I recently spent a day consulting with a Jacksonville, FL church that is launching a music publishing company and record label. I’m the first to admit that I’m somewhat skeptical when it comes to churches getting into the business of music because one of the biggest hurdles they face is recognizing that it IS in fact a business, and a very complex one at that.  

I was pleasantly surprised, however, when I met the church’s leadership team and discovered how much research and study they’d already invested in developing their songwriter/publishing model. They had obtained solid legal counsel, talked with successful church publishers, including Hillsong, analyzed various agreements and licenses, and read several books on publishing (including CCA’s “Now That You’re a Christian Song Publisher”) www.churchca.com/resources.htm.   

The more we explored songwriter relationships, royalty percentages, recordings and the role of a publisher, the more impressed I was with the model they’re developing. At first, I questioned some of their deviation from the Christian music industry standards (I find it’s sometimes unfortunately easier to cling to what you’ve known and assume it’s the right way of doing things). However, as I listened, I found my old assumptions and pre-conceived notions crumbling. 

Christian music publishers and record labels are struggling to find a new model or paradigm that will lift them out of the valley of digital download despair. Songwriters and artists are discovering new channels of distribution and promotion online and unless you’re a “Star” writer or artist, there can be many disadvantages in signing with a big company.

It’s important to keep the basic job of a publisher in mind—PROMOTE, PROTECT AND COLLECT (and disburse revenues). But I think we can add another aspect to the publisher’s mission: NURTURE.

In working with creative artists for more than 23 years, I’ve observed that they need at least three things to thrive: 1) someone they trust on their team who provides structure, organization and sound business management 2) an environment that cultivates and promotes creativity and 3) a place called home—a safe harbor that offers nurture, accountability, care, encouragement and a sense of belonging.

The third one is often times the toughest, and this is what a church or ministry publisher can provide if they do it right. I have seen many artists in search of a creative home in their business relationship with a Christian music company only to be bruised with disappointment. Often their disenchantment was due to unrealistic expectations, rather than broken promises by the company, but it reveals a vital requirement that artists have if they are to flourish.

One of the most surprising bits of information I gleaned in Florida supports this idea. The church’s attorney reported that he had spoken with someone at Hillsong Publishing and asked him how they handled contracts and royalties when a songwriter left. There was a pause on the phone, and then a startling reply, “We’ve never had anyone leave in 18 years.” Now, this is second hand information, so I don’t know if this is true, but my first reaction was, “Wow! What are they doing right to produce that kind of loyalty and history?”  

And that’s the most challenging question any church should ask if they’re considering forming a publishing or record company.

A growing number of churches today have developed creative and innovative worship programs and are blessed with a community of worship artisans—singers, musicians, dancers, visual artists, actors, etc. Nurturing, encouraging and developing these artisans often leads to church leaders considering the next step of managing or administering their original works of authorship (copyrights). If you or your church is considering entering the music or entertainment business, these are some of the important points to research and consider.

This topic has stirred a lot of conversation among the CQ Royal Entourage this week, so I’ll continue the conversation with my next posting. In the mean time, let me know what you think about the subject.