The one element that distinguishes Christian works of authorships from other copyrights is that they are birthed, fashioned and empowered by the Word of God. In the midst of daily business activities, it's important to frequently meditate on what that really means.

Is your church complying with copyright laws when it comes to your rehearsals?  Let's see what the Copyright Queen has to say.

This article is written by Gary Godwin, Director of Client Relations for CCS. Gary is often on the phone encouraging and assisting a diverse group of church staff members who are challenged by the daunting task of keeping their church copyright compliant.

The “Copyright Cop” designation rests squarely (often uncomfortably) on the head of a church staff member who may also serve as: Senior Pastor, Worship Pastor, Creative Arts Pastor, Music Minister, Administrative Pastor, Communications Minister, IT Director, Praise and Worship Pastor, ad nauseum. Rest assured, the words copyright compliance evoke a feeling of nausea for many in the worship sanctuary!

Instant replay shows no penalty, and thanks to bipartisan action by U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Arlen Specter (D-PA), churches are no longer penalized so they can legally show the Super Bowl at their facilities (under certain conditions). 

Worship leaders have just caught their breath from the flurry of Christmas programs, but it's now time to start planning and working on Easter programs. Here are practical tips on how to include copyright clearances in your P.L.A.N.

Great news for Churches, Consumers & Record Producers, but how will it affect Songwriters & Publishers? The CRB's long-awaited ruling to not increase the mechanical rate of 9.1 cents will keep costs down for CDs, digital downloads & rehearsal recordings.

During copyright workshops, there's usually one table in the most remote corner of the room that avoids eye contact, keeps their heads down and starts squirming in their seats. As I begin outlining various activities that require prior permission from copyright owners, the discomfort is palpable.

“I am really confused. First we got the CCLI license. Then we were told we needed a BMI license to perform our worship music publicly.  So we now have a CCLI and a BMI license. Then we're told we need CVLI because we show and use video clips.  Are we purchasing duplicating subscriptions and licenses?  We want to be covered and do everything right, but we also don't want to buy two things that cover the same issues.” - Perplexed Worship Leader

Sound familiar? If you’re like many worship leaders, all these different copyright licenses can be very perplexing.  I can understand your confusion, and I hope the following explanation will bring some clarity.

Get ahead of the game and start your copyright planning for Easter now. Here are some practical tips and guidelines on navigating licenses to keep your Easter programs copyright compliant.

The U.S. Copyright Law provides a religious service exemption for performances and display of copyrighted works, but churches want to know if that covers only works of a religious nature or all music. Learn how the exemption impacts your worship service.