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Expressing Your Inner World Through Writing
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the challenging process of learning how to create impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a wealth of inner experiences to draw inspiration from. With a strong bond with God and excellent songwriting abilities, there is no need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit within your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalence of our fast-paced digital culture has heavily influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can imitate the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We have developed the expectation that we should be able to input a few prompts and instantly produce a sensational song within three seconds that will amaze everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not written by those who rely on shortcuts or tricks. Instead, they are created by skilled Christian songwriters who excel in their craft and are able to effectively communicate through their art. These writers didn't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the major opportunities presented themselves, these individuals were already immersed in their artistic pursuits, striving to reach their full potential. They consistently dedicated themselves to learning the techniques of crafting impactful lyrics and melodies, creating captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with audiences, evoking strong emotions. Their intention was to create something truly extraordinary, possessing an indescribable quality that instantly captivates and leaves a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to listen.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the greater amount of practice I put in, the more fortunate I become. The more I dedicate myself to practicing, the more luck seems to come my way.
These individuals are not seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in order to achieve the highest level of poetic and lyrical excellence. These individuals are willing to invest their time and effort, surpassing the commitment I observe in most aspiring writers, in order to create at an exceptionally elevated level.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard 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 skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, including the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden popularity, the truth is that she has been working hard at her craft for years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
If you are a Christian songwriter, there are numerous strategies you can employ to nurture a deep and fulfilling inner life. Here are three key factors to consider as you aim to enhance your spiritual growth and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and demanding lives, it can be easy to neglect our own well-being. However, it is crucial to take time for ourselves to rest and recharge, as neglecting our own needs can lead to burnout. It is important to find ways to take care of ourselves, whether it be through activities that bring us joy, practicing self-care, or seeking support from others. By prioritizing our inner life, we can better care for our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters often overlook the importance of intellectual growth, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the sole components of a holy life. However, the most successful songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that without immersing themselves in incredible words, it is impossible to write extraordinary lyrics. If you have halted your reading habits after college or even high school, it is essential for you to pick up books once again. Merely feeding your fears and cultural biases by watching news channels will not suffice. If you aspire to create impactful work that transcends time, it is crucial to feed your mind with outstanding literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings through scare tactics. Even channels that claim to be Christian rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and watching the sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that this shift in focus allows your positivity to overflow into your creative pursuits. Negativity steals your joy and heightens feelings of 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 others create music that stems from their deep connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and expertise in writing Christian songs. I am reminded of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated that the more he practiced, the more fortunate he became.
As you progress in your journey of Christian songwriting, it is crucial to continually cultivate a deep and meaningful personal life alongside honing your songwriting abilities. It is essential to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than simply regurgitating clichéd phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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