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Expressing from a Deeply Nurtured Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring sufficient advice, techniques, and shortcuts, one can evade the arduous process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying on tips and tricks alone cannot replace the importance of having a deep spiritual connection with God as a committed Christian songwriter. If you possess this connection and possess strong songwriting abilities, there is no need to resort to shortcuts — the ability to write with clarity and confidence will always be readily available to you, especially when you sense the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The image was captured by photographer Laura E.
The modern culture of quick and convenient digital consumption has influenced our thinking in such a way that we believe we can emulate the abilities of CHATGPT or AI. We have the expectation that by simply inputting a few prompts, we should be able to instantly generate a song that will captivate everyone's attention in less than three seconds.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by those who rely on shortcuts or easy methods. Instead, they are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate profound messages through their art. These writers do not simply attempt to write a song randomly and accidentally end up with masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the more experienced individuals, they were already dedicated to learning and improving their craft. They consistently sought to educate themselves on the mastery of creating impactful words and melodies, and constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. These compositions possessed an indescribable, yet undeniable, "WOW" factor that evoked strong emotional responses when heard.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and time I dedicate to practicing, the more fortunate I become.
These individuals are not seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a superficial manner. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft. They are committed to learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. Unlike many aspiring writers, these individuals are investing their time and effort to create at a much higher level.
We hold great respect 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 the profound influence of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we frequently overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years of effort to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is true even for emerging artist Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden popularity, the truth is that Katy has been working hard at her music for many 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 numerous methods to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three key factors to consider while aiming to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in the chaos and busyness of life, leaving little time for self-care. It is important to remember that while it is crucial to be caring and supportive towards others, we must not neglect our own well-being. If we fail to take the time to rest and recharge, we will eventually burn out. Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury, but a necessity in order to maintain a balanced and fulfilling life. Our inner well-being is closely intertwined with the care we give to our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellectual growth. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only vital aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics unless they are first filled with a wealth of knowledge and ideas. If you have not pursued further reading since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing or biased content from network or cable news will not suffice. If you aspire to create something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by instilling fear. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on provoking anger to keep viewers engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they spew is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Try abstaining from any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time quietly contemplating the love and goodness of God. You will likely find that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies 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 more create music that flows out of their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and expertise as Christian songwriters. It reminds me of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on your Christian songwriting ministry, it is important to also focus on nurturing your spiritual life. It is crucial to constantly enhance your songwriting abilities, but it is equally important to offer something unique, courageous, and freeing to the world, rather than simply repeating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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