Music plays a central role in worship. From congregational singing and worship bands to livestreamed services, weddings, funerals, and special events, music helps churches connect, inspire, and lead. However, many churches are surprised to learn that using music without proper licensing can expose them to copyright liability, even when the use is religious or nonprofit.
Churches are not automatically exempt from copyright law. As more ministries livestream services and share content online, copyright enforcement against churches has increased. This guide explains how churches can legally obtain music licensing rights, what licenses are required for different uses, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Why Churches Need Music Licenses
Under U.S. copyright law, music is protected the moment it is created. Copyright protection applies to:
Musical compositions
Lyrics
Sound recordings
Public performances
Streaming and broadcasting
When a church performs, projects, records, or streams music, it is typically exercising one or more exclusive rights reserved to the copyright owner.
Religious purpose alone does not eliminate the need for licensing. While copyright law contains a narrow exemption for certain in-person worship services, that exemption does not apply to many modern church practices—especially digital and recorded uses.
Common Ways Churches Use Music (and Trigger Licensing Requirements)
Churches frequently require licensing when they:
Lead congregational singing
Perform live music with a worship band
Project lyrics on screens
Livestream services on YouTube or Facebook
Post recorded services or clips online
Host concerts, conferences, or community events
Use music at weddings, funerals, or holiday programs
Play background music in lobbies or classrooms
Each of these uses can involve different copyright rights, which is why assuming one license covers everything is a common—and costly—mistake.
The Primary Music Licenses Churches May Need
Public Performance Licenses
When music is performed publicly—live or via recorded tracks—churches typically need a public performance license.
Many churches obtain these licenses through organizations such as:
CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International)
OneLicense
These licenses generally cover the public performance of musical compositions, but coverage depends on the specific songs, artists, and use. No license is truly “blanket” in all situations.
Livestreaming and Online Use Licenses
Once a church livestreams or posts music online, additional rights are implicated. Livestreaming and recorded video content may require:
Streaming licenses
Reproduction licenses
Synchronization licenses
A common misconception is that worship licenses automatically cover livestreams. In reality, many licenses exclude or limit online use, or apply only if specific reporting requirements are met.
Social media platforms may have their own licensing agreements, but those agreements do not fully protect churches. Copyright takedowns, muted audio, demonetization, or channel strikes are common consequences of unlicensed use.
Lyric Projection and Reproduction Rights
Projecting lyrics on screens, printing them in bulletins, or distributing them digitally requires reproduction rights.
Churches should confirm whether their licenses allow:
Lyric projection
Printing or digital distribution
Translations
Modifications or adaptations
Unauthorized lyric reproduction is one of the most frequent sources of church copyright claims.
Special Events and Non-Worship Uses
Concerts, conferences, ticketed events, and school or daycare programs often fall outside standard worship exemptions.
If your church hosts:
Guest performers
Fundraising concerts
Conferences or retreats
Youth programs or schools
You may need separate or expanded licensing, even if the event is religious in nature.
Common Church Music Licensing Mistakes
Churches most often encounter problems because they:
Assume nonprofit or religious status eliminates licensing obligations
Believe livestreaming is automatically covered
Use popular commercial music without checking coverage
Rely on informal volunteer assumptions
Allow licenses to lapse or change without review
Ignore takedown notices or infringement letters
Copyright enforcement can include retroactive fees, penalties, and legal claims, even when violations are unintentional.
How Churches Can Stay Compliant
To reduce risk, churches should:
Audit all music use (live, recorded, streamed, projected)
Identify which licenses apply to each use
Confirm coverage for specific songs and artists
Review livestreaming and social media practices
Track license renewal dates
Train staff and volunteers on copyright rules
Seek legal guidance when expanding music use
Music licensing should be treated as an ongoing risk-management issue—not a one-time checkbox.
Why Churches Should Work With an Intellectual Property Attorney
Licensing organizations provide access to music, but they do not provide legal advice. When disputes arise, churches are often left interpreting complex contracts, exemptions, and enforcement notices on their own.
An intellectual property attorney can help churches:
Review licensing agreements
Identify compliance gaps
Respond to copyright claims or takedown notices
Advise on livestreaming and recorded content
Create internal music-use policies
At Katie Charleston Law, PC, we regularly advise churches and ministries on copyright compliance, music licensing strategy, and infringement defense, allowing leaders to focus on worship—not legal exposure.
Final Thoughts: Worship Freely—But Lawfully
Music is foundational to worship, but good intentions do not override copyright law. As churches expand their digital presence, careful attention to licensing is more important than ever.
With proper planning, the right licenses, and sound legal guidance, churches can confidently use music in ways that honor both their mission and the rights of creators.
Need Help With Church Music Licensing?
If your church has questions about music licensing, livestreaming, copyright notices, or compliance strategy, Katie Charleston Law, PC can help.
We provide practical, clear guidance for churches and faith-based organizations nationwide.
Contact Katie Charleston Law, PC to protect your worship, your mission, and your ministry.