Songwriting with Tomlin

Tomlin grew up in East Texas on country music. His fourth grade talent show performance was "On the road again." As he became a teenager and had the opportunity to sing in church, he found himself desiring to sing songs that the congregation knew and could sing along, rather than the typical "special music" of the day. He didn't realize that God was creating in him a passion that would hallmark his writing and make his music accessible to church musicians around the world someday.

At seventeen, Tomlin was invited to a small town outside of Texarkana to lead worship at a youth event. He had no experience in leading worship. When the speaker from the event called and asked, "What songs are you thinking about doing?" Tomlin truthfully replied, "Well, I know three songs." After a long pause, the speaker asked, "What songs are those?" Tomlin decided to through out his coolest song first. "I know Pharoah, pharoah." There was a longer pause before the speaker asked one last question, "Do you mind if I send you a tape of some songs to learn?"

Tomlin opened his mail to find a cassette tape by Louie Giglio. He thought "That's a weird name." Then he played the tape and heard worship music for the first time. He fell in love. He spend hours transcribing the words and chords for the music onto note cards. At the youth event, he spread those notecards across the stage. He stood behind the first card, and sang the song. Then he stopped, moved his mic stand to the next song, and sang it. Then he stopped, moved his mic stand to the next song, and sang it. This continued until the set was over, and he found himself at the other end of the stage.

After the event, the pastor sat in the car with Tomlin to share a word from the Lord, "You have no idea what you’re doing. But you also have no idea how God is going to use you in the world. God, would you make Chris a Psalm writer for his generation."

In college, Tomlin was majoring in physical therapy when he had the opprotunity to lead worship at a youth event where Giglio was speaking. After Giglio spoke on Rev. 4, Tomlin went back to his room and began singing through the angels' song. He came up with a catchy little tune, "We fall down, we lay our crowns, at the feet of Jesus." He thought it might be good enough to use the next day in worship, but he needed some affirmation, so he rushed to Giglio's room at 2 in the morning and beat on the door. He played the song for Giglio. When he finished, Giglio just stared. Tomlin thought, "He hates my song." But then Giglio spoke, "Chris, I think the whole world is going to sing that song." Chris replied, "I was just hoping we could do it tomorrow."

Tomlin then shared a wealth of songwriting tips from his vast experience:

1. The best songs are inspired from scripture. You must spend time immersed in scripture. – It will make your songs powerful, and always theologically correct - Tomlin often sits down and sings with with his guitar through scripture that he is studying. Many of his songs are born out of personal worship time with God.

2. Inspiration often comes from godly friends – he has gotten many of his ideas from Giglio.

3. Songs come from life circumstances. Write in the midst of your joys, confusions, and sorrows.

4. “It is an amazing gift of responsibility to give people a voice for what they want to say to God.” Write songs from your own community. Surround yourself with a community. Make sure you are in a congregation, listening to their needs and writing to those needs.

5. Write with others. Tomlin has built a writing team in his home church. Chris rarely writes entirely alone. He uses a dry erase board in his living room to brainstorm ideas with the team. Break into small groups of 3 or 4. Brainstorm ideas and then resume as a whole group and play ideas for each other.

6. Let people speak into your music. Be open to critique. Other people may have that second verse that you just can't find, or they may tweak your melody and take it from good to great.

7. Write songs that teach people about God. Rich Mullins, “You probably can’t stand and recite a John Wesley sermon, but you can probably sing his hymns.” Setting truth to melody helps people remember truth. You are building people’s theology.

8. Make your song singable. Think through: How can I best write this song so that people can sing along – How can I make it easy for a congregation to follow. If people can’t sing your song, you haven’t given them a voice.

9. You are noot trying to write the next top 40 song – you are Hejust trying to respond to God’s greatness. You don’t wake up one morning able to play an instrument. You don’t wake up one morning a songwriter. He estimated that he has twice as many songs that are not publishable than those who are.

10. The process is varied in different circumstances. Songs can be written quickly – in less than 5 minutes like, “We fall down,” and “How great is our God.” But most songs come together from a lot of little pieces. He had the verse “his love endures forever” since college – It was 4 years later before he found the chorus. So save what you’re working on because it may become part of something great later on in life.

11. How do you develop lyrical skills? Look through hymnals - those lyrics have had hundreds of years of staying power. Stay immersed in scripture - it is obviously well written.

12. Sing song often enough with your congregation that they no longer need the powerpoint to sing – but not so often that they become stale.

13. Melody comes naturally to Tomlin, but he did share one tip. On the verse play the 1 chord – chorus play on the 4 chord. The chorus needs to rise and create energy, but it also needs to be very singable.


This was an incredible session to see the heart behind the man that has written many of the greatest worship songs of our age. I was absolutely impressed that he knows that his ability is all from God. I love seeing that God is still in the business of using ordinary people to do great things.

Wednesday

The morning began with Shannon Wixelberg walking onto the main stage, sitting down at the baby grand, and leading us into God’s presence. I was stunned by the quality of her voice, and her ability to seamlessly weave modern songs into timeless, age old hymns. She closed with a new song (this being the theme of the conference) that she wrote out of Hab. 3:17-19 after her husband was in a massive motorcycle accident. It was one of the most beautiful, hearfelt cries of someone’s soul that I have ever heard.

The first session that I attended was “Piano in Modern Worship” with Brian Steckler. This session was worth every single dime of my registration fee. He broke apart the unusual chord voicings in modern worship music that those of us who are classically trained can’t figure out. Then the part that meshed perfectly with my learning style was when he split screened the worship chart with a live web cam on the piano. Then I could visually follow along with the chord changes in “Everlasting God,” imagining what I might play, and see what he was playing instead. I was so excited to see this broken down in easy to understand, cookies on the bottom shelf kind of terms. I have sat in many workshops that were geared to piano majors and sounded like Greek, but this was absolutely perfect for my skill level. Now I can’t wait to get home and start practicing those new chord voicings and riffs. He also offered to email the powerpoint with the chord charts and live video out to participants, so I can follow along from the keys.

My second session was a songwriting class with Chris Tomlin. This session will have to get its very own blog, but bottom line, it was incredible!

Hearing Louie Giglio speak in the afternoon took on new meaning after hearing Redman and Tomlin talk about their respect for him, and how much he has poured into their lives and mentored them. Giglio talked about maintaining our focus during worship. He said that many of us focus on our performance, or on the people's response, or on our own coolness factor. Instead, we need to lead people in God's presence. The only way this is possible is if we are entirely focused on Jesus. When we stop worrying about all the external factors, and focus on Jesus, it is easier for our people to get into God's presence as well.

Giglio spoke from Col. 1:13- 24 about the power that lives within us because Christ lives within us. We can be assured that we have the power to accomplish kingdom purposes if we remember where our strength comes from. Then he showed us 1 Chr. 15:23 - a passage about doorholders in the tabernacle. We need to be doorholders in worship - holding open the door into God's throne room and showing people the way into God's presence. I loved this image, especially that doorholders are not seeking glory for themselves, but they are simply showing you the way. I mean, when was the last time an usher seating you at a concert tried to get you to notice how amazing they were?

The concert last night was unreal. Jonathan Lee, Laura Story, and Chris Tomlin performed. I had never heard Jonathan Lee, but he was incredible. I loved Laura Story. She was a very approachable worship leader, demonstrating humility and personal conviction on stage. I have been to many Tomlin concerts, but being in a room with worship leaders singing was incredible. I guess heaven will be like that - where everybody sings loud and on key!

One of the best parts of the day, however, was making new friends. It is amazing to hear from worship leaders from all across the United States. It leaves me with a fresh perspective on ministry and on how God is moving. I am greatly encouraged to hear how God is at work. I am looking forward to one last beautiful day.

Tuesday

This is an unpolished recollection of my day, before I forget the amazing moments. So it may be a bit more random than usual. And that's pretty random. When I get home, I'll try to add some polish and form. But here it is live for those of you who can't wait.

The morning began with Billy and Cindy Foote leading worship alongside Matt Papa. Wow and wow again. God's presence absolutely poured down on us all. By the end we were all on our knees. For the first time, I really thought about the lyrics, "And right now, in the good times and bad, you are on your throne, you are God alone. You're unchangeable, unshakeable, unstoppable...."

I really thought about God being king. He is on a throne. He is a king with a plan. He is not stoppable, no matter what my life circumstances may suggest. No matter what, his character is the same that it has always been. His plan WILL come to fruition.

Marcos Witt spoke from the story of the woman at the well. He talked about worship meaning, "to bow down." It is impossible to bow down if you are sitting on the throne. Who is on the throne in your life? There is not room for two butts on the same throne. You must get off and let God have the throne. Then if and when God sits on the throne, obedience becomes easy. God is in charge. Yes is always the right answer.

The first session I attended was "Mozart never played in a praise band." I left with some great tips about layering sounds, using a sustain and control pedal, using the cutoff filter, setting drum loops, and new, more simple chord voicings. I am anxious to get home and play with my keyboard. I met with a yamaha dealer today who showed me some websites that have instructional videos that will demonstrate the capabilities of my Motiff.

The second session was a songwriting session with Laura Story. We could totally be friends. She was very personable and down to earth. She professes to be a worship leader who happens to have written a few worship songs. I loved her four practical tips:
1) Spend time with God - personal worship is essential to songwriting
2) Spend time in your church - knowing their needs will give birth to new songs
3) Time by yourself (margin) - space in life is critical to being able to hear new melodies and lyrics. If you are too busy, you will not hear from God
4) Time with other writers - it's that whole "where 2 or more are gathered...." idea. Sometimes God completes your inspiration in another person.

Big publishing tip: publishing companies get stacks of demos they never play. Do your songs live any time you can - encourage other people to do your songs live - record and distribute locally - don't wait for a big publishing company to pick up your songs before you let them be sung.

Worship pastors are responsible for stewarding their people's gifts. Find and develop your people's talents. Don't be afraid of being overshadowed. The goal is glorifying God, don't let your pride keep you from building up your people.

For the third and last session, I attended a songwriting session with Matt Redman. I loved him as well. He was funny, humble, and easy to understand. He had some amazing tips as well:
1) Many songs have great inspiration, but could use lots more perspiration. Writing with others can dramatically improve your songs.
2) Be a songwriter 24-7. Always carry a notepad and recorder. God may give you a tiny inspiration that blooms into a beautiful song.
3) Write with others. A song that sucks may still have usable chords, melodies, or lyrics that another writer can help you develop.
4) Be aware of your church's heart and needs. Write the songs that meet them where they are.
5) Keep a list of words or phrases that strike your heart - those moments are from God - research scriptures with those phrases - you may find inspiration.
6)Respond to your environment and life circumstances.
7) What truths is God revealing to you in your personal worship time that you are not singing about? Write to those truths.
8) Be simple - but not stupid
9) Think out of the box - what to do when you get stale and every song sounds the same
a. What are your 10 favorite words in songs - don't use any of those
b. Try another version of the Bible
c. Switch instruments - try the piano, or try the guitar, or use no instrument at all
d. Cowrite with someone new.
e. Usually take your melody down? Go up instead. Find new harmonies, new chords, and new voices.
10) Capture your emotions - or it's just an essay.
11) Be so immersed in God that during times of stress, his words pour from your heart. That is true inspiration

Both Laura Story and Matt Redman totally harped on writing with others, in addition to writing alone. They both said that was the secret to some of their greatest songs. I thought that was interesting. It does make sense that the whole 2 or more thing would apply to songwriting, I just have never looked at it that way. I have often enjoyed writing with friends on the piano bench, but have not thought it critical. Matt said it is a great way to keep from realizing after your song is recorded, "oops, I stole this by accident." Your cowriter can keep that from happening.

My favorite part of the day? Meeting and networking with other musicians. I loved visiting with all the new people. I have mixed and mingled extensively, gathering new perspectives and new ideas. However, my very favorite part of the day was when I had the beautiful opportunity to pray over a new friend. I love that we can be strangers, and yet as believers still be intimately connected.

Up next - worship with Matt Redman, Tenth Avenue North, and One Sonic Society. Today has been one of the most incredible days of my life. I am excited to see what else God has planned.

New Song - opening session

Phil Wickham killed it in the opening session of the National Worship Leader’s Conference. Standing alone on a stage with his acoustic guitar, in front of thousands of worship leaders, he absolutely took us into God’s presence. I especially liked his spacing in worship. I liked that he left gaps between songs that allowed time to respond to what God was saying. It gave me an opportunity to spend time listening, not just singing.

The opening speaker, Steve Berger, spoke from his heart about a receiving a new song in the midst of great personal pain. Last year Berger lost his son in a car accident, and he shared with the audience his journey from Psalm 40:1-3

“ I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
² He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
³ He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

He brought out seven main thoughts on this passage:

1. The new song in this passage occurred during a time of great despair. We often want to celebrate in the joy of Christ’s resurrection, without realizing that is only possible after experiencing the fellowship of his suffering.

2. Sometimes the duration of our time of suffering is more than we would like or expect. We frequently want God to be a microwave, but character is not created in the microwave.

3. Supplication – the psalmist prayed continually. He cried out in hunger and pain for God. The solution to tough times is not within ourselves.

4. Salvation – Christ is the only salvation from darkness. Trying to rescue ourselves is futile. Waiting on the Lord is the best solution, the solution that will create character.

5. Destination – the pit is not our final destination. God intends to “set our feet upon a rock.” Be assured that God has a plan for your life and the pit is not the end.

6. Adoration – God puts a new song in your mouth as you more fully know him and grasp his character in tough times. Don’t let darkness squash out your understanding of God’s greatness and righteousness. His character is the same whether you are in a tough time or not. Continue to offer praise.

7. Revelation – New Songs are seen, not just heard. As your character is changed, it affects more than just your personal relationship with God. People around you also see how God is working in your life. Your life can become a revelation to those around you.

At the end of the service, Berger offered the opportunity for hurt and wounded worship pastors to come to the altar for prayer. I was saddened by the sheer number of people who came forward. Don’t misunderstand me. It is awesome that they are finding healing. The sad part is that many of those pastors are dealing with hurt inflicted by their churches. I remember being there. I am very thankful that I am now in a situation where I am free to serve in the ways that God has gifted me. I prayed desperately for those pastors last night. May God bring them renewal this week.

The Gettys closed out the night. I have to say that although I am not a hymn person, hymns done Irish style could grow on me. As the room full of musicians sang “The Wondrous Cross”, I was awed by the love of our Creator.

I am looking forward to another amazing day. I know God has big stuff in store.