In our litigious society, it seems like people file lawsuits for just about anything, but since when did copyrights and licenses become so sensitive?  The old days are gone; the truth is, operating a Church becomes more and more complex every day.  So what are a few things an administrator can do to protect their organization?

Worship Music, for example, is majority owned by record labels.  The Christian artists usually make licensing deals with organizations like Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI.com), which in turn charges a yearly subscription fee based on the size of your congregation (starting for about $50 for a small congregation).  Some worship pastor's prefer to write their own music, which is great because you don't have to buy a license for their works.  However, then the question arises – who owns those songs he/she writes on the clock?  An intellectual properties policy can help clear up any confusion between you are your creative team.

Does your Church show videos in youth group or as an illustration in a sermon?  There are other groups for videos such as Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI.com) that sell affordable licenses to view certain protected materials within your organization.  

Even looking at your copy machine, it's a best practice to have a notice posted by each machine warning against the duplication of protected materials.  And finally, let's not forget about software.  Make sure that when you are buying software that you are respecting the software licensing agreement and abide by the notice as to how many computers and users that each license allows. 

Is your organization at risk?  Need help navigating any of these areas?  PSK can help!

–Daniel Lienemann, CPA is a Senior Auditor specializing in church accounting at PSK LLP.