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Exploring the Depths of Personal Experience through Writing
A popular misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can circumvent the challenging 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 dedicated Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. By cultivating this connection and having strong songwriting skills, one can tap into the clarity and confidence needed to write well. This innate ability is always accessible whenever the songwriter feels the movement of the Holy Spirit in their heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalence of our fast-paced digital culture has influenced us to adopt a mindset that resembles the speed and convenience of a microwave. It has convinced us that we can possess the capabilities and efficiency of AI models like CHATGPT. We tend to believe that we should effortlessly generate a song within a few seconds by inputting a couple of prompts, and expect it to be a sensational hit that impresses everyone.
However, from what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or tricks. 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 create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the prominent figures arrived, these individuals were already dedicated to learning and improving their artistic skills. They consistently educated themselves on the techniques of creating impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. They strived to create something that possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could be instantly recognized and appreciated when heard.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the amount of practice one puts in directly correlates with the level of luck they experience.
These writers are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. These are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously learning and honing their skills in writing poetic and meaningful lyrics. These individuals are committed to their craft, investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher level than many aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible 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 perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes a master at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this includes the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old, and her popular track "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, but that is not the case. Katy has been working hard and dedicated to her music for years. Congratulations to Katy for her accomplishments!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous avenues to nurture and enrich your inner life. Consider these three factors while striving to expand and articulate your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, our lives are filled with constant busyness and chaos, leaving little room for taking care of our souls. Although it is important to care for and serve others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation will eventually lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize the significance of self-care and view it as essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is intricately connected to the well-being of our outer life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to neglect their intellectual growth, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential components of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the importance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft exceptional lyrics without first being filled with profound knowledge and ideas. Merely relying on the information provided by network or cable news, which often feeds into our fears and cultural biases, is inadequate. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to enrich your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspirational works.
Disconnect from negative influences. Cable news focuses on creating fear in order to boost ratings. Even channels that claim to be Christian often thrive on anger and rely on sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by increasing ratings and attracting sponsors. However, the constant stream of negativity that they spread is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Take a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and spend that time in silence, reflecting on God's love and goodness. You will likely find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow Jesus' Spirit to renew your heart and mind.
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 accomplishments can also be attributed, at least partially, to their proficiency as Christian songwriters. I am particularly fond of the quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I dedicate myself to practicing, the more fortunate I become."
While you focus on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also prioritize the growth of your inner spiritual life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and liberating to the world, rather than relying on clichéd phrases and ideas that have been repeated for many years.
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