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Tapping into Your Inner Creativity
A misconception often heard regarding Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring a sufficient number of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can skip the arduous process of mastering the art of creating compelling 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 spiritual life, as well as strong songwriting abilities. With these qualities, there is no need to resort to shortcuts or tricks. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible when one feels the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in their heart.
The image was taken by Laura E. Part
The way we consume digital content quickly and conveniently has influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can mimic the abilities of CHATGPT or AI. We assume that we should be capable of generating a song in less than three seconds simply by providing a few prompts, and that it will instantly impress everyone.
In my personal observation, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or tricks. These songwriters are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting, using their art to communicate at a profound level. They do not simply attempt to write a song and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the big names, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic abilities. They consistently sought knowledge on how to create impactful lyrics and melodies, and were skilled in constructing songs that could deeply touch and captivate listeners. They aimed to create something that evoked strong emotions, possessing that indescribable "WOW" factor that is instantly recognizable when heard.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate myself to practicing, the more favorable outcomes I experience, which may appear as luck to others.
These individuals are not searching for opportunities to attend free Christian songwriting workshops or receive giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in the craft, continuously learning and honing their skills in the art of poetry and lyrics. These are the individuals who are committed to investing their time and effort to create at a much higher standard than what I observe from most aspiring writers who are not as committed to their craft.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable 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 to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to refine their songs and ministries.
No one becomes successful overnight, and this applies to the skill of creating catchy song titles or "hooks". 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 gained popularity by chance, that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
When it comes to nurturing a deep and fulfilling inner life as a Christian songwriter, there are several aspects to consider. Here are three essential factors to bear in mind as you strive to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and chaotic lives, it can be easy to neglect taking care of our souls. However, it is important to recognize that while we should continue to care for and serve others, disregarding our own need for rest and rejuvenation will lead to burnout. It is crucial to find ways to take care of ourselves, as it is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life that is intertwined with the care of our outer life and physical well-being.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most successful songwriters recognize the significance of deep reading. They understand that it is impossible to create extraordinary words without first being enriched by them. If you have stopped reading extensively after college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming sensationalized news from network or cable channels does not suffice. If your aim is to write something impactful and have a lasting legacy, it is essential to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by spreading fear. Even the so-called "Christian" stations aim to provoke anger in order to keep viewers engaged and exposed to their advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their positions. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to your soul and creativity. I suggest taking a break from all forms of news for a few weeks and using that time to reflect quietly on God's love and goodness. You will likely notice a shift towards a more positive mindset, which will have a positive impact on your songs. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others create their music from a place of deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and expertise as Christian songwriters. This reminds me of a well-known quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who once said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
As you progress in your journey of Christian songwriting, it is important to remember the significance of nurturing a deep and meaningful inner life alongside honing your songwriting abilities. It is essential to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than simply regurgitating clichéd phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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