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.

It’s the perfect gift for youth groups and campers—capturing the colors, sights and sounds in highlight videos to chronicle their life-changing summer adventures. User-friendly technology makes it easy for youth leaders and camp staff to film and produce multimedia visuals, and mixing popular Christian artist music on their audiovisual footage sweetens the experience. But is it LEGAL?

Many youth leaders are unaware that it’s illegal to “lift” songs from their favorite artists (whether from a CD or MP3 download) to score scenes from camp activities—unless prior permission is obtained. Licensing can be obtained directly from publishers and record labels or through the online VideoReady License at Christian Copyright Solutions.

Many churches want to harness their websites for convenience and cost savings to allow worship team members to download songsheets, charts, orchestrations and digital audio files for rehearsal purposes. It makes perfect sense, but is it legal? Short answer—not without prior permission from the copyright owner(s).