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Expressing from a Deep Inner World
There is a widespread misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, which suggests that by acquiring numerous 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 cannot replace the importance of having a deep connection with God as a committed Christian songwriter. When you possess a strong bond with God and possess excellent songwriting skills, you don't need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write effectively with clarity and confidence is always available to you, especially when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit within your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The fast-paced digital culture we live in has made us believe that we can become like CHATGPT or AI. We have this notion that we should be able to simply input a few prompts and effortlessly create a song in less than three seconds, which will instantly 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. Instead, they are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting who effectively communicate their message through their art. These individuals don't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally come up with masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already immersed in their art, dedicating themselves to studying and striving for excellence. They were constantly learning and honing their skills in order to create impactful compositions that could captivate listeners on both an emotional and auditory level. These compositions possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor that was irresistible and left a lasting impression on anyone who experienced it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate and successful I become.
These individuals are not seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways with ulterior motives. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already actively pursuing their craft. They are committed to learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are putting in the necessary effort and time, surpassing the dedication I observe in most aspiring writers, in order to create at an exceptional level.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, due to 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, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated numerous years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or "hooks" overnight, and this includes the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old. Although her hit single "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may appear to be a lucky viral success, it is important to note that she has been working hard at her music for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Methods for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurturing and experiencing a deeply fulfilling inner life. Here are three essential points to bear in mind while striving to expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make your well-being a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in the chaos of our daily lives, leaving little time to take care of our own souls. Although it is important to show compassion and help others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can result in burnout. It is crucial to recognize the significance of self-care and how it plays a vital role in maintaining our inner well-being, which is interconnected with the care we give to our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to neglect their intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that only Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the crucial components of a holy life. However, successful songwriters understand the importance of delving into profound knowledge. They recognize that it is impossible to create extraordinary lyrics if they have not first immersed themselves in exceptional words. If you have stopped reading extensively after college, or even high school, it is vital for you to rediscover the value of reading. Merely consuming news from network or cable sources, which often feeds into your fears and cultural biases, does not suffice. If your goal is to produce impactful work that can endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to feed your mind with outstanding literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news solely focuses on creating fear and increasing ratings. Even channels that claim to be Christian often rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and sit through advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they perpetuate is detrimental to your soul and stifles your creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity robs you of joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause 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 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 proficiency as Christian songwriters. I am particularly fond of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on growing your abilities in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your personal spiritual journey. It is necessary to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than simply recycling familiar expressions and concepts that have been around for years.
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