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Tapping into Your Inner Creativity
There is a widespread misconception when it comes to Christian songwriting that suggests that if you acquire a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, you can 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 Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as this serves as a valuable source of inspiration. When you possess strong songwriting skills and a genuine relationship with God, you don't need to rely on shortcuts or techniques. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you, especially when you are guided by the Spirit's influence in your heart.
The image was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalent culture of instant gratification in the digital age has influenced us to adopt a mindset that seeks quick and effortless results, making us believe that we can emulate the capabilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We often expect to input a few prompts and generate a remarkable song within a mere three seconds, expecting it to impress 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, they are individuals who are skilled in the art of Christian songwriting and are able to effectively communicate their message through their music. These writers didn't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and happen to create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the big names, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their craft. They were constantly learning how to skillfully combine impactful lyrics and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply touch the emotions and resonate with listeners. They aimed to create something that had an indescribable but undeniable "WOW" factor, which could be recognized immediately upon hearing it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the amount of practice one puts in directly correlates to their level of luck. In other words, the more one practices, the more fortunate they become.
These individuals are not actively seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and passionate songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly seeking to improve their poetic and lyrical skills. Unlike most aspiring writers, they are willing to invest a significant amount of time and effort into their work, paying their dues and striving to create at a much higher level.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we frequently 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, and this applies to even the up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden viral success, it is important to note that Katy has been diligently working on her music for years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and achievements!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nourish and enhance your inner life. Consider these three factors when aiming to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, it is easy to neglect taking care of our souls. Although it is important to care for and serve others, if we ignore our own need for rest and rejuvenation, we will eventually become exhausted. It is crucial to recognize the significance of self-care and understand that it is essential for maintaining our emotional well-being, which is interconnected with our physical health and overall life.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their intellects and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial aspects of leading a sanctified life. However, the most accomplished songwriters understand the value of immersing themselves in profound literature. They recognize that without filling their minds with exceptional words first, it is impossible to produce remarkable lyrics. If you have not pursued further reading beyond college or high school, it is imperative for you to revisit the world of books. Merely fueling your fears and reinforcing your cultural biases by watching network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something that can make a lasting impact and endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to nourish your mind with superb literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negative influences. Cable news channels focus on creating fear in order to boost their ratings. Even channels that claim to be Christian often rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and sit through sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote can have a detrimental effect on your soul and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your newfound positivity begins to permeate your songs. Negativity steals away your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take 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 create their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their expertise as Christian songwriters. I greatly appreciate the wise words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
As you work on cultivating your talent in Christian songwriting, it is important to remember the importance of nurturing your inner self. While honing your songwriting skills, strive to create something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing. The world craves originality and new perspectives, rather than the same old phrases and ideas that have been repeated for years.
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