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Expressing from a Deeply Personal Perspective
There is a prevalent misconception regarding Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire sufficient advice, techniques, and shortcuts, you can effortlessly evade the arduous 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 devout Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God, which serves as a constant source of inspiration. With a strong connection to God and proficient songwriting abilities, there is no need to rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well is always accessible when one is in tune with the Spirit and feels its guidance within their heart.
This photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The way we consume digital content quickly and impulsively has influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can replicate the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that we should be able to input a few prompts and effortlessly generate a song in less than three seconds that will amaze everyone.
However, based on what I have personally observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts. Instead, these songs are the result of skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate through their art. They 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."
Prior to the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already deeply engrossed in their artistic pursuits and striving to achieve greatness. They consistently devoted themselves to learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. Their aim was to create something profoundly moving, possessing an indescribable "WOW" factor that evokes a strong reaction when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become in my performance.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive or insincere manner. They are highly dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in order to achieve the utmost excellence in poetic and lyrical composition. These are the individuals who are willing to invest their time and effort to produce works of art that far surpass the commitment I observe in most aspiring writers.
We greatly respect individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible 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 years of hard work to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes successful overnight, and this is especially true for those who have the talent to create catchy song titles or hooks. Even Katy Nichole, the rising star on Centricity Music, has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained popularity overnight, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her success!
Here are a few suggestions to help Christian songwriters cultivate a deeper and more fulfilling inner life. These tips can assist in the process of personal growth and the expression of faith through music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced and overwhelming world, it can be difficult to find the time to take care of our souls. However, it is crucial that we don't neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation, even as we continue to care for and serve others. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining our inner well-being, which is closely connected to the care we provide to our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial aspects of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of delving into deep reading. They comprehend that without immersing themselves in remarkable words, it is impossible to compose incredible lyrics. If you have not pursued reading beyond college or even high school, it is essential for you to return to books. Merely consuming fear-inducing and culturally biased news through network or cable channels does not suffice. If your goal is to create something impactful that can transcend your own lifetime, it is necessary to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to increase their ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations rely on making you angry, so you continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their investors. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your well-being and creative abilities. Try abstaining from any form of news for a few weeks and utilize that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. Notice how your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your happiness and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to replenish your heart and mind once again.
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 expertise in the field of Christian songwriting. I greatly admire the wise words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously expressed that the more he dedicates himself to practice, the more fortunate he becomes.
As you progress in your Christian songwriting ministry, it is important to remember the significance of nurturing your personal growth alongside your development in songwriting skills. It is essential to offer the world something fresh, courageous, and freeing, rather than simply recycling old phrases and ideas that have been heard countless times before.
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