Grateful for the Gift of Music

November 13, 2022

With an entire month devoted to giving thanks, we decided to take a closer look at what gratitude and Thanksgiving mean to us. Of course, we’ve all heard the word “gratitude” before – the quality of being thankful and the readiness to show appreciation for and return kindness. But what does this have to do with music, or copyrights for that matter?  

 “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”   

Psalm 95:2

So, you see – that “joyful noise” and those “songs of praise” we go to God with, are all something we at Christian Copyright Solutions are very thankful for. And the writers, artists, and musicians who create that music are why we exist as a company. We believe the higher vision and more significant purpose for honoring copyrights is that the Church is called to support songwriters and authors of creative works.  

Throughout the centuries prior to copyright law, musicians and artists traveled bumpy roads finding the means to support their vocations. The Renaissance period saw creativity flourish but was devoid of copyright laws but promoted by patrons such as the church and the Pope. Few artists flourished and most struggled to bring in income.  

In the 1980’s most worship songwriters had day jobs. It was hard to make a livelihood writing music. But when unit sales for popular worship recordings skyrocketed in the mid- ’80s, song royalty payments became a surprising source of income for some writers. As worship recording royalties grew and licensing began to take hold in churches, consistent revenue streams encouraged some writers to take the plunge and devote themselves wholeheartedly to their calling. 

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” 

Psalms 98:1-3

Today’s cultural economic environment is quite different, but one thing is clear, songwriters must have regular income to devote themselves to their calling of making music. Great art does not happen accidentally. When music flourishes, there is a cultural economic terrain in which songwriters thrive. 

There is a unique relationship and opportunity between today’s Christian community and songwriters. A direct pipeline of steady revenue flows from the Church to songwriters because of music companies and innovative annual blanket licenses developed by businesses with a heart for worship and music ministries. 

When we spoke with Christian music artist, worship leader, and singer-songwriter  Paul Baloche we asked how the Church supported his ministry with proper music licensing. Baloche shared: “All of my kids grew up understanding that music is not free. So it’s important to acknowledge and support the musicians, writers, vocalists, engineers, and producers of the music that we love.” 

The next time you buy a church music license, like CCS’s PERFORMmusic Facilities License or WORSHIPcast Streaming License, or pay an invoice for music rights, take a closer look at the transaction you’re making. It’s a tremendous opportunity to support songwriters, who in turn will bless your church with new worship songs that proclaim the Gospel, touching and transforming hearts. And for this, we are forever thankful. 

About Christian Copyright Solutions: CCS’s quest is to help churches and Christian ministries “do music right.”  CCS is an expert on church music copyrights and our primary focus is providing licensing and clear educational resources to churches. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. The information contained here is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. 

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