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Song Stories with John Mark McMillan

John Mark and Sarah McMillan discuss their background in music and their songwriting process. They each cover their individual style and what inspired them while writing certain songs.

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

Course Overview

Unit 1
The Heart of a Songwriter
Unit 2
Refining Your Skills
Unit 3
Finding Inspiration
Unit 4
General Creativity
Unit 5
Song Stories
Unit 6
BONUS (Exclusive Unit) - Bethel Music Songwriting Retreat

Song Stories With John Mark McMillan

“Future Past”
* Wanted to write something completely different. Didn’t want to write “Christian Songs”
* Jesus being the beginning and the end doesn’t mean anything to him, but him being “my beginning and my end” means everything.
* It’s not about the label of being a “Christian Artist”, it’s about the fact that Jesus has stained our lives and we have no other option.

“Sing My Love”
* Came from a time of worship where the power went out and she made a decision to keep leading worship, and seeing the passion of a worshipper in the congregation inspired something in her to write the song.

“Holy Ghost”
* Born out of a time of need. He needed help from the Lord.
* “holy ghost” in the song is literal, but also represents asking for help, and humbling yourself enough to ask for it.
* Making sure we recognize that without the Holy Spirit, we can’t do anything.
* When grace is removed, you figure out who you really are.
* The Borderland album was written after coming out of a hard season filled with anxiety.

“Heart Runs”
* Everything your heart is running after, you’re really running after me.

“How He Loves”
* Written when he lost a really close friend and wasn’t sure if he would ever have a friend again.
* It was a reminder of God’s love and His sacrifice, and His faithfulness.
* Sinking is a passive thing - passively being drawn into His grace.