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Expressing from a Deep Inner World
A widely believed misconception regarding Christian songwriting is that acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, techniques, and shortcuts can enable one to skip the arduous 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 important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as this will provide the inspiration and guidance needed. With a strong relationship with God and proficient songwriting skills, there is no need for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible whenever one feels moved by the Holy Spirit in their heart.
This photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern era of quick and easily accessible information has shaped our thinking to expect instant results, similar to the capabilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that with a few simple prompts, we should be able to effortlessly create a song in just a few seconds, and have it become an instant sensation.
Based on my personal experience, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or easy techniques. Instead, they are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating profound messages through their music. These writers do not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally stumble upon masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
These individuals were already deeply involved in studying and striving for greatness in their chosen art form before they encountered significant opportunities. They consistently dedicated themselves to learning how to create impactful compositions by combining powerful words and melodies, constructing captivating arrangements that would touch the hearts and captivate the attention of listeners. Their goal was to create something emotionally stirring, possessing an indescribable and irresistible "WOW" factor that can only be fully understood and appreciated through hearing it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I dedicate to practicing, the more fortunate and successful I become.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceitful manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously improving their skills and knowledge in poetic and lyrical techniques. These individuals are committed to their craft and invest considerable time and effort to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We greatly appreciate 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 the absence of Chris Tomlin's "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 is true for even up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole. She 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 a lucky viral success, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her perseverance!
Discovering ways to cultivate a deep and fulfilling inner life is crucial for Christian songwriters. To enhance and articulate their faith through music, here are three key points to consider.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced and demanding world, we often find ourselves caught up in the chaos and neglecting our own well-being. It is important to remember that while we should always prioritize our caring and service towards others, we must also take the time to rest and recharge ourselves. Taking care of our soul is crucial for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. It is an integral part of our overall well-being, which cannot be separated from the care we give to our physical body and outer life.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of delving into deep reading. They recognize that one cannot produce exceptional words without first immersing themselves in them. If you stopped pursuing academic reading after college or even high school, it is crucial for you to return to books. Merely consuming fear-inducing and biased content from network or cable news does not fulfill this requirement. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to nourish your mind with remarkable literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear to boost their ratings. Even channels that claim to be "Christian" rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and sit through their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by attracting high ratings and sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant flow of negativity they spread is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Consider avoiding news altogether for a few weeks and use that time to reflect quietly on God's love and goodness. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, and Maher, among many others, create their music from a place of abundant inspiration that comes from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent and proficiency as Christian songwriters. An insightful quote by Australian golfer Gary Player comes to mind: "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you are honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to prioritize the growth of your inner life. In addition to developing your songwriting abilities, it is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world. We should aim to move beyond recycling familiar phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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