Here's a truth that many churches don't realize: projecting song lyrics on a screen without proper licensing is copyright infringement — even if you're a nonprofit church, even if you're not charging admission, and even if you bought the hymnal.
Copyright law applies to churches just like any other organization. The good news is that getting licensed is simple and affordable. This guide explains everything you need to know.
Why Copyright Matters for Churches
When a songwriter writes a worship song, they own the copyright. That copyright gives them the exclusive right to:
- Reproduce the lyrics (printing, projecting on screen)
- Distribute copies (lyric sheets, bulletins)
- Perform the song publicly
- Create derivative works (arrangements, translations)
When your church projects lyrics on a screen, you're reproducing copyrighted material for public display. Without permission, that's infringement under U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17) and equivalent laws in most countries.
"But We're a Church!"
There's a common misconception that churches are exempt from copyright law. They're not. The U.S. Copyright Act does include a religious services exemption (Section 110(3)), but it only covers:
- Performance of music during a worship service
- NOT reproduction (printing or projecting lyrics)
- NOT recording or livestreaming
So your choir can sing a copyrighted song during worship without a license, but you cannot project the lyrics on screen without one.
What Is CCLI?
CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) is the most widely used licensing organization for churches. Founded in 1988, CCLI acts as a middleman between churches and copyright holders — you pay one annual fee, and CCLI handles permissions with thousands of songwriters and publishers.
What a CCLI License Covers
The Church Copyright License (CCL) allows your church to:
- ✅ Project song lyrics on screens during worship
- ✅ Print lyrics in bulletins and song sheets
- ✅ Create custom arrangements of songs
- ✅ Record your worship services (with Streaming License add-on)
- ✅ Access to SongSelect — a database of 100,000+ songs with lyrics, chord charts, and sheet music
What CCLI Does NOT Cover
- ❌ Projecting Bible verse text (this is usually public domain or covered by the Bible translation's license — more on this below)
- ❌ Playing pre-recorded music (that requires a separate license, like CVLI or direct permission)
- ❌ Using songs in commercial products (CDs for sale, etc.)
- ❌ Streaming your service online (requires the Streaming License add-on)
CCLI License Types and Costs
CCLI pricing is based on your average worship attendance:
| Attendance | Church Copyright License | Streaming License | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–24 | ~$66/year | ~$54/year | ~$120/year |
| 25–49 | ~$128/year | ~$105/year | ~$233/year |
| 50–99 | ~$170/year | ~$139/year | ~$309/year |
| 100–199 | ~$246/year | ~$175/year | ~$421/year |
| 200–499 | ~$383/year | ~$262/year | ~$645/year |
| 500–999 | ~$605/year | ~$427/year | ~$1,032/year |
Prices are approximate and may vary by region. Check ccli.com for current pricing.
For a church of 100 people, that's about $4.21 per person per year — or roughly $0.08 per person per Sunday. Extremely affordable for legal peace of mind.
Do You Need the Streaming License?
If your church does ANY of the following, yes:
- Livestreaming services on YouTube, Facebook, or your website
- Recording services that are posted online later
- Streaming to overflow rooms or satellite campuses
Since most churches now livestream, the combined license is recommended.
How to Display Copyright Information
As part of your CCLI license agreement, you must display proper copyright attribution. Here's what's required:
On Screen (During Worship)
Display the following on at least the first or last slide of each song:
Song Title
Words and Music by [Author Name]
© [Year] [Publisher]
CCLI License # [Your Number]
Example:
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Words and Music by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman
© 2011 Atlas Mountain Songs / sixsteps Music / Thankyou Music / worshiptogether.com songs
CCLI License # 1234567
Most church presentation software can display this automatically. In OpenLP and FreeShow, copyright info is part of the song metadata and appears on the last slide.
In Printed Materials
Include the same information on any printed lyric sheets or bulletins.
What About Bible Verses on Screen?
Good news — Bible verse copyright is handled differently than songs:
Public Domain Translations (No License Needed)
These translations are in the public domain and can be displayed freely:
- King James Version (KJV) — public domain worldwide
- American Standard Version (ASV) — public domain
- World English Bible (WEB) — public domain
- Young's Literal Translation (YLT) — public domain
Licensed Translations (Permission Usually Granted for Churches)
Most modern translations allow churches to display verses with attribution:
- NIV: Up to 500 verses without written permission (Zondervan guidelines)
- ESV: Up to 500 verses for non-commercial use (Crossway guidelines)
- NLT: Up to 250 verses for non-commercial use
- NASB: Up to 500 verses with copyright notice
Rule of thumb: Display the translation abbreviation (e.g., "— John 3:16 NIV") and you're covered for typical church use.
EasyVerse automatically displays the translation name alongside every verse, keeping you compliant.
Other Licenses Your Church May Need
CVLI (Church Video Licensing International)
If you show movie clips, short films, or pre-recorded video content during services, you need a CVLI license. Covers major studios like Disney, Warner Bros, etc.
Cost: ~$100–$400/year depending on church size.
PRS / PPL (UK Churches)
In the UK, churches need licenses from:
- PRS for Music — for performing songs
- PPL — for playing recorded music
- CCLI UK — same as US CCLI, for lyrics reproduction
ONE LICENSE (Liturgical Churches)
One License covers hymns and liturgical music not in the CCLI catalog. Common for Catholic, Lutheran, and Episcopal churches.
Cost: ~$90–$600/year depending on church size.
A Step-by-Step Compliance Checklist
Here's how to get your church fully copyright-compliant:
- Get a CCLI Church Copyright License at ccli.com
- Add the Streaming License if you livestream or record services
- Create a CCLI SongSelect account to access lyrics and report usage
- Report song usage quarterly or semi-annually (CCLI requires this — it's how songwriters get paid)
- Display copyright info on screen and in printed materials
- Use public domain or properly attributed Bible translations — EasyVerse handles this automatically
- Get a CVLI license if you show video clips in services
- Train your worship team — make sure they understand why licensing matters
What Happens If You Don't Get Licensed?
While it's rare for copyright holders to sue churches, it does happen. More importantly:
- Legal risk: Statutory damages for copyright infringement can be $750–$30,000 per work
- Ethical responsibility: Songwriters deserve compensation for their work — licensing is the right thing to do
- Witness: Your church's integrity matters. Being known for respecting intellectual property reflects well on your ministry
The Bottom Line
Copyright compliance is simpler and cheaper than most churches think:
- CCLI License: ~$170/year for a church of 50–99 people
- Bible verses: Use EasyVerse (free) — handles attribution automatically
- Display copyright info: Add it to your song slides
- Report usage: Take 10 minutes quarterly to submit your song list to CCLI
That's it. For less than $4 per person per year, your church is legally covered, songwriters are fairly compensated, and your integrity is intact.
Resources
- CCLI — Get Licensed
- CCLI SongSelect — Search Songs
- U.S. Copyright Office — FAQ
- EasyVerse — Free Bible Verse Display
- Church Presentation Software Comparison
- Our Community Forum — ask copyright questions
Need help setting up compliant verse display for your church? Download EasyVerse — it's free and handles Bible translation attribution automatically. Support our mission to keep it free for churches everywhere.