Blog
Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World through Writing
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the arduous 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 essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong bond with God and proficient songwriting skills, there is no need to rely on shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible when one feels the movement of the Holy Spirit within their heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevailing culture of instant gratification in our digital society has influenced us to adopt a mindset that resembles the speed and convenience of microwaves. It leads us to believe that we can effortlessly emulate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We expect to generate a remarkable song within a matter of seconds by simply inputting a few prompts, causing a widespread sensation.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have had a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who took shortcuts. These writers were and continue to be skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating deep messages through their songs. They didn't simply attempt to write a song and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already deeply engrossed in their artistic pursuits and striving for excellence. They consistently dedicated themselves to learning the skills of creating impactful lyrics and melodies, and organizing them into captivating compositions that could profoundly resonate with audiences on an emotional level. They aimed to create something that possessed an indescribable but undeniable quality that evoked a sense of awe and captivation when experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become in my game.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly improving their poetic and lyrical skills. These individuals are committed and investing a considerable amount of time and effort to create music at a much higher level compared to most aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same level of dedication.
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 difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is important to remember 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 skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is especially true for Katy Nichole, the rising star of Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a lucky viral success, it is important to recognize that Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and achievements!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various approaches to nurturing and enriching your inner life. Here are three essential aspects to consider while aiming to enhance and convey your faith through music.
Make soul care a priority. Nowadays, everyone is constantly busy and overwhelmed with their hectic lives, leaving little room for self-care. Although it is important to show care and support to others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation will ultimately lead to burnout. No matter how you define self-care, it is crucial for maintaining your inner well-being, which is interconnected with taking care of your external life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only significant aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the value of extensive reading. They recognize that it is impossible to produce remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge. Simply relying on the education received in college or high school is insufficient. Instead, it is crucial to engage with great literature, poetry, and other inspiring works in order to cultivate a mind capable of creating impactful and enduring content. Merely consuming fear-inducing and biased news through television networks or cable channels does not qualify as intellectual enrichment.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear and anxiety in order to boost their ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on angering you so that you'll continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on increasing their ratings and attracting sponsors for their own benefit. However, the constant stream of negativity they spew out is detrimental to your soul and creativity. I suggest abstaining from any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may be surprised to find that your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and heightens fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others are able to create their music because they have a deep connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed to their talent and abilities as Christian songwriters. This reminds me of a quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated that the more he practiced, the more fortunate he became.
While you are working on improving your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner spiritual life. It is crucial to bring something fresh, courageous, and groundbreaking to the world through your music, instead of relying on clichéd phrases and ideas that have been heard before for many years.
Feel free to share this article with your friends. If you have any thoughts or comments, please leave a reply below. Additionally, you can save your personal information, such as your name, email, and website, in this browser
The code `document.getElementById("ak_js_1")` selects the element with the ID "ak_js_1". The `setAttribute()` method is used to set the value attribute of this element to the current timestamp obtained from `
This content falls under a specific category and can be followed by users. You can explore more posts in different categories and tags. Some popular posts include getting started, popular podcasts, and various features. Learn more about our platform and the courses we offer. Don't forget to sign up for our free tip sheet for professional songwriters, which includes the top 10 tips.