing themselves in deep reading. They acknowledge that it is impossible to compose profound lyrics without first being filled with exceptional words. If you stopped pursuing intellectual growth after completing college or even high school, it is essential for you to rediscover the value of reading. Merely consuming fear-inducing news through television networks or cable channels does not suffice. If you desire to create something impactful and enduring, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negative influences. Cable news prioritizes fear-inducing content to boost ratings. Even so-called "Christian" stations thrive on angering viewers to keep them engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creative expression. Consider abstaining from any form of news consumption for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly and reflect on God's love and goodness. You may find that your newfound positivity begins to permeate your music. Negativity steals your joy and heightens fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus 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 aptitude as Christian songwriters. I am particularly fond of the well-known quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on cultivating your skills in Christian songwriting, it is essential to also focus on nurturing your inner world. It is important to remember that the world is in need of fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing expressions from you. It is not enough to simply reproduce the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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