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Expressing from a Deep and Abundant Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can evade the diligent 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 dedicated Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. When you possess this connection and strong songwriting skills, you don't have to rely on shortcuts or hacks. The ability to write effectively with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you, especially when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of instant gratification through technology has conditioned us to expect quick results, leading us to believe that we can emulate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We mistakenly assume that we can effortlessly generate a popular song within a matter of seconds by simply providing a few prompts.
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 tricks. These songwriters are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, who effectively communicate profound messages through their music. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Prior to the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic abilities. They consistently sought knowledge on how to skillfully create impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with and captivate their audience. Their aim was to create something profoundly moving, possessing an indescribable "WOW" factor that is unmistakable once experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate myself to practice, the greater my chances of success become.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a non-serious manner. These are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously learning and practicing advanced methods of writing poetry and lyrics. These women and men are committed to their craft and are investing a considerable amount of time and effort to create at a much higher standard compared to most aspiring writers.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without 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 their songs and ministries.
No one can match their talent for creating catchy and memorable song titles, but it takes time and effort to reach that level. Katy Nichole, a rising star in Centricity Music, has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a lucky viral success, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her well-deserved success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various methods to enhance and nurture a meaningful and gratifying inner life. Below are three essential pointers to consider while endeavoring to expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and with little time to take care of our own well-being. While it is important to be compassionate and helpful to others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize that taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely connected to our overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to ignore the importance of intellectual growth and focus solely on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs as the key elements of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that one cannot produce remarkable words without being filled with them first. If you have stopped reading after college or even high school, it is crucial for you to delve into books again. Merely consuming fear and cultural biases through network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to boost ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on angering you, just so you continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their jobs by attracting high ratings and sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your soul and stifles your creativity. Try abstaining from any kind of news for a few weeks and instead use that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You will notice that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your songs. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and reintegrate Jesus' Spirit into your heart and mind.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others derive their inspiration from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their proficiency in crafting Christian songs. I am reminded of the quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting for your ministry, it is important to remember to also focus on nurturing a deep and meaningful inner life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and liberating to the world through your songs, rather than simply regurgitating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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