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Discovering the Depths of Inner Creativity
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can effortlessly avoid the effortful process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, having a deep connection with God and possessing strong songwriting abilities are more important than relying on tips and tricks as a dedicated Christian songwriter. If you have a rich inner life in God and the necessary skills, there is no need to resort to shortcuts or hacks. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always available to you, especially when you feel the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The influence of our modern fast-paced and technology-driven society has shaped our thinking in a way that makes us believe we can possess the same abilities as CHATGPT or AI. We have this notion that we should be capable of generating a remarkable song within a matter of seconds just by providing a few prompts, and that it will impress everyone.
However, based on what I have seen, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts. Instead, they are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating their message through their craft. They don't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the major figures arrived, they were already dedicating themselves to their craft and striving for excellence. They consistently sought to improve their skills in creating impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. They aimed to create something that possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could be instantly recognized and appreciated by anyone who hears it.
As professional golfer Gary Player once said, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated and committed songwriters who are already engaged in their craft, actively learning and practicing advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. They are the ones who are investing their time and efforts to create music at a much more elevated level compared to most aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same amount of dedication and hard work.
We hold a great deal of admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their exceptional contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's "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 becomes a master at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to even the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was only fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained overnight success, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her persistence and success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurturing and enhancing your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced and overwhelming world, we often neglect taking care of our inner selves. While it is important to be caring and helpful towards others, it is equally crucial to give ourselves time for rest and rejuvenation. Whatever self-care means to you, remember that it is essential for maintaining your overall well-being. Taking care of your inner life is interconnected with taking care of your outer life and physical health.
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 talented songwriters understand the importance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to write exceptional lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of words. If you stopped reading extensively after college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news on television does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that may even outlast you, it is essential to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect yourself from negative influences. Cable news channels are only interested in creating fear and drama to boost their ratings. Even so-called "Christian" stations thrive on making you angry so that you keep watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on attracting high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, the constant flow of negativity they spread is detrimental to your soul and creativity. I suggest taking a break from all news sources for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You will likely find that this shift in focus towards positivity will start to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Therefore, take a pause and allow yourself to reconnect with the spirit of Jesus, filling your heart and mind with his teachings once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more create their music from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their abilities as Christian songwriters. I truly appreciate the wise words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you focus on honing your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also prioritize the growth of your personal spiritual life. It is essential to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply regurgitating clichéd phrases and concepts that have been heard repeatedly over the years.
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