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Expressing Yourself through Writing
There is a widespread misconception about Christian songwriting that suggests that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can avoid 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 Christian songwriters. It is important to have a deep spiritual connection with God and cultivate a rich inner life. With a strong foundation in faith and skillful songwriting abilities, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit within your heart.
The photo credit is given to Laura E.
The way our society values quick and convenient digital experiences has influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can achieve the same level of intelligence and creativity as CHATGPT or AI. We have started to believe that we should be able to simply input a few phrases and instantly generate a song that will amaze everyone within a matter of seconds.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who relied on shortcuts. Instead, these writers were skilled in the art of Christian songwriting and effectively communicated their messages through their music. They didn't simply attempt to write a song randomly and accidentally produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the more established individuals, they were already dedicated to studying and improving their skills in their chosen field. They were continuously learning how to create impactful lyrics and melodies that could captivate listeners, evoking strong emotions and leaving a lasting impression. This indescribable, but unmistakable, "WOW" factor was their ultimate goal.
Professional golfer Gary Player once said, "I become luckier as I put in more practice." This quote emphasizes the importance of continuous practice and how it can lead to improved outcomes and opportunities.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already engaged in the process of learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are committed to putting in the necessary effort and time to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We have great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without songs like Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years of their lives to perfecting their craft and have faced various struggles in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is true for even rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been posting songs since she was just fourteen years old, and her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it went viral by luck, but that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her music for years. Congratulations to her for her success!
Discovering ways to cultivate a fulfilling and meaningful inner life is crucial for Christian songwriters. When it comes to nurturing your faith and expressing it through your music, there are three important factors to consider.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and with very little time to take care of our own souls. While it's important to continue caring for and serving others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. No matter how you define self-care, it is crucial for maintaining your inner well-being, which is interconnected with the care of your outer life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential elements for a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Merely relying on news from network or cable channels to fuel your fears and reinforce your cultural biases is insufficient. If you desire to produce impactful and enduring work, it is imperative to enrich your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news channels only focus on creating fear in order to attract more viewers and earn higher ratings. Even supposedly "Christian" stations thrive on angering you so that you keep watching and tolerate their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their jobs by generating high ratings and attracting sponsors for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your emotional well-being and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook starts to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity not only robs you of joy, but it also increases fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow yourself to be filled with the spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others create their music by drawing from their deep connection with God. However, their accomplishments can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and expertise in crafting Christian songs. A famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, "The more I practice, the luckier I get," resonates with the idea that their success is a result of continuous honing of their skills.
While you focus on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also nurture a deep and fulfilling spiritual life. The world is in need of fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing music from you, rather than repetitive phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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