Blog Post
Expressing from a Deep and Meaningful Inner World
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if you gather sufficient advice, shortcuts, and techniques, you can effortlessly evade the laborious process of acquiring the skills needed to create impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, having a deep and meaningful connection with God is crucial for a dedicated Christian songwriter, and it cannot be replaced by mere tips and tricks. When you possess a strong bond with God and have developed your songwriting abilities, you don't need to rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you, especially when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding your heart.
The picture was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalent fast-paced nature of our digitally-driven society has influenced us to adopt a mentality that resembles the quickness and efficiency of a microwave. This mindset leads us to believe that we have the capability to emulate the abilities of advanced AI models like CHATGPT. We expect to effortlessly generate a song within a few seconds by simply inputting a few prompts, and for it to be an instant hit with everyone.
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 quick fixes. Instead, they are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting who effectively communicate deep messages through their art. These writers do not merely attempt to write a song on a whim 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 immersed in studying and striving to excel in their chosen art. They consistently devoted themselves to learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies, creating captivating compositions that could deeply touch the emotions and captivate the audience. Their goal was to produce something that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, which resonates strongly with listeners and leaves a lasting impression.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the amount of practice one puts in directly correlates with their level of luck. In other words, the more someone dedicates themselves to practicing, the more fortunate they tend to become.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and ambitious songwriters who are already engaged in the process, continuously learning and honing their skills in creating profound and poetic lyrics. These are the committed individuals who are investing their time and effort into their craft at a much higher level than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for the incredible impact they have made in Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without the powerful influence of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is important to remember that these songwriters have dedicated significant time and effort over the years to perfecting their skills and overcoming challenges in order to enhance their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is true for even the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy 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 it became popular overnight, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her success!
Discovering ways to cultivate a fulfilling and abundant inner life is essential for Christian songwriters. To enhance and articulate their faith through music, here are three key factors to consider.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in busy schedules and overwhelming responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care. While it is important to be caring and helpful towards others, neglecting our own well-being can lead to burnout. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize taking care of ourselves and ensuring that we find time for rest and rejuvenation. No matter what self-care means to you, it is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is intricately connected to the care of our external life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only vital aspects of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of immersing themselves in profound knowledge. They acknowledge that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics if they themselves are not enriched with a wealth of words. If you have not pursued any extensive reading since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to delve into books once again. Merely indulging in fear-inducing news from network or cable channels will not suffice. If you aspire to write something that can have a lasting impact beyond your own existence, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news solely focuses on spreading fear in order to boost ratings. Even channels claiming to be "Christian" thrive on angering you so that you continue watching and sit through their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators keep their jobs by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they spew forth is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in silence, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and heightens fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow the spirit of Jesus to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are known for their ability to write songs that come from a deep connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed, at least partially, to their skill in songwriting. Australian golfer Gary Player once famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get," which can be applied to these talented Christian songwriters.
While you focus on honing your skills as a Christian songwriter, it is crucial to also prioritize cultivating a deep and meaningful personal life. It is important to remember that the world is in need of fresh and original content, something that is daring, courageous, and liberating, rather than the same old phrases and concepts that have been repeated for years.
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