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Expressing Thoughts from a Deep Inner World
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting which suggests that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, 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 essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. By cultivating this relationship and honing your songwriting skills, you won't need to rely on shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available to you, especially when you feel the moving of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The image was captured by photographer Laura E.
The modern fast-paced culture driven by technology has influenced us to adopt a mindset that expects instant results, similar to the capabilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly create a remarkable song within a matter of seconds that will impress everyone.
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 quick fixes. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate their message through their art. They don't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create something as powerful as "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of more experienced individuals, they were already dedicated to honing their skills and aspiring to achieve greatness in their craft. They consistently pursued knowledge on how to skillfully combine impactful lyrics and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with and captivate listeners. Their goal was to create something emotionally profound, possessing that indescribable "WOW" factor that instantly grabs your attention and leaves a lasting impression.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become in my performances.
These individuals are dedicated songwriters who are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are serious about their craft and are already actively engaged in learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These individuals are committed to putting in the necessary effort and time to create at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We hold great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made remarkable contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is easy 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 successful overnight, and this applies to the talent of creating catchy song titles or "hooks" as well. Katy Nichole, a rising star in Centricity Music, has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it went viral by luck, this is not the case. Katy has been dedicated to her craft for many years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous ways to enhance and nourish your inner life. Here are three essential aspects to consider while striving to deepen your faith and express it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be easy to overlook taking care of our own souls. However, it is crucial to ensure that we do not neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation, even as we serve and care for others. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely connected to the well-being of our outer life and physical body.
Nourish your mind. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a pious life. However, the most successful songwriters understand the significance of immersing themselves in deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first being filled with profound ideas. If you have stopped reading after college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from network or cable channels does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative that you nurture your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear for the sake of ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on provoking anger in order to keep viewers engaged and sit through their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, 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 emit is detrimental to both your soul and your creative abilities. I suggest abstaining from any news consumption for a few weeks and instead, spend that time peacefully reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity deprives you of joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind 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 and lyrics with such passion because 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 once said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are honing your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is essential to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, instead of simply reiterating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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