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Tapping into a Deep Inner World through Writing
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and strategies, one can effortlessly bypass the diligent process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people's hearts.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep spiritual connection with God and a wealth of inner experiences to draw inspiration from. By combining this spiritual foundation with strong songwriting skills, one can write compelling songs without resorting to shortcuts. The clarity and confidence needed to write well are always accessible whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
Image captured by Laura E. Partain
The modern culture of quick and convenient digital consumption has conditioned us to expect instant results, making us believe that we can replicate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that with just a few simple prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song in less than three seconds that would amaze everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who take shortcuts. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the influential figures arrived, these individuals were already dedicated to their craft and striving to be the best. They consistently immersed themselves in learning how to skillfully create meaningful lyrics and captivating melodies that could deeply touch the emotions of their audience. Their goal was to create something so powerful and indescribable that it would leave a lasting impact, evoking a strong sense of admiration and awe in anyone who listened.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort he puts into practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his performance.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already deeply engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in order to produce the most profound and impactful lyrics. These are the individuals who are committed to putting in the necessary effort and time to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers who are not as willing to invest in their craft.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's renowned song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we frequently overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to refine both their songs and their ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to everyone, including the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was only fourteen years old, and her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it was a lucky break, but that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various approaches to enhancing and nourishing your inner life. Here are three key factors to consider while striving to expand and articulate your faith through your musical compositions.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves leading busy and overwhelming lives that leave little room for taking care of our souls. While it is important to dedicate ourselves to caring for and serving others, we cannot neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. It is crucial to recognize the significance of self-care and view it as essential for nourishing our inner selves. Taking care of our souls is inseparable from taking care of our overall well-being and physical bodies.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of their intellects, assuming 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 into deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in profound words. If you have halted your reading endeavors after college or even high school, restarting this practice is indispensable. Merely indulging in fear and confirming your cultural biases by watching network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something with a significant impact that can endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings through fear tactics. Even the "Christian" channels aim to provoke anger in order to keep viewers engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by attracting viewers and securing sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your mental and creative well-being. Consider abstaining from all forms of news for a few weeks and instead, spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on God's love and goodness. You may find that this shift in focus allows positivity to flow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and reconnect with the spirit of Jesus to replenish your heart and mind.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, 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 as Christian songwriters. A quote from Australian golfer Gary Player, "The more I practice, the luckier I get," perfectly captures this concept.
While you are honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your spiritual life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply recycling familiar phrases and concepts that have been used for many years.
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