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Expressing from a Deeply Personal Perspective
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, which suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, techniques, and shortcuts, one can effortlessly evade the effort required to master the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, having a deep connection with God and being a dedicated Christian songwriter is more important than relying on tips and tricks. If you have a strong relationship with God and possess good songwriting skills, you don't need shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always within you, ready to be tapped into whenever you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern fast-paced culture of relying on technology and instant gratification has influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can replicate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We have this notion that we should be able to input a few prompts and effortlessly generate a song within a matter of seconds, expecting it to be a huge hit that captivates everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by individuals who rely on shortcuts. Instead, these songs are the result of Christian songwriters who excel in their craft and effectively communicate their message through their art. They don't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and happen to create something as profound as "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the prominent figures arrived, these individuals were already dedicated to honing their skills and striving for greatness in their field. They consistently immersed themselves in the process of learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and harmonious melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply touch and resonate with listeners on an emotional level. Their goal was to create something that had an indescribable yet undeniable "WOW" factor, which could only be truly understood and appreciated when experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the harder I work and dedicate myself to practicing, the more fortunate opportunities seem to come my way.
These individuals are not looking for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are actively learning and honing their skills in poetry and lyrics. They are committed to their craft and are investing a significant amount of time and effort to create at a much higher level than most aspiring writers are willing to.
Many of us have great respect for talented Christian worship songwriters such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys. We can't imagine the impact of not having Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we often overlook the fact that these artists have dedicated years to perfecting their craft and have faced challenges while refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to everyone, including the talented artist Katy Nichole. She has been sharing her music since she was just fourteen years old. Although her song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained popularity overnight, it is important to note that Katy has been working hard in the music industry for many years. We applaud her dedication and success.
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches you can take to foster a deep and fulfilling inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to enhance and communicate your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be easy to neglect taking care of our souls. However, it is important to find time for ourselves and ensure that we are replenished and rested. While it is crucial to continue caring for and serving others, we must also acknowledge our own needs. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely connected to the well-being of our outer life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that focusing solely on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is sufficient for a sanctified life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the value of deep reading. They recognize that without immersing themselves in profound words, it is impossible to produce remarkable lyrics. If you have stopped reading extensively after college or even high school, it is vital for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear and being influenced by cultural biases through network or cable news is not enough. If you aspire to write something impactful and timeless, it is essential to nourish your mind with excellent literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news channels are solely focused on spreading fear in order to increase their ratings. Even the channels that claim to have Christian values thrive on provoking anger in order to keep viewers engaged and expose them to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on building a large audience and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to both your soul and creativity. I encourage you to take a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in peaceful reflection on God's love and goodness. You will likely find that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors, as negativity steals your joy and fuels fear and anxiety. Take a pause and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their work from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their expertise in songwriting. I greatly appreciate the famous quote from Australian golfer Gary Player, who emphasized the importance of practice in achieving success, stating, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on improving your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also focus on nurturing your spiritual growth. It is essential to offer something fresh, courageous, and empowering to the world through your songs, rather than relying on cliches and repetitive ideas that have been around for a long time.
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