The misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can 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 Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep and meaningful connection with God as well as strong songwriting abilities. By having these qualities, there is no need to search for shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be present and accessible whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
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The prevalent culture of instant gratification in the digital era has influenced us to adopt a mindset akin to microwave cooking. It has led us to believe that we can possess the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We assume that we should effortlessly generate a remarkable 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 were not created by writers who took shortcuts. These writers were and continue to be skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating their message through their art. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the big breakthroughs happened, these individuals were already dedicated to honing their skills and striving for excellence in their artistic pursuits. They invested significant time and effort in learning how to skillfully blend impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners, evoking strong emotions. Their aim was to create something that had an indescribable but undeniable "WOW" factor, which could be instantly recognized and appreciated by anyone who heard it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate outcomes I tend to experience.
These individuals are not seeking out opportunities for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and determined songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in order to achieve the highest level of poetic and lyrical excellence. These aspiring writers are committed to putting in the necessary effort and time required to create music at a much greater level than most beginners are willing to invest in their own work.
We greatly appreciate 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 the Christian music scene 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.
Nobody can match their talent for creating catchy song titles or hooks, but this skill doesn't develop overnight. This applies to everyone, including the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole, who has been sharing her music since she was fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, that's not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for years. (Congratulations to Katy!)
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nourish and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, our lives are often filled with chaos and we have very little time to take care of our own souls. However, it is crucial that we do not neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation, even as we continue to care for and serve others. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, one that is intricately connected to our overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters overlook the importance of intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the value of delving deep into various sources of knowledge. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a rich collection of words. Merely relying on news from television networks or cable channels to satisfy your thirst for understanding will not suffice. If you desire to write something truly impactful, something that will endure long after you are gone, it is crucial to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news continuously focuses on fear-inducing content in order to boost their ratings. Even channels that claim to be Christian often rely on provoking anger in order to keep viewers engaged and watching their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on generating high ratings and attracting sponsors to maintain their positions. However, the constant stream of negativity they perpetuate is detrimental to your spirit and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and dedicate that time to quiet reflection on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity starts to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and exacerbates fear and anxiety. Take a pause and replenish your heart and mind with the spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others are able to create their music because they have a strong connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed to their talent as Christian songwriters. I am reminded of a famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on blossoming your ministry in Christian songwriting, it is crucial to remember the importance of nurturing a vibrant personal life alongside honing your songwriting abilities. It is essential to bring forth something fresh, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than merely recycling the same old phrases and concepts that have been heard for many years.
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