As technology has advanced and the availability of Christian music has grown, many churches have found new ways to incorporate music into their worship and gatherings. In the desire to serve their congregations well, some may unknowingly be using music in ways that may be illegal. Copyright protections apply to every piece of music created and generally extend for at least 70 years after the death of the author or artist. While there are certain exemptions for the performance of religious music in worship services, other copyright considerations still apply.
Copies, Projections and Bulletins
If you make copies of music for your musicians, include song lyrics in your bulletin or project them on a screen, you must obtain a copyright license for every song that is not public domain. Simply typing the lyrics into a computer for projection is considered a “copy.” Licenses may also allow you to record your services to audio or video devices for distribution online or to members.
Streaming and Fees
A separate streaming license is required if you broadcast your services online, and the annual streaming fee must be paid as long as any video archives are available online through sites such as Facebook, YouTube or your church website. For video recordings or livestreams, you must display the song credits and your license number on the screen or in the video description.
Licensing Companies
There are several copyright licensing companies, though CCLI is probably the most common. However, it is important to note that not every company covers the same songs. If you begin copying or projecting songs, you need to check that each one is covered by the license you purchase. This is true even of songs published in the various Advent Christian hymnals or other hymnals. If a song is not covered, you either need to contact the original publisher for permission (which often requires an additional fee), or do not project the lyrics. In addition, using songs for events that are not worship services (such as fundraisers) is not covered by general licenses and may require a separate event license.
Choir Music and Performance Tracks
It should be noted that song arrangements purchased for choirs and prerecorded performance tracks often have separate copyrights that are not included in a license from CCLI. Always read the fine print in your choir books or other arrangements before recording, copying or livestreaming, and contact the publisher when permission is needed. Also be careful about using prerecorded music for preludes or postludes since commercially available recordings typically cannot be recorded or redistributed.
Our Hymnal
ACGC has compiled a list of songs that are in “Hymns of Heritage and Hope” that are not currently covered by CCLI licensing. Also included is a list of songs by Advent Christian authors that we allow to be copied or projected without requesting permission. Get the hymn list here.
All of this a little overwhelming? Download our quick checklist here.
Additional Resources:
ccli.com/us/en/copyright-licensing
