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Tapping into Your Inner Creativity
There is a popular misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if you gather enough advice, shortcuts, and techniques, you can effortlessly skip the 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 dedicated Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep spiritual connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With strong songwriting abilities and this inner foundation, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The clarity and confidence to write well will always be present and readily available whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photo credit goes to Laura E. Part
The fast-paced nature of our digital society has influenced us to adopt a quick and instant mindset, making us believe that we can achieve the same level of intelligence and creativity as CHATGPT or AI. We have the expectation that by simply providing a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly produce a song in less than three seconds that will amaze 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. These songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who communicate their message effectively through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the prominent figures arrived, these individuals were already dedicated to their craft and striving to achieve greatness. They consistently worked on improving their skills in creating impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply touch the emotions and captivate the hearts of their audience. They aimed to create something that had an indescribable but undeniable "WOW" factor, which could be instantly recognized when heard.
As golfer Gary Player once said, the more we dedicate ourselves to practicing, the more fortunate opportunities seem to come our way.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and committed songwriters who are already immersed in the process of learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create at an exceptionally high level, surpassing the level of commitment I observe in most aspiring writers.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on the creation of Christian worship songs. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without the powerful composition of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we frequently overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated countless years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in refining both their songs and their ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles, or "hooks," overnight. This is true for everyone, including Katy Nichole, the rising star of Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, this is not the case. Katy has been dedicated to her musical journey for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her hard work and achievements!
Tips for Cultivating a Deep Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various approaches to nurturing a fulfilling and profound inner life. Here are three essential aspects to bear in mind while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, our lives are filled with constant busyness and chaos, making it difficult to find time for self-care. Although it is important to care for others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize that taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining our inner well-being, which in turn affects our overall health and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and rely solely on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs as the main components of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of delving into profound knowledge. They recognize that it is impossible to craft exceptional lyrics without first immersing themselves in them. If you have stopped reading extensively after college or even high school, it is essential for you to revisit books. This cannot be replaced by indulging in fear-driven news or reinforcing your cultural biases through network or cable channels. If you aspire to write something that can have a lasting impact, even beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring creations.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news channels focus on instilling fear in viewers in order to boost their ratings. Even channels that claim to be Christian often rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and watching the sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they spew forth is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and your ability to think creatively. Consider taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your artistic expressions. Negativity steals your happiness and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow yourself to be filled with the spirit of Jesus 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 as Christian songwriters. I greatly appreciate the words of renowned Australian golfer Gary Player, who once stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on cultivating a deep and meaningful personal life. It is crucial to bring something fresh, courageous, and empowering to the world through your music, rather than simply rehashing the same old phrases and concepts that have been around for a long time.
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