179 Praise and Worship Song List for Praise Teams in 2024

Here is a list of 179 worship songs you can choose from for your next praise and worship song service.

1. 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) - Matt Redman / Passion
2. You Are Good - Lakewood Church
3. Better Is One Day - Matt Redman
4. Worthy, You Are Worthy - Don Moen
5. Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) - Chris Tomlin
6. Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin
7. My Redeemer Lives - Hillsong Worship
8. Reckless Love - Bethel Music / Cory Asbury
9. There Is A Redeemer - Keith Green
10. Noel - Lauren Daigle
11. Forever - Kari Jobe
12. You Are My King (Amazing Love) - Newsboys
13. Here We Are - Don Moen
14. Jesus, Name Above All Names - Naida Hearn
15. King Of Kings - Hillsong Worship
16. I Speak Jesus - Charity Gayle / Steven Musso
17. Blessed Be Your Name - Matt Redman
18. God Of Wonders - Third Day
19. Breathe - Michael W. Smith
20. Battle Belongs - Phil Wickham
21. You Are So Good To Me - Third Day
22. Open The Eyes Of My Heart - Paul Baloche
23. I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin
24. Mighty To Save - Hillsong Worship
25. Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) - Paul Baloche
26. Give Thanks - Don Moen
27. Way Maker - Leeland
28. I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe
29. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - Hillsong UNITED / TAYA
30. Hosanna - Hillsong UNITED
31. Great I Am - New Life Worship
32. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin
33. What A Beautiful Name (Live) - Hillsong Worship
34. Majesty - Delirious?
35. Christ Is Risen - Matt Maher
36. Hark The Herald (with King Of Heaven) - Paul Baloche
37. Change My Heart Oh God - Eddie Espinosa
38. We Will Glorify - Twila Paris
39. Forever - Chris Tomlin
40. At The Cross (Love Ran Red) - Chris Tomlin
41. Come Now Is The Time To Worship - Brian Doerksen
42. Shout To The Lord - Hillsong Worship
43. Agnus Dei - Michael W. Smith
44. I Give You My Heart - Hillsong Worship
45. Let Everything That Has Breath - Matt Redman
46. Holy Forever - Chris Tomlin
47. Holy Spirit - Francesca Battistelli
48. O Holy Night - Chris Tomlin
49. Do It Again - Elevation Worship
50. He Is Exalted - Twila Paris

As a worship leader, curating the perfect selection of praise and worship songs is fundamental to setting the tone for any service. My weekly task involves sifting through an array of songs to find those that will resonate with the congregation and uplift their spirits. It's a balance of theology, musicality, and congregational engagement—a thoughtful process that seeks to both glorify God and edify the church.

51. Our God - Chris Tomlin
52. Holy And Anointed One - John Barnett
53. Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble? - Delirious?
54. Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing) - Brian Doerksen
55. O Praise The Name (Anastasis) - Hillsong Worship
56. Joy To The World (Joyful Joyful) - Phil Wickham
57. This Is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham
58. No Longer Slaves (Spontaneous)(Live) - Bethel Music
59. Thank You Jesus For The Blood - Charity Gayle
60. Take My Life (Holiness) - Scott Underwood
61. Lead Me To The Cross - Hillsong UNITED
62. Great Is The Lord - Michael W. Smith
63. Your Grace Is Enough - Chris Tomlin
64. This Is The Day - Leslie Garrett
65. What A Beautiful Name / Agnus Dei (Medley) - Travis Cottrell
66. Shine On Us - Phillips, Craig & Dean
67. How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin
68. It's Christmas - Chris Tomlin
69. He Shall Reign Forevermore - Chris Tomlin
70. More Precious Than Silver - Lynn DeShazo
71. Cry Of My Heart - Terry Butler
72. Lord, Reign In Me - Brenton Brown
73. How Great Thou Art - Paul Baloche
74. O The Blood - Gateway Worship
75. Lamb Of God - Twila Paris
76. Lion And The Lamb - Bethel Music / Leeland
77. Worthy Is The Lamb - Hillsong Worship
78. O Come All Ye Faithful - Chris Tomlin
79. Trading My Sorrows - Darrell Evans
80. Celebrate Jesus - Don Moen
81. From The Inside Out - Hillsong Worship
82. The Stand - Hillsong UNITED
83. I Offer My Life - Don Moen
84. Sanctuary - Randy Rothwell
85. In The Secret - Andy Park
86. Hymn Of Heaven - Phil Wickham
87. Jesus, Lover Of My Soul - Hillsong Worship
88. Glorious Day - Passion / Kristian Stanfill
89. Enough - Chris Tomlin
90. Knowing You (All I Once Held Dear) - Graham Kendrick
91. Death Was Arrested - North Point Worship
92. Even So Come - Passion / Chris Tomlin
93. No Other Name - Hillsong Worship
94. The Heart Of Worship (When The Music Fades) - Matt Redman
95. Create In Me A Clean Heart - Keith Green
96. Every Move I Make - Hillsong UNITED
97. It Is You - Newsboys
98. The Potter's Hand - Darlene Zschech
99. I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever - Delirious?
100. Living Hope - Phil Wickham

In my experience, worship teams often look for songs that facilitate a deep, communal worship experience. This involves choosing praise and worship songs that not only align with the message of the day but also embody the diversity and dynamics of the musical gifts within the team. From upbeat anthems of gratitude to reflective melodies of praise, the aim is to craft a list that guides the congregation through a meaningful spiritual journey.

101. Here I Am To Worship (Light Of The World) - Tim Hughes
102. Come Thou Fount Come Thou King - Gateway Worship
103. In Christ Alone - Kristian Stanfill / Passion
104. Open Up The Heavens - Vertical Worship
105. Be Glorified - Chris Tomlin
106. Ancient Of Days - Ron Kenoly
107. Forever Reign - Hillsong Worship
108. Yes I Will - Vertical Worship
109. Draw Me Close - The Katinas
110. God Is Able - Hillsong Worship
111. You Are Holy (Prince Of Peace) - Michael W. Smith
112. How Marvelous (I Stand Amazed) - Chris Tomlin / Passion
113. How Deep The Father's Love For Us - Stuart Townend
114. As The Deer - Martin Nystrom
115. Awesome God - Rich Mullins
116. Lord Have Mercy - Michael W. Smith
117. My Life Is In You, Lord - Joseph Garlington
118. Because He Lives (Amen) - Matt Maher
119. Days Of Elijah - Robin Mark
120. Resurrecting (Live) - Elevation Worship
121. Crown Him (Majesty) - Chris Tomlin
122. Revelation Song - Gateway Worship
123. Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) - Casting Crowns
124. Be Unto Your Name - Robin Mark
125. I Stand In Awe - Mark Altrogge
126. We Bow Down - Twila Paris
127. Your Great Name - Natalie Grant
128. Glorify Thy Name - Donna Adkins
129. Above All - Michael W. Smith
130. O Come To The Altar - Elevation Worship
131. Lord, I Lift Your Name On High - Rick Founds
132. We Fall Down - Chris Tomlin
133. It Is Well - Kristene DiMarco / Bethel Music
134. Mighty Is Our God - Eugene Greco
135. Lord I Need You - Matt Maher
136. I Love You Lord - Laurie Klein
137. Light Of The World - Lauren Daigle
138. I Worship You, Almighty God - Sondra Corbett-Wood
139. How Majestic Is Your Name - Sandi Patty
140. Good Good Father - Chris Tomlin
141. Step By Step - Rich Mullins
142. Angels We Have Heard On High - Chris Tomlin
143. God Is Good All The Time - Don Moen
144. All Things Are Possible - Hillsong Worship
145. Build My Life - Passion / Brett Younker
146. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day - Casting Crowns
147. King Of My Heart - Bethel Music
148. Refiner's Fire - Brian Doerksen
149. Raise A Hallelujah - Bethel Music / Melissa Helser / Jonathan David Helser
150. Firm Foundation - John Chisum

Praise songs specifically have a unique ability to energize and encourage the congregation to participate. They set a joyful atmosphere, often prompting the community to stand, clap, and sing along in unity. Worship songs, on the other hand, tend to create a more introspective space, allowing for personal and collective moments of worship. Balancing these elements is essential to foster an environment where every member of the community can express their adoration and reverence through song.

151. House Of The Lord - Phil Wickham
152. Indescribable - Chris Tomlin / Passion
153. Come Into His Presence - Lynn Baird
154. Chain Breaker - Zach Williams
155. Goodness Of God - Bethel Music / Jenn Johnson
156. More Love More Power - Jeff Deyo
157. I Want To Be Where You Are - Don Moen
158. Who You Say I Am - Hillsong Worship
159. Shine, Jesus, Shine - Graham Kendrick
160. This I Believe (The Creed) - Hillsong Worship
161. Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me - CityAlight
162. Build Your Kingdom Here - Rend Collective
163. He Has Made Me Glad (I Will Enter His Gates) - Maranatha! Music
164. Graves Into Gardens (Live) - Elevation Worship / Brandon Lake
165. Today Is The Day - Lincoln Brewster
166. Happy Day - Tim Hughes
167. The Blessing (Live) - Elevation Worship / Kari Jobe / Cody Carnes
168. Cornerstone - Hillsong Worship
169. In Christ Alone - Travis Cottrell
170. Man Of Sorrows - Hillsong Worship
171. Everlasting God - Lincoln Brewster
172. O Lord, You're Beautiful - Keith Green
173. Our God - Chris Tomlin / Passion
174. Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters
175. Great Things - Phil Wickham
176. Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) - Chris Tomlin
177. We Believe - Newsboys
178. Only King Forever - Elevation Worship
179. Jesus Paid It All - Kristian Stanfill / Passion

The Role of Praise and Worship in Church Services

In my experience, praise and worship serve as the heartbeat of church services, setting the atmosphere and preparing the congregation's heart to receive the message.

Defining Praise and Worship

Praise and worship are essential elements in Christian church services. They involve expressions of reverence and adoration through music and song. Praise often consists of joyous, upbeat songs that celebrate God's presence and goodness, while worship songs tend to be more reflective, inviting worshippers into a deeper sense of communion with the divine.

Importance of Song Selection

Choosing the right songs for a service is crucial. As a worship leader, I ensure that each song aligns with the day’s themeand that it speaks to the congregation effectively. The song selection should:

• Reflect the beliefs and values of the congregation.
• Fit musically within the church's style to encourage participation.
• Vary in tempo and mood to guide the congregation through different expressions of worship.
• Evoke a true sense of worship, fostering a genuine connection with God.

The songs chosen should create a cohesive narrative that enhances the worship experience and supports the overall message of the service.

Building an Inclusive Song List

When I construct a song list for the praise team, my aim is to ensure a range that resonates with every member of the congregation. This includes paying attention to various musical genres and incorporating both timeless hymns and contemporary worship music.

Diversity in Musical Genre

I believe that a varied selection of musical genres can greatly enhance the worship experience. When selecting songs, I look for a mix that includes:

• Classic Hymns: These are essential as they carry the rich history and theology that have been the foundation for many believers. A hymn like "Hymn of Heaven" can deeply resonate with the congregation.
• Contemporary Worship: Songs like "Graves Into Gardens" by Elevation Worship provide a modern musical expression that often connect with younger worshipers eager for fresh sounds.

To craft a well-rounded list, I ensure that it includes:

1. Traditional choruses
2. Gospel
3. Contemporary Christian music (CCM)
4. Christian rock or pop

This diversity helps in catering to different musical tastes and creates a more inclusive worship environment.

Balancing Old and New Anthems

Maintaining a balance between old and new anthems ensures that each service is refreshing yet familiar. I tend to:

• Stay updated with the Top 100 worship songs to introduce new music that is relevant and impactful.
• Revisit classic anthems that carry the collective memory and tradition of the church.

To achieve a good equilibrium, my strategy involves:

• Choosing 70% familiar songs that the congregation knows well.
• Introducing 30% new anthems, giving precedence to those that are being widely accepted in Christian communities.

This formula allows me to keep the worship experience dynamic without overwhelming the congregation with too many unfamiliar tunes. By being mindful of this balance, I work towards creating a worship atmosphere that honors the past while embracing the present.

Notable Praise and Worship Leaders and Bands

In my exploration of praise and worship music, certain leaders and bands stand out for their impact on worship communities around the globe. These figures are not only recognized for their musical talents but also for their ability to lead congregations in powerful worship experiences.

Influential Worship Leaders

• Phil Wickham: Known for his soaring vocals and heartfelt songwriting, I've seen Wickham's songs like "This Is Amazing Grace" become staples in many churches.
• Leeland Mooring: As the frontman of the band Leeland, Mooring's contribution to worship music is significant, with hits like "Where You Are" stirring the hearts of believers.

Prominent Worship Bands

• Elevation Worship: Their dynamic and anthemic songs, such as "O Come to the Altar,” are a testament to their influence in modern worship music.
• Hillsong UNITED: They have been at the forefront of the worship music scene for decades, offering powerful live recordings and songs like "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)."
• Bethel Music: I recognize them as a collective of artists who have greatly influenced the worship genre with their profound lyrics and varied musical styles.
• Maverick City Music: This diverse group has brought a fresh and unique sound to the worship scene, and their collaborative approach to music-making is both inspiring and innovative.

Must-Have Songs for Praise Teams

In curating a song list for praise teams, I focus on incorporating both recent hits that resonate with today's congregations and timeless hymns that have become staples in worship settings.

Recent Hits

The contemporary worship scene is vibrant, with new music almost always at the ready. Personally, I've found that integrating tracks that have gained significant traction can invigorate a praise team's repertoire and help the congregation connect through familiar melodies and lyrics. Here are some of the recent hits that have made a strong impact:

• "House of the Lord": A lively song that celebrates joy and community in God's presence.
• "Goodness of God": Known for its heartfelt testament to God's enduring goodness, it's a track that encourages reflection and gratitude.
• "Battle Belongs": With its empowering lyrics, this song is an anthem of faith and trust in divine resolve.
• "This is Amazing Grace": This modern classic captures the wonder of grace with its powerful chorus and dynamic range.

Timeless Hymns

While new songs are essential, the depth and richness of hymns that have stood the test of time are irreplaceable. Here are a couple of hymns that I believe every praise team should have in their collection:

• "Amazing Grace": Perhaps the most iconic hymn, its simple yet profound message of redemption never ceases to move hearts.
• "O Praise the Name (Anástasis)": While slightly newer, it harks back to traditional themes and the storytelling aspect of classic hymns, recounting the resurrection.

Each song selected plays a pivotal role in shaping the worship experience and fostering a spiritual atmosphere that aligns with the values and teachings of the faith community.

Song Choice by Theme and Tempo

When selecting songs for a praise team, it's important to consider both the thematic elements of the service and the desired tempo. Coordinating songs with specific themes and tempo can deeply impact the worship experience, making it more cohesive and powerful.

Worship Songs for Specific Themes

I recommend choosing worship songs that reflect the central theme of the worship service. For instance, when focusing on gratitude, "Goodness of God" by Bethel Music captures the essence of being thankful for God's unwavering presence. If the service theme is centered around perseverance and God's guidance, "Way Maker" is a fitting selection, speaking to God's role as a constant, reliable force that shapes our path.

Here's a list reflecting theme-centered song choices:

• Gratitude: Goodness of God - Bethel Music
• Guidance: Way Maker - Leeland
• Majesty of Christ: King of Kings - Hillsong Worship
• Praise in Trials: Raise A Hallelujah - Bethany Wohrle

Setting the Tempo with Song Selection

The tempo of songs shapes the energy of the service. I find that starting with an energetic, upbeat song sets a lively atmosphere. A song like "Raise A Hallelujah" with a moderate fast tempo is ideal for this. As you transition into times of reflection or deeper worship, it's beneficial to include slower ballads like "King of Kings" that allow the congregation to contemplate and respond.

To maintain a balanced worship set, consider this tempo order:

1. Opening with Energy: Raise A Hallelujah - Fast Tempo
2. Reflective Worship: Goodness of God - Moderate Tempo
3. Deep Contemplation: King of Kings - Slow Tempo

By adeptly choosing songs by theme and tempo, you pave the way for a truly immersive and touching worship experience.

Key Resources for Praise Teams

When preparing for worship, having the right resources is crucial for ensuring that my praise team can perform confidently and effectively. I've gathered some essential tools that are incredibly helpful in organizing songs and mastering their arrangements.

Chord Charts and Sheet Music

I rely heavily on chord charts and sheet music to guide the instrumentalists and vocalists on my team. One of my go-to sources is PraiseCharts, where I can find a variety of music sheets, including SATB arrangements for our choir and simple lead sheets for piano. Chord charts also come in handy for our guitarists across acoustic, bass, and electric, and they are instrumental for rhythm sections including acoustic guitarists and drummers.

• For SATB/Choir: Sheet music with vocal parts
• For Pianists: Lead sheets
• For Guitarists: Chord charts
• For Rhythm Sections: Rhythm charts for timing and beats

These resources help us to maintain the correct harmonies and rhythms, ensuring a polished and unified sound during worship.

Worship Music Streaming and Sets

To access a wide range of worship music, Spotify is my platform of choice. It provides a comprehensive selection of songs across all tempos, key signatures, and themes. Browsing through curated worship sets helps me discover new songs and create playlists that I can share with my team.

New Worship Set Example:

1. Fast Opening: Song by Hillsong United
2. Midtempo Anthem: 'Firm Foundation (He Won't)' by Maverick City Music
3. Closing Worship: 'King Of Kings' by Hillsong Worship

Considering song tempo is also important; if I throw in a song in 6/8 time, I'm conscious of its impact on the flow of the set. The beats per minute (bpm) guide my decisions in structuring a worship session that progresses smoothly from high-energy praise to reverent worship.

Practical Aspects for Praise Team Members

Ensuring the efficacy of a praise team hinges on two pivotal components: Rehearsal and Coordination, and understanding Members' Roles and Responsibilities. Each aspect plays a critical role in harmonizing efforts and talents for impactful worship.

Rehearsal and Coordination

I recognize that effective rehearsal isn’t just about the individual practice of instruments or vocals, it's a cumulative effort that necessitates coordination. To facilitate this, I advocate for a structured schedule that includes specific times for signing in and warming up. For instance:

• 6:00 PM: Members sign in
• 6:15 PM: Vocal warm-ups
• 6:30 PM: Group rehearsal

Members should always come prepared, having reviewed the song list prior to reunions. Coordination efforts also extend to technical aspects, such as the sound system setup, ensuring all members understand their contribution to the overall sound.

Members' Roles and Responsibilities

The backbone of any praise team I lead is clarity in the roles and responsibilities. Members must be distinctly aware of their duties, whether they are vocalists, instrumentalists, or technical staff. Criteria for individuals aspiring to join the praise team include:

• Vocalists: Proven vocal ability, and a heart for worship.
• Instrumentalists: Competency with their instrument, and the ability to play in a team setting.

My goal is to delineate these roles explicitly from the onset to avoid confusion and ensure each member can fully prepare for their contribution to the worship service.

Integrating Multimedia in Worship Services

Incorporating multimedia into worship services enhances the engagement and participation of the congregation. My focus will be on effective deployment of visual aids for lyrics display and optimizing audio systems to ensure clear acoustics.

Visual Aids and Lyrics Display

1. Projectors and Screens: I recommend high-definition projectors and screens for clarity. This ensures that lyrics are readable from all angles of the worship space. The use of motion backgrounds can complement the atmosphere without distracting from the worship experience.

2. Presentation Software: I utilize advanced presentation software that supports a wide range of media formats. This allows for seamless transitions between lyrics, videos, and sermon notes. The software should include remote control capabilities to facilitate adjustments during the service.

3. Operator Training: It is crucial to have a well-trained operator who can manage the software competently. I ensure that my operators are adept at troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the service.

Audio Systems and Acoustics

1. Sound Equipment Quality: I invest in high-quality microphones, speakers, and mixers to ensure that all elements—from the lyrics to the music—are heard with clarity. This creates a balanced sound that minimizes distractions and enhances focus on worship.

2. Acoustic Treatments: To optimize the worship space acoustics, I employ a combination of sound-absorbing panels and diffusers. This minimizes echoes and reverberations, so the congregation can hear the lyrics and music distinctly.

3. Soundcheck Protocols: I conduct thorough soundchecks before each service. This involves checking the levels of all inputs and outputs to balance the lyrics and music in the mix. It is also a time to ensure that all equipment is functioning properly.

Engagement and Outreach Through Worship

In my experience, engaging with the congregation and extending our reach through online platforms are fundamental for a dynamic worship experience. I aim to create a bridge with the congregation that allows for a powerful communal spiritual journey, while also employing modern technology to connect with individuals beyond the church walls.

Connecting with the Congregation

I prioritize song choices that resonate with my congregation's diverse backgrounds and unite us in worship. I am mindful to strike a balance between familiar tunes that encourage participation and new songs that enrich our worship and keep it fresh. To maintain this balance, I build my repertoire with care:

• Familiarity: I include songs that my congregation knows and loves, ensuring they can sing along and fully engage without hesitation.
• Freshness: Regularly, I introduce new songs that speak to the congregation's current spiritual journey, aiming for these to become tomorrow's beloved classics.

Online Platforms and Social Media

I recognize the importance of extending our worship beyond the church's physical walls. By sharing our praise and worship sessions on online platforms and social media, I reach those who may not be able to attend in person, including members of our congregation who are at home. Here is how I enhance our digital outreach:

• Live Streams: I conduct live streams of our services, allowing the home-bound and distant viewers to participate in real-time.
• Recorded Sessions: I make recordings of our worship available online. They can be used for personal reflection at home or shared to encourage others.
• Interactive Posts: I engage with the online community by posting interactive content that promotes discussion and community building.

Through careful song selection and strategic use of digital tools, I aim to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment that engages my congregation in meaningful worship and reaches out to the wider community with our message of faith and unity.

Worship Team Dynamics and Growth

In guiding worship teams, it is essential to consider both the collective spirit of the group and the individual growth of its members. By fostering a collaborative environment and emphasizing constant improvement, worship leaders can create a dynamic and flourishing worship team.

Fostering Team Spirit

My approach to nurturing team spirit is built on the foundation of mutual respect and shared vision. I encourage open communication and support amongst team members which leads to a more cohesive unit. Regular team-building activities are critical, as they help to strengthen bonds and improve the overall effectiveness of our worship services.

• Monthly social outings
• Weekly debrief sessions post-service
• Collaborative goal-setting meetings

These strategies help to unify the team, making it strong and effective in leading worship.

Continual Learning and Improvement

For continual learning and improvement, I make use of various resources tailored specifically for worship teams. Ongoing training is a staple in my team, encompassing both musical skill development and spiritual growth.

1. Organize workshops with experienced worship leaders.
2. Subscribe to services like Praise Charts for the latest music resources.
3. Regularly review and update our song repertoire to maintain freshness in worship.

By ensuring that learning and improvement are integral to the team's culture, I help deepen the congregants' worship experience and maintain a vibrant worship community.

Addressing the Spiritual Needs of the Church

I recognize that meeting the spiritual needs of the church involves providing an environment for individuals to express their faith and find solace in times of hardship. Through carefully selected praise and worship songs, praise teams can facilitate these expressions and offer reassurance to the congregation.

Praise as an Expression of Faith

For many believers, praise is a direct expression of faith; it's an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and grace. I find that incorporating timeless hymns like "Amazing Grace" can remind the church of the foundations of their beliefs. This hymn, with its rich history and profound lyrics, speaks of the transformative power of grace and how it leads individuals from spiritual blindness to sight.

Songs of Hope and Assurance

In addressing the spiritual needs of the church, providing hope and assurance is vital. Contemporary worship songs, such as "Living Hope", encapsulate this message. Its lyrics affirm the resurrection's impact on personal salvation, offering listeners a profound sense of optimism and assurance. Introducing such songs during worship leads congregants into a deeper sense of peace and hopefulness in their spiritual journey.

Legal and Copyright Considerations for Music

When I prepare a praise and worship song list, I prioritize understanding the relevant copyright laws and securing the appropriate licenses. This ensures that my team and I honor the rights of the song creators, avoid legal complications, and contribute to the sustainability of worship music resources.

Understanding Copyright Laws

Copyright laws protect the creativity and rights of those who create music, including worship songs. Typically, works published before 1923 are in the public domain and can be used without restriction. For more recent works, I must be aware of the copyright status of each song. The implications are significant – copyright infringement can lead to damages ranging from $500 to $100,000 per infringement, and in extreme cases, criminal penalties.

Obtaining Proper Licensing

To use music legally, it's crucial to obtain the necessary licenses. I ensure my church procures a copyright licensecovering the songs we intend to use. Common licenses include:

• CCLI License: Allows congregational singing and provides access to song lyrics and sheet music.
• Streaming Licenses: Necessary when broadcasting services online which include music.
• Performance Licenses: Required if the music is performed live in front of a congregation.

By taking these steps, I safeguard my praise team against any legal issues and contribute to the ethical use of worship music.