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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
There is a widespread misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, which suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, strategies, and shortcuts, one can effortlessly avoid the effort required to master the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a devoted Christian songwriter. It is crucial to have a deep spiritual connection with God and a wealth of inner experiences to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation in songwriting skills and a rich spiritual life, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write effectively with clarity and confidence is always accessible when one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit within their heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevailing culture of instant gratification and convenience, especially in the realm of technology, has shaped our thinking to believe that we can emulate the capabilities of advanced chatbots like CHATGPT or artificial intelligence. We believe that we should have the ability to input a few prompts and instantly generate a song within a matter of seconds, expecting it to be so impressive that it captivates everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who relied on shortcuts or quick fixes. Instead, they were and still are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating profound messages through their craft. 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 came their way, these individuals were already dedicated to their artistic pursuits and striving for excellence. They consistently immersed themselves in the study of creating impactful lyrics and melodies, aiming to construct captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. Their goal was to create something indescribably powerful, that "WOW" factor that leaves a lasting impression, and although hard to define, is unmistakable when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate or successful I become in my endeavors.
These individuals are not seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a non-serious manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in the art of writing poetic and meaningful lyrics. These women and men are committed to paying their dues and investing a significant amount of time and effort into their creative process, surpassing the dedication that many aspiring writers are willing to commit to their own craft.
We hold great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's influential song "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 create meaningful songs and contribute to their ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight. This is true for everyone, including the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. She has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old. Although her hit, "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 perseverance and success!
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 factors to consider while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, our lives are filled with constant busyness and chaos, making it difficult to find time for self-care. Although it's important to prioritize our care and service towards others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation will eventually lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize the significance of taking care of ourselves, as it directly impacts our inner well-being, which is inseparable from the care we provide for our external lives and physical bodies.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in profound words. If you have stopped reading extensively after college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to delve into books once again. Merely feeding your fears and conforming to cultural biases through watching network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something that can make an impact and endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news only cares about getting high ratings by spreading fear. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on making you angry so you'll keep watching and endure their sponsored ads. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators stay employed by attracting viewers and securing sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they spew harms your soul and creativity. Try abstaining from any news for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You'll notice that your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and increases fear and anxiety. Take a break and let Jesus' Spirit fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent and proficiency as Christian songwriters. A quote by Australian golfer Gary Player comes to mind, where he expressed that the more he practiced, the more fortunate he became.
While you work on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is crucial to also focus on nurturing your spiritual and personal growth. It is important to offer something fresh, courageous, and empowering to the world through your music, rather than relying on clichéd phrases and ideas that have been repeated for many years.
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