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Tapping into a Deep Inner World through Writing
There is a widespread misconception about Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can circumvent the arduous 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 committed Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation in faith and excellent songwriting abilities, there is no need to take shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible whenever you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
Our modern culture, heavily influenced by technology and instant gratification, has shaped our thinking to expect quick and effortless results, resembling the capabilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that with just a few simple prompts, we should be able to generate a mind-blowing song in less than three seconds that will impress 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 cheap tricks. These writers are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively conveying meaningful messages through their music. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the more experienced individuals arrived, they were already deeply engaged in studying and striving to become exceptional in their craft. They were consistently learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners, evoking strong emotions. They aimed to create something truly awe-inspiring and hard to put into words, but unmistakable when experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I dedicate to practicing, the more fortunate I become in my performances.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways as they are already dedicated and committed to their craft. They are highly motivated songwriters who are constantly learning and honing their skills in order to write the best lyrics and poetic compositions. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to achieve a much higher level of creativity compared to the majority of aspiring writers who are not as dedicated 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's hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's rendition of "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 improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, including the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. She has been sharing her songs online since she was only fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her perseverance in the industry!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches you can take to nurture and enhance 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 today's fast-paced world, we are constantly overwhelmed and have very little time to take care of ourselves. While it is important to care for and serve others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining your inner well-being, which is closely connected to the care of your external life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only significant aspects of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the value of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and ideas. If you have ceased reading extensively since college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up a book again. Merely feeding your fears and conforming to cultural biases by watching news on television or cable does not suffice. If you aspire to write anything that can make a lasting impact, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on creating fear to attract viewers. Even channels that claim to be Christian often rely on anger-inducing content to keep people watching and expose them to sponsored ads. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by generating high ratings and securing sponsorships for their investors. However, the constant stream of negativity they disseminate can harm your soul and hinder your creativity. Try abstaining from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in peaceful contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies feelings of 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 others have the ability to create music that comes from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and expertise in the field of Christian songwriting. This reminds me of a quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it's important to also focus on nurturing your inner life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply recycling old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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