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Expressing from an Abundant Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and strategies, one can evade the diligent process of acquiring the skills necessary to create 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. With a strong bond with God and excellent songwriting skills, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available whenever you are moved by the Spirit in your heart.
The image was captured by Laura E. Part
The way we consume digital content, especially fast-food culture, has influenced our thinking to expect instant results, similar to what CHATGPT or AI can achieve. We believe that by providing a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song in less than three 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 mediocre writers. These songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who excel in their art and effectively communicate their message. They do not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create masterpieces such as "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the big ones, they were already dedicating themselves to studying and striving to excel in their craft. They continuously immersed themselves in learning how to create impactful words and melodies, weaving them together into captivating compositions that could deeply touch and resonate with listeners. They aimed to create something that possessed an indescribable yet undeniable "WOW" factor, which could be felt when heard.
Professional golfer Gary Player once said that the harder he works and practices, the more fortunate he seems to become.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly expanding their knowledge and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical writing. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard compared to most aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same level of dedication.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their outstanding contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine what our worship experience would be like without Chris Tomlin's remarkable rendition of "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, and this applies to even the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her accomplishments!
There are numerous methods to cultivate and enhance a fulfilling and abundant inner life as a Christian songwriter. Here are three essential points to consider while aiming to expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be difficult to find time for self-care. While it's important to show care and support to others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It's crucial to find ways to take care of ourselves, as it is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is interconnected with the well-being of our outer life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to neglect their intellects and believe that only Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the essential components of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the importance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft exceptional lyrics if they haven't immersed themselves in profound words before. If you stopped reading extensively after completing college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Simply watching network or cable news and absorbing your fears and cultural biases is not sufficient. If you aspire to write something impactful that can surpass your own lifespan, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negative influences. Cable news is focused on generating fear for the sake of ratings. Even channels marketed as "Christian" thrive on angering their viewers to keep them engaged and exposed to their advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by attracting viewership and sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and inhibits your creativity. Consider abstaining from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead use that time to sit quietly and reflect on God's love and goodness. You may find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and heightens fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to replenish your heart and mind.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, express their creativity from the abundance of their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their expertise in the field of Christian songwriting. I am fond of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated that his success was not solely based on luck but also on the hours of practice he put into his craft.
While you focus on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also nurture your inner life. It is crucial to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, instead of relying on clichéd phrases and ideas that have been repeated for years.
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