Worship music and websites are two places were churches may infringe on copyright law if they’re not careful. Use this checklist to gauge how your church is doing at following good guidelines.
Download a PDF version of this checklist.
There are two primary areas churches may need to consider when it comes to intellectual property and copyright issues.
Music
The first and most common relates to music usage. Many churches like to record their worship services, project words on an overhead, or create their own songbook. Without the proper license, all of these activities are illegal.
Most of us have heard of or are members of CCLI, Christian Copyright Licensing International. As a member, you have permission to use over 150,000 songs in the context of ministry. A license will allow you to:
- Record worship services
- Project words on a projector or overhead
- Print words in the bulletin or on a handout
- Create a songbook
- Create a database of songs on a computer
- Audio or videotape a wedding or special service
Therefore, without the license, participating in any the above is a copyright violation.
The bottom line is ownership. Those who write and own the songs have a right to benefit from their use. The cost of license is based on the size of the church. For more information, go to us.ccli.com.
Videos
The second primary area involves video use. In essence, the FBI warning at the beginning of a rented video states that it is for home use. Showing a complete video outside of the home is considered a violation of the law.
Some have challenged this law citing the “Fair Use Clause” allowing nonprofits to use the video for educational purposes. However, it is smart to look into purchasing an annual license from Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI) and following their guidelines for usage (cvli.org).
