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Expressing from a Deep Internal World
There is a prevailing misconception about Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire a sufficient amount of advice, techniques, and shortcuts, you can effortlessly avoid 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 vibrant inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation in both faith and songwriting abilities, there is no need to seek shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always readily available whenever the Spirit moves in one's heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern fast-paced culture centered around technology has influenced us to adopt a mindset that expects quick results, similar to how a microwave rapidly heats up food. This mindset makes us believe that we can possess the capabilities of AI systems like CHATGPT. We have the notion that we should be able to input a few prompts and generate a song within a matter of seconds, which will impress 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 tricks. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate deep messages through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song randomly and accidentally produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the prominent figures emerged, these individuals were already dedicating themselves to mastering their craft. They consistently sought to improve their skills in creating impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with their audience. They aimed to create something that evoked strong emotions, possessing that indescribable "WOW" factor that is instantly recognizable upon hearing it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate myself to practicing, the more fortunate opportunities I seem to encounter.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already engaged in the process, actively studying and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals, both male and female, who are willingly investing their time and effort to create at a much higher standard compared to most aspiring writers.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine a world without Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we sometimes overlook the fact that these writers have dedicated many years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles, or "hooks," overnight. This is true for everyone, including the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. (Congratulations to Katy for her dedication!)
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous methods to nurture and enhance the depth of your inner life. Consider these three key aspects when aiming to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in busy schedules and overwhelming routines, leaving very little time for self-care. While it is essential to show compassion and help others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize the importance of taking care of ourselves, as it is directly linked to maintaining our overall well-being, both internally and externally.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters often overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that solely engaging in Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is enough to live a sanctified life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the value of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Merely relying on news from television networks or cable channels to satisfy your curiosity and reinforce your cultural biases is insufficient. If you aspire to write something impactful and enduring, it is essential to enrich your mind by delving into great literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. The content on cable news is primarily driven by the desire for high ratings and instilling fear in viewers. Even stations that identify as "Christian" often rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Similarly, talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they generate can have detrimental effects on your well-being and creativity. Consider abstaining from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead use that time to reflect quietly 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 also amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the teachings of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their expertise in the field of Christian songwriting. I greatly admire the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated, "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you are working on improving your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also focus on cultivating a deep and fulfilling personal spiritual life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and liberating to the world through your music, rather than simply relying on clichéd phrases and ideas that have been repeated for many years.
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