How To Play and Stream Music Legally During Church

Music holds a significant place in church services, creating an atmosphere of worship and spiritual connection. Many churches today are embracing live streaming and incorporating recorded music into their services. However, it's important for pastors to understand the legal aspects of streaming and playing music to ensure compliance with copyright laws. In this blog post, we will provide a guide on how to legally stream and play music during church services, offering insights and resources to help you navigate this process effectively. Before we do that, though, we need to give you a disclaimer. We are not lawyers. Everything you are about to read is advice from people who have. been. there. Carry on!

Understand Copyright Basics

It is crucial to have a solid understanding of copyright laws to ensure compliance when using music during church services. Copyright protects the rights of creators, including songwriters, composers, and musicians. Familiarize yourself with the basics of copyright law, including the concept of public performance and the exclusive rights granted to copyright holders.

Obtain Licenses for Performance and Streaming

To legally play music during church services, you typically need two types of licenses: a performance license and a streaming license. Performance licenses grant permission to perform copyrighted music in a public setting, such as a church service. Streaming licenses specifically cover the rights to stream music online, allowing you to live stream or make recorded services available on-demand.

• Performance Licenses: Organizations like Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) and OneLicense offer performance licenses that cover a vast catalog of songs. These licenses provide legal permission for your church to sing and perform copyrighted songs during worship services. Be sure to check the terms and limitations of each license provider.
• Streaming Licenses: Streaming licenses can be obtained from organizations such as CCLI's Streaming License, Christian Copyright Solutions (CCS), or the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF). These licenses specifically grant permission to stream copyrighted music as part of your online church services.

Use Royalty-Free Music and Public Domain Works

In addition to licensed music, you can also incorporate royalty-free music and public domain works into your church services. Royalty-free music is not subject to performance fees, and numerous websites offer royalty-free music libraries. Public domain works, on the other hand, are not protected by copyright and can be freely used. However, it's essential to ensure that the works you use are genuinely in the public domain.

Give Credit to Songwriters and Composers

Acknowledging and giving credit to the songwriters and composers is not only a legal requirement but also a way to honor their creative contributions. Display song credits on your live streams, video descriptions, or church bulletins. This practice shows respect for the artists and promotes transparency.

Stay Informed and Educate Your Team

Copyright laws and licensing requirements may evolve over time, so it's essential to stay informed about any updates or changes. Regularly check the websites and resources provided by licensing organizations for updates on licensing terms, fees, and guidelines. Educate your worship team and staff about copyright compliance, ensuring that everyone involved in music selection and streaming understands the legal requirements.

Streaming and playing music during church services can be done legally and ethically by obtaining the necessary licenses, understanding copyright laws, and using royalty-free or public domain music. By following these guidelines, you can create meaningful worship experiences while respecting the rights of artists and composers. Remember to stay informed about any changes in copyright regulations and continue to prioritize compliance to ensure a smooth and legally sound music program in your church services.

Sources:

• Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI): https://us.ccli.com/
• OneLicense: https://www.onelicense.net/

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