Blog
Expressing Your Inner World through Writing
There is a widespread misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire a sufficient number of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, you can effortlessly avoid the rigorous process of acquiring the skills needed 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 and meaningful relationship with God as a devoted Christian songwriter. If you possess this connection and possess strong songwriting abilities, there is no need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available to you whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The fast-paced nature of our digital society has influenced us to adopt an instant gratification mindset, making us believe that we can emulate the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that we should be capable of generating a song within a matter of seconds by simply providing a few prompts, and that this song will instantly 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 or quick fixes. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who are able to effectively communicate through their art. They 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 appeared, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic skills. They consistently worked on honing their abilities to create impactful words and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to create something emotionally stirring, possessing an indescribable "WOW" factor that could be instantly recognized and felt by anyone who hears it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate and successful I become.
These individuals are not seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways with ulterior motives. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively pursuing their craft and continuously honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. They are the ones who are committed to paying their dues and investing substantial time and effort to create at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We greatly respect individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on the Christian worship songwriting scene. 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 significant time and effort into developing their skills and have faced numerous challenges in perfecting their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to everyone, including the talented newcomer in the music industry, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was only fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may give the impression that she had a sudden stroke of luck and went viral, this is not the case. Katy has been working hard and honing her craft for many years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous methods to enhance and nurture a meaningful and content inner life. Consider the following three aspects when aiming to expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, we often neglect taking care of our own souls. Although it's important to care for others and be of service, if we don't attend to our own need for rest and rejuvenation, we will eventually become exhausted. It is crucial to recognize the significance of self-care in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life, as our inner well-being is interconnected with the care we give to our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to neglect their intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only important aspects of a sanctified life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the importance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to write extraordinary lyrics if they have not first immersed themselves in a wealth of knowledge. If you have not engaged in substantial reading since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to return to books. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from television networks or cable channels does not count. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspirational works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by spreading fear. Even the channels that claim to be Christian are driven by the desire to anger you, as it keeps you watching and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative commentators also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Take a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You will likely find that your positive outlook starts to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and fuels fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow yourself to be filled with the spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their proficiency as Christian songwriters. I am reminded of the wise words of renowned Australian golfer Gary Player, who once said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you focus on growing your abilities in Christian songwriting, it is crucial to also nurture a deep and meaningful spiritual life. It is important to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply recycling the same old phrases and concepts that have been heard for years.
Feel free to share this article with your friends and acquaintances. If you have any thoughts or comments, please leave a reply. Additionally, remember to save my name, email, and website on this browser for future reference.
In the code snippet, the element with the ID "ak_js_1" is being targeted using the `getElementById` method. The `setAttribute` method is then used to set the value attribute of this element to the current
Categorized articles
Stay connected with us
Explore additional blog posts
Different classifications
Key terms
Trending articles:
Get started
Highly recommended podcasts
Highlighted attributes
Learn more about us
Courses specifically for you
Register now for our complimentary guide on the top 10 tips for professional songwriters.