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Expressing Thoughts and Feelings Through Writing
A misconception often associated with Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can avoid the laborious process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, having a strong connection with God and possessing proficient songwriting skills are more valuable than relying on tips and tricks as a dedicated Christian songwriter. If you have a rich inner life in God and the ability to write well, you won't need shortcuts or hacks. The clarity and confidence to write effectively will always be accessible to you when you sense the influence of the Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The rapid nature of our modern digital culture has influenced us to adopt a mindset that resembles a microwave. It makes us believe that we can emulate the abilities of platforms like CHATGPT or AI. We assume that by simply inputting a few prompts, we should be able to instantly generate a song within three seconds that will amaze everyone.
However, from what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not written by those who rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. Instead, they are created by skilled Christian songwriters who excel in their craft and effectively communicate through their art. These individuals do not simply attempt to write a song randomly and accidentally end up producing masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already immersed in the study and pursuit of their craft. They consistently dedicated themselves to learning how to skillfully create impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. They strived to create something extraordinary, possessing that indescribable "WOW" factor that can only be recognized when experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate time to practicing, the more fortunate I become in my game.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways, but are committed and dedicated songwriters who are actively engaged in learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. They are the ones who are investing their time and effort to create at a much higher level than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to their craft.
We hold great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their significant impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine the absence of Chris Tomlin's powerful 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 both their songs and their ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or "hooks" overnight. This applies to everyone, including up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole, who has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral popularity by chance, this is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her accomplishments!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches you can take to nurture a deep and gratifying inner life. Let's explore three essential factors to consider when aiming to enhance your spiritual growth and effectively convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with busy schedules and little time to focus on our own well-being. It is important to remember that while we should always prioritize our caring and service towards others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation will eventually lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is crucial in maintaining a balanced and fulfilled inner life, which is closely intertwined with the care of our outer life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to neglect their intellectual growth and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only important aspects of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They realize that it is impossible to write remarkable lyrics if they themselves are not filled with profound words. If you stopped reading extensively after college or even high school, it is essential for you to pick up books again. Simply watching network or cable news and allowing your fears and cultural biases to be reinforced does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that can surpass your lifetime, it is crucial to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to increase ratings. Even channels that claim to be Christian often provoke anger in viewers to keep them hooked and watching the sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by attracting viewers and securing sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is detrimental to your spirituality and creative energy. Consider taking a break from consuming news of any kind for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your artistic endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow your heart and mind to be filled with the Spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and numerous others create their music and lyrics 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 am reminded of the wise words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner world. It is crucial to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and liberating to the world through your music, instead of simply repeating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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