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Expressing Thoughts and Feelings through Writing
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, you can effortlessly avoid the laborious process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my perspective, I think relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a devoted Christian songwriter. It is crucial to have a deep and meaningful connection with God, as well as possessing strong songwriting abilities. When you have these qualities, you don't need to search for shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always present, and you can tap into it whenever you feel the Spirit guiding you in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The way our society consumes digital content quickly and easily has influenced us to expect instant results, similar to how CHATGPT or AI functions. We believe that we should be able to input a few prompts and generate a song within seconds that 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 relied on shortcuts. These writers were and continue to be skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating through their art. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the major opportunities arrived, they were already dedicating themselves to mastering their craft. They were continuously learning how to skillfully combine words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply touch the emotions of their audience. They strived to create something indescribably powerful, with a distinct "WOW" factor that is hard to put into words but instantly recognizable when experienced.
Pro golfer Gary Player once said that the more he dedicated himself to practicing, the more fortunate he seemed to become.
These individuals are not actively seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are highly motivated songwriters who are already dedicated to their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in the art of poetry and lyricism. These individuals are willing to invest their time and effort to create music at a superior level compared to most aspiring writers who are not as committed to their craft.
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 the absence of Chris Tomlin's "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 challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or "hooks" overnight, and this applies to even the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. 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 popularity by luck, that is not the case. Katy has been working on her music for years, and we applaud her dedication.
Tips for Cultivating a Deep Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous strategies to nurture and enhance your inner life. Below are three essential factors to consider while striving to develop and convey your faith through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In our fast-paced lives, it can be easy to neglect our own well-being while focusing on caring for others. However, if we don't take the time to rest and replenish ourselves, we will eventually burn out. It is important to recognize that self-care is essential for maintaining our inner lives, which are interconnected with our outer lives and physical health.
Nurture your intellectual growth. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual development and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without immersing themselves in profound words first. If you have ceased reading after college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books once again. Consuming fear and being influenced by cultural biases through network or cable news does not count. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news solely focuses on scaring viewers for the sake of higher ratings. Even channels labeled as "Christian" thrive on provoking anger to keep you hooked and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative commentators also rely on generating high ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and your ability to be creative. I suggest taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and using that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your newfound positivity begins to overflow into your music or creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Allow yourself to take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus once more.
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. I greatly appreciate the words of wisdom from Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and fulfilling personal life. Your ministry should strive to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world, rather than simply recycling old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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