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Expressing from a Wealthy Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that if one acquires enough advice, shortcuts, and techniques, they can effortlessly avoid the effort required to master the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as this will provide a constant source of inspiration. With a strong foundation in faith and good songwriting skills, there is no need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible, especially when one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
Our modern society, heavily influenced by quick and convenient digital experiences, has conditioned us to expect instant results. This has led us to believe that we can possess the same capabilities as advanced AI models like CHATGPT. We tend to believe that with just a few simple prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a popular song in less than three seconds, causing a tremendous reaction from everyone.
However, based on my personal experience, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or unoriginal ideas. These songwriters are skilled practitioners who excel in the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating profound messages through their music. 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 arrival of major figures, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their skills in their chosen art form. They were constantly learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply touch and resonate with listeners. Their goal was to create something that had an indescribable and irresistible "WOW" factor, which could only be fully understood and appreciated when experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication he puts into practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his game.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are committed and dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly improving and exploring advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create at a much higher level compared to most aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same level of dedication.
We greatly appreciate and respect individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It's difficult to imagine where we would be without the impact of Chris Tomlin's powerful song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it's important to remember that these talented writers have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced challenges along the way in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is especially true for Katy Nichole, the rising star of Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since the age of fourteen, and her popular track "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a stroke of luck, but it is far from it. Katy has dedicated years to her craft, and her hard work is paying off. Congratulations, Katy!
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 essential factors to consider while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our busy lives, it can be easy to overlook the importance of taking care of our souls. However, if we neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation, we will eventually burn out. While it is crucial to continue caring for and serving others, it is equally important to prioritize self-care. Taking care of ourselves is not just necessary for our inner well-being, but it also impacts our outer life and physical health.
Nurture your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and worship songs are the only essential components of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They acknowledge that it is impossible to craft remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of words. If you haven't engaged in extensive reading since college, or even high school, it is crucial that you make time to delve into books once again. Merely feeding your mind with fear-inducing news from network or cable channels does not fulfill this requirement. If you aspire to write anything that can make a lasting impact and surpass your own lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. The content shown on cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by instilling fear in viewers. Even so-called "Christian" channels thrive on making their audience angry, as it keeps them engaged and willing to sit through the advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative commentators all rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and stifles your creativity. I suggest taking a break from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that your newfound positivity begins to overflow into your artistry. Negativity not only robs you of joy, but it also intensifies fear and anxiety. Give yourself a respite and allow your heart and mind to be filled with the spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create their music by drawing inspiration from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements in the industry are also a result of their talent and expertise as Christian songwriters. It reminds me of the wise words spoken by Australian golfer Gary Player, who once said, "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you are honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is essential to also focus on nurturing a deep and meaningful inner life. It is important to remember that the world is in need of fresh and daring ideas from you, rather than simply recycling old phrases and concepts that have been heard for years.
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