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Expressing from a Deep Personal Experience
A prevailing misconception regarding Christian songwriting is that by acquiring sufficient advice, techniques, 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 committed Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and an abundant inner life to draw inspiration from. By having a strong bond with God and honing your songwriting skills, there is no need to seek shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalent culture of instant gratification in the digital world has influenced us to adopt a mindset that resembles a microwave – always seeking quick and effortless results. It leads us to believe that we can emulate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We often expect to input a few prompts and instantly generate a song that will amaze and impress everyone in a matter of seconds.
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 or hacks. These writers are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating profound messages through their craft. They didn't simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the major opportunities presented themselves, these individuals were dedicated to their craft and striving for greatness. They consistently worked on honing their skills in order to create impactful songs and lyrics that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their aim was to create a mesmerizing and indescribable effect on the audience, something that evokes strong emotions and leaves a lasting impression.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and time he dedicates to practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his game.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously learning and refining their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are committed to their craft, investing their time and effort to create music at a much more advanced level than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
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 difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's "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 various challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, including up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole. She has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit track "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a fortunate viral success, it is important to note that Katy has been working on her craft for years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Discovering ways to cultivate a nourishing and fulfilling inner life as a Christian songwriter can be achieved through various methods. Here are three essential aspects 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 lives that leave little room for taking care of our own souls. While it's important to be caring and helpful towards others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining a balanced inner life, which is closely connected to the care we provide to our outer life and physical well-being.
Nurture your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most accomplished songwriters delve into extensive reading. They understand that it is impossible to write extraordinary lyrics without immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge. If you have stopped reading after college or high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely indulging in fear-inducing and biased content from network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to create something impactful that transcends your own existence, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. News programs on television are focused on increasing ratings by instilling fear. Even channels that claim to have a Christian perspective often aim to anger viewers so they continue watching and endure the sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, provocative entertainers, and conservative commentators also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their careers. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread can be detrimental to your spirituality and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating God's love and goodness. You may find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause 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 abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their abilities as Christian songwriters. A quote by Australian golfer Gary Player perfectly captures this notion, stating, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on honing your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also focus on nurturing your personal and spiritual growth. It is essential to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and liberating to the world through your music, rather than simply repeating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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