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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
There is a widespread misconception about Christian songwriting which suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid 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 Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as it provides a constant source of inspiration. With a strong connection and skill in songwriting, there is no need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible whenever the Holy Spirit moves within you.
The photo credits go to Laura E. Part
The modern fast-paced online culture has influenced us to expect instant results, leading us to believe that we can replicate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to generate a song within seconds that will impress everyone.
However, based on what I have personally witnessed, 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 individuals who are skilled and dedicated practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting. They communicate at a profound level through their artistry. It is not a matter of them simply attempting to write a song one day and accidentally stumbling upon masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already dedicating themselves to studying and striving for excellence in their artistic pursuits. They consistently worked on expanding their knowledge and skills in order to create impactful compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to craft something that evoked strong emotions and possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could be instantly recognized and appreciated by anyone who heard it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort he dedicates to practicing his skills, the more fortunate he becomes in his outcomes.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in order to exploit them. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly striving to improve their poetic and lyrical skills. These are the individuals who are willing to invest their time and effort to reach a higher level of mastery in comparison to the majority of aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same level of commitment.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without the powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. 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, and this holds true for even the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. She has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, this is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurturing and experiencing a deep and gratifying inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to expand and articulate your faith through music.
It is important to prioritize taking care of your soul. In our fast-paced and busy lives, we often neglect our own needs for rest and rejuvenation. While it is important to care for and serve others, if we don't take care of ourselves, we will eventually burn out. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining our inner well-being, which is interconnected with our external life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only significant aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the value of delving into knowledge. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in profound words. If you have ceased reading extensively after college or even high school, it is essential for you to pick up books again. Merely feeding your fears and conforming to cultural biases by watching news on television networks or cable does not suffice. If you truly desire to write something impactful that surpasses your own lifetime, it is crucial to nourish your intellect with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by spreading fear. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on angering you to keep you hooked and watch their sponsored ads. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their positions. However, their constant negativity is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Take a break from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly and contemplate the love and goodness of God. You'll be surprised to see how this positivity starts to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Give yourself a pause and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others are able to create their music by drawing from a deep connection with God. However, their accomplishments can also be attributed to their expertise in the craft of Christian songwriting. I find it inspiring how Australian golfer Gary Player once said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, and freeing to the world, rather than simply relying on clichéd phrases and ideas that have been used for years.
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