Advice for Christian songwriters

Christian worship music has never been as diverse as it is today. So many songs are being written! It is very important to adhere to a number of principles when writing songs. The following principles we have learned from others and from our own experience.

When writing a song, ensure that your lyrics reflect the truths expounded by Scripture and do not present God inaccurately. Songs are more memorable than sermons and much damage can be done if songs are spoiled by doctrinal errors. To avoid this, ask your minister to check over your lyrics.

Different writers have different sources of inspiration for their songs. You need to identify what it is that inspires you to write and then maintain contact with that creative source. Perhaps it is films, or books, or even sitting by the sea that stimulates the creative process for you. Reading the Bible is obviously an essential source of inspiration too and for checking the quality of the emerging song.

Listen to what other people have written. Look at the structure of their songs and the chord progressions that are used by reading songbooks. Model your songs on those structures and chord progressions, but create your own melody and rhythm from what is there. Play out those chord progressions with whatever rhythm comes to hand and hum your own tune into them.

A great song focuses on expressing one idea. If you are writing, for example, about the faithfulness of God, then stick to that one idea. Do not complicate things by overloading your song with a number of main ideas.

If you are writing songs that congregations will use, write in a way that others can understand. Use clear and unambiguous language. Cryptic and obscure lyrics are no use because they will confuse those who have gathered to worship God.

Avoid clichés, or over used phrases and expressions, in your lyrics. If you start off rhyming your song, then continue to do so. If you cannot successfully rhyme the song, then do not use rhyme in that song.

The process of re-writing and drafting is vital to the success of any song. Be prepared to write, rewrite and rewrite again. Never settle for anything less than what you consider to be the best you can make your song. Ask for the critical opinions of those whose judgement you trust and be prepared to revise your songs in the light of what they say.

Give co-writing a go! Most award-winning songs were co-written. If you are primarily a lyricist, seek out a composer and vice-versa.

Always obtain permission from your minister if you wish to use one of your songs during worship time. Be prepared to allow him/her to read your lyrics and listen to the song first. The minister is responsible for the spiritual maturity of the people God has entrusted to him/her and part of that responsibility is to ensure that the worship pleases God and edifies the people. If the minister says no, accept his/her decision gracefully. Be prepared first to build a relationship of trust with your minister and the people you lead before using your own songs. If you believe that God wants to use your songs beyond your own private times with Him, then pray for those opportunities. They will come!

Above all, write for God's pleasure. He is the best audience and deserves all we have to give Him.