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Expressing from a Deeply Personal Experience
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can evade the arduous process of acquiring the skills to create impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, having a deep connection with God and being a skilled songwriter are more important than relying on tips and tricks. If you possess a rich inner life and strong songwriting abilities, you won't need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible when you feel inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of fast-paced digital consumption has influenced our thinking to adopt an instant gratification mindset. It leads us to believe that we can possess the same abilities as CHATGPT or AI. We mistakenly assume that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within three seconds that will amaze and captivate 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. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate their message through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already immersed in their art, dedicating themselves to studying and striving for excellence. They consistently sought to educate themselves on the techniques of skillfully weaving impactful words and melodies together, creating captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. Their goal was to create something truly remarkable, possessing an indescribable "WOW" factor that could instantly be recognized and appreciated by anyone who heard it.
Pro golfer Gary Player once said that the more he practices, the more fortunate he becomes. This suggests that with increased dedication and effort in practicing, one's chances of achieving success and good fortune also increase.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a malicious way. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These committed individuals are investing their time and efforts to create music at a much higher standard than what I typically observe from aspiring writers who seem unwilling to put in the necessary work.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made exceptional contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without the impact of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these writers have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges while refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to even the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs 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 luck, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her persistence!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various methods to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential points to consider while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be difficult to find time for self-care. However, it is important to remember that while we should never neglect our responsibilities towards others, we risk burning out if we neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. Whatever self-care means to you, it is essential for maintaining your inner well-being, which is interconnected with the care of your external life and physical health.
Nurture your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that focusing solely on Bible study, prayer, and worship songs is enough for a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create exceptional lyrics without first immersing themselves in rich and profound content. If you have ceased reading after completing college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from television networks or cable channels does not fulfill this need. If you aspire to write something impactful that can transcend your own existence, it is essential to nourish your mind with great literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by spreading fear. Even channels that claim to be Christian use anger to keep viewers engaged and sit through advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits all rely on ratings and sponsorships for their success. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote can harm your spiritual well-being and hinder your creative abilities. 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 allows positivity to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Give yourself a break and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of abundance in their relationship with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talents as Christian songwriters. I greatly appreciate the famous words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated, "The more I devote myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While working on your Christian songwriting ministry, it is important to remember the significance of nurturing your personal spiritual growth alongside enhancing your songwriting abilities. It is crucial to offer the world something new, courageous, and freeing rather than simply repeating clichéd expressions and concepts that have been heard for years.
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