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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, suggesting that by simply acquiring enough advice, strategies, and shortcuts, one can effortlessly evade 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 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 honing your songwriting skills, you won't need to rely on shortcuts or hacks. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible to you, especially when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of instant gratification through technology has deeply influenced our way of thinking, making us believe that we can achieve the same level of intelligence as CHATGPT or AI. We mistakenly assume that we should effortlessly produce a song within seconds by simply entering a few prompts, and expect it to impress everyone.
From my personal experience, I have found that the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by those who rely on shortcuts or easy solutions. Instead, they come from skilled Christian songwriters who have honed their craft and are able to effectively communicate their message through their art. These writers don't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally end up creating masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the more experienced individuals, they were already dedicating themselves to studying and striving for excellence in their craft. They were always learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies into captivating compositions that could deeply touch and resonate with listeners, possessing that indescribable "WOW" factor that is unmistakable when heard.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become in my game.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively pursuing their craft, continuously improving their poetic and lyrical skills. These are the individuals who are committed and investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher level than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We hold great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's uplifting rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is important to remember that these songwriters have dedicated countless years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to shape their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, including Katy Nichole, a rising star in Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by chance, that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her music for years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Deep and Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches you can take to cultivate a profound and satisfying inner life. Here are three essential aspects to consider while striving to nurture and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, we often neglect taking care of our own souls. It is important to remember that while we should continue to care for and serve others, we need to also make time for rest and rejuvenation. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely interconnected with our outer life and physical well-being.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters often overlook the importance of engaging their intellectual capabilities. They tend to believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential elements for living a sanctified life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of profound words. Merely relying on the consumption of news from television networks or cable channels, which often perpetuate fear and reinforce cultural biases, does not suffice. If you desire to produce work that can make a lasting impact, even surpassing your own lifespan, it is crucial to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news thrives on instilling fear in order to boost their ratings. Even stations that identify as "Christian" rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they disseminate is detrimental to your well-being and creativity. Consider abstaining from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead use that time to reflect quietly on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals away your joy and amplifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to replenish your heart and mind.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their accomplishments can also be attributed, at least in some measure, to their expertise as Christian songwriters. I am reminded of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated that the more he practices, the more fortunate he becomes.
While you work on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to remember to also nurture your inner self. It is essential to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your songs, rather than simply repeating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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