Personal Blog: Sharing Your Testimony
My journey to finding faith in Christ started during a challenging childhood that many would describe as "dysfunctional." However, back then, we simply saw it as a normal part of life in the tumultuous decades of the 1960s and 1970s. We had no idea that there would be a specific term for the difficulties we faced. Nevertheless, Jesus miraculously entered my life and made a profound impact.
My life underwent a profound change when someone guided me to experience the overwhelming affection of Jesus for the very first time.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely changed. This love that I experienced has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, helping me navigate through both the challenges and successes, as well as the joys and sorrows. I firmly believe that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first felt the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and my purpose in life is what keeps me going. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter, as I aim to assist others in creating songs that can capture the profound truth of this existence. The fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our content, including podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood while attending church, or perhaps you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a painful experience, such as a significant loss, which led you to seek solace in God. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense challenges, such as abuse, divorce, or deep sorrow, have expressed interest in our coaching programs. They desire to learn how to communicate their pain and convey how God has helped them endure. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously supports us through them.
However, what is the best way to express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences in Christian music, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? Here are three suggestions that may assist you in contemplating how to authentically capture your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners, providing them with solace, restoration, and optimism.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared theme or element present in your narrative that resonates with a large number of individuals.
We all have experienced moments of loneliness or feeling directionless at times. To engage with your audience, it is important to make them connect with your story. It is necessary for them to find elements of their own experiences within your narrative. By allowing them to fill in the gaps with their own stories, they will be more likely to connect with and appreciate yours.
If there isn't anything in your story that captures our attention and resonates with our own experiences, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours who attended NCS, went through the difficult experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also includes enough universal themes in her songs so that anyone who has experienced any kind of loss – which includes all of us – can find something to connect with and continue to engage with her music.
Next, focus on conveying the feeling rather than getting caught up in specific details
The idea I'm about to share was mentioned by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first glance, it may seem contradictory, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion that you want to base your song on. The second point is to steer clear of including irrelevant details in your song that won't be beneficial to your listeners. If you delve too much into specifics like locations, times, dates, names, or other unnecessary details, you might end up losing your audience.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, it allows me to connect with your song. If the specific details you provide do not align with my own experiences, it can deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance in sharing just the right amount of detail to focus on your feelings during the difficult time and then shift towards highlighting the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a type of song that demonstrates the ways in which God has achieved victory in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique details in your story that we may not be able to relate to. To help with this, you can look for examples of songs that are similar to what you want to write and observe how the songwriters engage listeners in an emotion rather than simply listing details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
It can be challenging to write an authentic testimonial song about a painful event in your life if you are still emotionally wounded. Expressing your pain too openly in your lyrics can sometimes be seen as self-centered, unless you are writing a typical country song that focuses on heartbreak. If that is what you desire, then go ahead and pursue it, but understand that it won't be a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it is important to acknowledge that they likely have their own struggles and challenges to deal with. If you simply unload your own issues onto them, they may not be willing to listen for long. This is why professionals like therapists and journals exist – they are there to provide a safe outlet for your personal difficulties and pain. It is crucial to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional space are you inviting them into? How will they feel after hearing your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have done an excellent job with their uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" by conveying a message that is inspired by Scripture and relatable to a wide audience. Instead of writing a song that solely focuses on your personal childhood experiences, you could explore positive themes from the Bible that highlight God's healing power and triumph over negativity. There are numerous approaches to expressing your own testimony, so it would be beneficial to consider alternative methods before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that portrays how God has succeeded in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to have a release of emotions. It might be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to remember the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves unloading emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the hardships you have faced and His ultimate victory in your spirit, regardless of the path taken to reach it.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we delve into the art of writing songs based on personal testimonies and explore various other aspects as well. While many individuals may prefer to attend free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly dedicated to advancing your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to establish your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call. During this call, we can assess whether our program is suitable for your needs. Take the opportunity and schedule your free call now.
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