Personal Blog
Expressing Your Own Experience
I discovered my faith in Christ during a troubled childhood that is now referred to as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was just the way things were during the chaotic times of the 1960s and '70s. It wasn't until later that we realized there was a term for the challenges we faced, but through it all, Jesus played a significant role in my life.
My life underwent a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the inexplicable affection that Jesus possesses.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love has been my source of strength and support for more than half a century, guiding me through the highs and lows, the victories and heartbreaks, and even the joyful moments. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I experienced the overwhelming love of God for the very first time at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is what keeps me going. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter, as I strive to assist others in creating songs that can effectively convey this incredible truth. The foundation of Nashville Christian Songwriters, as well as all of our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is rooted in the desire 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 church experiences, or that you turned to Him as an adult in order to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you were deeply affected by a significant loss, and as a result, you sought solace in God. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce have expressed interest in our coaching programs. They desire to learn how to articulate their suffering and how God has provided them with strength and support throughout their hardships. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from adversity, but rather miraculously sustains us through it all."
However, the question remains: How can we effectively convey our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
Throughout our journey in life, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences in Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our stories? In this article, I will share three tips that can assist you in effectively capturing your testimonies in a way that resonates with listeners and provides them with comfort, healing, and hope.
Begin by identifying a shared element or theme in your narrative that resonates with a wide audience.
Most people are familiar with the emotions of loneliness or feeling disoriented at times. The key to connecting with others through your story is allowing them to relate to it. It is important to incorporate elements of our shared experiences so that listeners can connect their own narratives with yours, ultimately making them more invested in your story.
If there is nothing in your story that captures our attention and reminds us of something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours who attended NCS, went through the painful experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her songs and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also includes enough universal themes in her music so that anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – can connect with her songs and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The concept I'm about to share was originally mentioned by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher from Lillenas Music, and it has stuck with me ever since. It might seem contradictory at first, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to avoid including unnecessary details in your song that may not be beneficial to the listener. If you dive too deeply into specifics like locations, dates, names, or other particulars, there's a chance that the listener may become disengaged.
By identifying the shared thread and emotion in your narrative that resonates with me, you engage me in your story. 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 between providing sufficient or excessive detail, focusing on the emotions you felt during the difficult times, and ultimately shifting the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a song of testimony is one that illustrates the victory of God in your personal experiences.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own experiences that are not relatable to others. One way to improve your songwriting is by studying songs that successfully evoke emotions in listeners, and understanding how the writers achieve this without simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand and distinguish between the concepts of catharsis and testimonial
When you're still emotionally wounded and suffering from a traumatic experience, it becomes challenging to authentically express your feelings in a testimonial song. Sharing your pain through lyrics can often seem self-centered, unless you're composing a melancholic country song that embraces sorrow. If that's your intention, go ahead and pursue it, but acknowledge that it won't serve as a testimonial but rather as a somber country tune.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely already have their own struggles to contend with. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they may not stay engaged for long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they serve as outlets for your personal issues and pain. It's 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 impressive job creating a lively praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song solely focused on your childhood experiences, it would be beneficial to explore positive themes from the Bible that highlight God's ability to heal and overcome negativity. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be wise to consider alternative ways before sharing your personal pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that reflects how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is important for your emotional well-being to find release and purification. It may be helpful for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is essential to recognize the distinction between cathartic songs, which are a way to release emotions, and testimonial songs, which celebrate God's triumph over the difficulties you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path you took to reach it.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and explore various other aspects. While many individuals seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to enhance your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call where we can discuss if this program is suitable for you. There is no obligation to commit. Book your free call now.
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