In the world of Christian songwriting, there is a widespread misconception that by simply acquiring enough tips, tricks, and shortcuts, 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 connection with God and access to a wealth of inner experiences. With a strong foundation in both spirituality and songwriting abilities, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always present and can be accessed whenever one feels inspired by the Holy Spirit in their heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern fast-paced culture centered around digital technology has influenced us to adopt a mindset that seeks instant results, similar to the capabilities of AI models like CHATGPT. We believe that we should be able to input a few prompts and generate a song within a matter of seconds that would impress everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who relied on shortcuts. Instead, these songs were crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who communicated at a profound level 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 big opportunities arose, they were already dedicated to honing their skills and becoming experts in their craft. They were always striving to improve their ability to create impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with audiences on an emotional level. Their aim was to create something that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, a quality that instantly captivated and moved listeners.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I devote to practicing, the more fortunate and successful I become.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated and determined songwriters who are actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create at a much higher standard compared to the majority of aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same level of commitment.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made significant contributions to the field of Christian worship songwriting. It's difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's impactful song, "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.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to everyone, including the rising star Katy Nichole, who is signed with 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 appear to have gained sudden popularity online, it is important to note that Katy has been working on her music for years. Bravo to Katy for her dedication and success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurture and enhance your inner life. When it comes to expanding and conveying your faith through music, here are three essential factors to consider.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and demanding lives, it can be easy to neglect taking care of our souls. Although it's important to care for and serve others, it's crucial to also address our own need for rest and rejuvenation. Whatever self-care looks like to you, it is essential for the well-being of your inner self, which is interconnected with the care of your external life and physical body.
Nourish your intellectual growth. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of developing their intellects and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs alone are sufficient for a sanctified life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to compose remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Merely relying on watching news channels or consuming biased content does not suffice. If you wish to create something impactful and enduring, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear and anxiety to boost ratings. Even channels that claim to be Christian often rely on provoking anger to keep viewers engaged and exposed to sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative commentators maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their investors. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and stifles your creativity. Consider refraining from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead, use that time to reflect quietly on God's love and goodness. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your artistic expressions. Negativity steals your joy and heightens feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus.
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 am particularly fond of the well-known quote from Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "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 your inner self. In addition to honing your songwriting abilities, it is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world, rather than simply regurgitating old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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