The Smartest Thing You Can Do to Become a Successful Christian Songwriter

Most aspiring songwriters think all you have to do to become successful is to write a lot, or to get their songs in front of the “right people.” But those two things are only a small part of the equation. After all, a lot of people write for years and never improve. A lot of people do get in front of those mystical “right people” and never breakthrough.

MOST songwriters are writing out of their intuition only and it’s not getting them very far.

So, aside from hanging all your hopes on those two things, what’s the next smartest thing you can do today to become a successful Christian songwriter?

The Smartest Thing You Can Do To Become a Successful Christian Songwriter

The single most important thing you can do to become a successful songwriter is to give up on what you think it is and learn what it really is.

You see, MOST songwriters are writing out of their intuition only and it’s not getting them very far. They may be musically talented or somewhat skilled as a musician or singer, so they think this translates into being a songwriter. It often doesn’t. Anyone can put words to a melody and call it a song. Anyone can upload an original to YouTube in about a half hour. But that’s not real songwriting.

It’s also easy to spiritualize Christian songwriting and say we don’t care if people like our songs because God likes them. Well, God loves every song He inspires in the hearts of everyone, from a five-year old in the nursery to a 95-year old in the nursing home. But that’s really not what we’re talking about. Our goal is to learn the craft so well that our songs can reach millions of listeners and worshipers worldwide and be part of bringing the Kingdom of Jesus into their lives and fulfill a much higher calling on our own lives.

If that’s what you want, you have to forget what you think you know and become curious and then intentional about learning the actual craft of songwriting. The pros are successful because they start with better ideas, imagine better hooks/titles, write better lyrics, and compose better melodies than anyone else. Believe me, they don’t feel anything more passionately about God than you do. If the measure of passion for Jesus was what made songwriters successful, you would’ve been there a long time ago.

Where It All Starts

Here’s a simple equation I use to point writers in the right direction:

Better Ideas = Better Hooks = Better Lyrics/Melodies = Better Songs = Being Heard

Having better ideas is where great songs start. And better ideas come from immersing yourself in what inspires you, like great literature, music, movies, and other art forms. But if you’re writing from intuition only, you’re probably missing 70% or more of what makes a song connect with an audience. “Writing from your heart” only works if you know how to capture what you feel in your heart with compelling, powerful words and melodies.

Being inspired only gets you started, though. The next thing is to know how to translate the inspiration into a compelling hook/title that then guides you through the process of crafting great lyrics and melodies. If you don’t know how to write killer lyrics and melodies, you become like the uncle who’s always got a “great idea’ for the next million dollar infomercial gadget, but no real knowledge of how to pull it off.

Better ideas come from immersing yourself in what inspires you.

Get real with yourself today about where you are in your actual songwriting knowledge and abilities. Then determine what you’re willing to do to go after deeper knowledge and skills. Only then will you begin to improve and get closer to becoming a successful Christian songwriter.

Nashville Christian Songwriters exists to empower Christian songwriters worldwide to fulfill their unique call to write great songs. If you like what you read here and want to dig deeper into the resources that will encourage and equip you, check out what all we can offer you at nashvillechristiansongwriters.com.

“John Chisum through Nashville Christian Songwriters has been a blessing and an encouragement to me. Mr. Chisum is an excellent coach, teacher, and communicator.  He helped to clarify my goals and vision for my songwriting. His industry experience, bootcamp, and live critiques brought to light certain aspects of my writing that was holding me back from my best and now my writing is improving with each and every new song that I write. John is an excellent resource for any serious Christian songwriter.” 

David Bullock, Client

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NCS Coaching is an eight-week online coaching and mentoring experience designed to help you grow to pro level songwriting. Utilizing proven songwriting methods that bring immediate insight and results, you can transform your songwriting and entire approach to creativity through this unique opportunity. Use this link to set up a free, no obligation phone call today.

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. chris ehrlich

    I’m a professional drummer looking for gigs, tours and recording. I’m in Denver Colorado and play at the Christian church of Broomfield. I have international tour and recording experience. Looking for professional bands. Thought I would try reaching out to you guys as songwriters will most likely need a drummer.

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    1. Tin

      A real Christian artist cares mostly about empowering God, not gaining popularity and riches. C’mon.

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