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Expressing from a Wealthy Inner World
There is a widespread misconception regarding Christian songwriting which suggests that if you acquire sufficient advice, techniques, and shortcuts, you can somehow evade the laborious process of acquiring the skills necessary to create impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks cannot replace the importance of having a deep spiritual connection with God as a devoted Christian songwriter. If you possess a strong connection with God and possess excellent songwriting skills, you do not need to rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write effectively is always accessible to you, allowing you to tap into it whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of quick and convenient digital experiences has influenced us to adopt a mindset that is similar to microwaving food. It has convinced us that we can effortlessly emulate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that we should be capable of inputting a few prompts and instantly generating a song in less than three seconds, which would impress and astonish everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by those who rely on shortcuts or tricks. Instead, they are written by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate through their art. These individuals 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 arrival of the more experienced individuals, they were already dedicated to studying and improving their skills in their respective artistic fields. They were continuously learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create engaging compositions that could deeply resonate with audiences, evoking strong emotions. Their goal was to create something that had an inexplicable "WOW" factor, which was captivating and unforgettable when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I dedicate to practicing, the more fortunate and successful I become.
These individuals are not looking for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously learning and honing their skills in order to reach the highest level of poetic and lyrical expression. These individuals are committed to paying their dues and investing the necessary time and effort to create music at a much higher standard compared to the majority of aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same level of commitment.
We greatly respect 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 the music landscape without Chris Tomlin's iconic 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 enhance their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles, or "hooks," overnight. This applies to everyone, including up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole, who has been sharing her songs since she was fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden popularity, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various approaches you can take to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential considerations to bear in mind while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and too busy to take care of our own well-being. While it is important to be compassionate and help others, we must also remember to rest and rejuvenate ourselves. Taking care of our souls is essential for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life, as our inner and outer selves are interconnected.
Nourish your intellect. Christian songwriters often overlook the importance of engaging their minds and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial elements of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of delving into deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Merely relying on news from television networks or cable channels to stimulate your thoughts and reinforce your personal biases is insufficient. If you aspire to write something impactful that transcends your own lifetime, it is essential to fuel your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by spreading fear. Even religious channels aim to make you angry so that you continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, provocative personalities, and even conservative commentators maintain their jobs by attracting viewership and securing sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, their constant flow of negativity is detrimental to your well-being and ability to be creative. Consider abstaining from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead use that time to sit quietly and contemplate on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive mindset starts to overflow into your artistic expressions. Negativity not only steals your joy but also intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more create their work from an abundance of their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent as Christian songwriters. I greatly appreciate the well-known quote from Australian golfer Gary Player, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your spiritual and emotional well-being. It is crucial to strive for originality, courage, and freedom in your songs, rather than simply rehashing old cliches and ideas that have been around for years.
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