GREG NELSON: Finding Success through Humility

“It’s God that orders our steps. If you want to enjoy success, don’t chase after the market, chase after God.” – Greg Nelson

This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum had the honor of sitting down with award-winning Christian Music Producer, Greg Nelson. Greg has produced recordings for artists such as Sandi Patty, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Twila Paris, Michael Crawford, and Richard Smallwood.

He has received 20 Dove Awards and over 30 nominations, 7 Grammy Awards, 13 Grammy nominations, along with a host of other awards and recognitions. He has written hundreds of songs and also co-written successful neo-classical works that have toured internationally. Although he has achieved such incredible success in his music career, Greg is one of the most humble and authentic men you could ever meet. His interview reveals the depths of his heart, and his genuine desire to pursue the calling that God has placed on his life no matter the circumstance.

“I’m not the best. I’m not the worst. I don’t keep score, I just write, and God uses it.” – Greg Nelson

This podcast is full of priceless advice for the songwriter to take to heart. Greg discusses the importance of pursuing your life’s message. When you are clear on the mission the God has given for your life, and you pursue it with all of your heart, it is God who brings the increase. Success is found when we focus on chasing after the passion God has given us, instead of trying to fit what we’re doing inside the framework of what is currently trending on the charts.

Greg shares his journey to songwriting success, and what it was like to make a shift in his focus when inspirational music became less popular. Instead of hanging onto a genre that was fading or pursuing a popular genre that was outside of his gifting, Greg dove into the neo-classical works. He continued pursuing the genres that made his heart sing, and God used that passion to create long-lasting success.

Listen in to hear more about Greg’s story, timeless wisdom for aspiring songwriters, the best way to achieve success in songwriting, and how Greg has maintained a sense of humility in the face of incredible success.

“Writing for the market goes by the wayside. Instead, write what the Lord has placed on your heart.” – Greg Nelson

If you would like to know more about Greg and his story, check out his book, Runaway Horse.

Some topics we talk about in this episode:

  • Introduction // Greg Nelson- 1:24
  • The Secret to Success – 10:32
  • Greg’s Songwriting Story – 23:45
  • Greg’s Oratorios – 31:12
  • The Importance of Writing from Scripture – 37:39
  • Greg’s TedX Talk – 47:57
  • The Wide World of Song Possibility – 53:42
  • Wrap Up – 1:01:12

How to get involved

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John Chisum

John Chisum is a pioneer in the Christian music business, serving alongside people such as Bill & Gloria Gaither, Twila Paris, Paul Baloche, Don Moen, and many more. As President of Nashville Christian Songwriters, John seeks to empower Christian songwriters worldwide to discover and fulfill their call to write.

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Edwin Macaranas

    Thanks to both John and Greg Nelson for making this interview possible and this has opened my mind that allowed me to think right and to decide on what I have to do with my songwriting. I knew it that I need to finish my first Christian music that I wrote and forget about those pop genre at the moment.. Now it’s clear that I should write music for the kingdom of God and with that decision as a Christian, I am doing this work for Jesus.

    1. John Chisum

      Thanks, Edwin! Be sure to let us know how we can support you! John

  2. Mary Watkins

    WOW, this podcast was so inspiring thank you John for all you do, I enjoyed every word and tried to soak it up like a sponge. I love what Greg said about don’t chase after the market, chase after God. I will be revisiting this one it really touched my heart.

    1. John Chisum

      Mary – so happy it inspired you – we love Greg! All the best! John

  3. Gerry Gore

    AWESOME WORDS OF WISDOM. Thank you Greg. Thank you John for having him.

  4. Keith Hudson

    Hello, guess this is a “late in the game” comment, but very nice set of discussions. I’ve been working various avenues to contact Greg/ CCMG about an older instrumental song called “Prelude” & ran across this thread, always interesting what you run across. Interesting trail to follow with Sparrow/ EMI/ CCMG, etc.
    Thanks to you folks who are using your talents for such God Honoring activities.

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