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Expressing Thoughts from a Deep Internal World
There is a widespread misconception regarding Christian songwriting, which suggests that if you gather sufficient advice, shortcuts, and techniques, you can effortlessly avoid the arduous 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 important to have a deep and meaningful connection with God, which will serve as a constant source of inspiration. With a strong bond with God and well-developed songwriting skills, there is no need to struggle or search for shortcuts. The ability to write effectively is always present, and can be accessed whenever the Spirit moves you in your heart.
A photograph taken by Laura E. Partain
Our modern culture, heavily influenced by fast food and digital technology, has ingrained in us a mindset that seeks 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 produce a song within a matter of seconds, expecting it to impress and 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. These writers are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting who effectively communicate profound messages through their art. They didn't simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Prior to the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic skills. They maintained a constant focus on learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions. Their goal was to create music that would deeply resonate with listeners, evoking strong emotions and possessing an indescribable "WOW" factor that can only be understood through experience.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort he invests in practicing, the more successful he becomes. In other words, Player believes that his consistent practice leads to improved luck in his performance.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's 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 developing their skills and have faced various challenges in order to perfect their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to everyone, including the up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden viral success, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her perseverance!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurturing a meaningful and gratifying inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to enhance your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and with little time to take care of our inner selves. Although it's crucial to show compassion and help others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is essential to recognize that self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced inner life, which in turn affects our overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters often overlook the importance of engaging their minds and assume that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial aspects of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of delving into deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to produce remarkable lyrics if they haven't first immersed themselves in profound written works. Merely relying on news from network or cable sources, which only reinforces your fears and cultural biases, is not sufficient. If you aspire to create something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news focuses on generating fear and increasing viewership. Even the "Christian" channels thrive on stirring anger in order to retain viewership and keep them engaged during sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their positions. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate can have detrimental effects on your spiritual well-being and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may find that this shift in focus leads to a greater sense of positivity and inspiration in your creative endeavors. Negativity diminishes your joy and amplifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow Jesus' Spirit to replenish your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their proficiency as Christian songwriters. It reminds me of a well-known quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who once said, "The more I practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you are progressing in your Christian songwriting ministry, it is important to not overlook the continuous development of your inner life alongside your songwriting skills. The world is in need of something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing from you – not merely recycled phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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