“In the Beginning Was the Word”: Scripture, Songs, and Copyright in Creative Ministry Works

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

— John 1:1

Image from www.bible.com

The Copyright Clash: Can Scripture Be Protected?

Let’s be clear: The original texts of the Bible (in Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic) are in the public domain. However, modern English translations—such as the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT), or The Message—are copyrighted works owned by publishing houses, Bible societies, or religious publishers.

So when someone includes John 1:1 from a copyrighted version of the Bible in a:

• Gospel song

• Worship video

• Faith-based t-shirt

• Christian film, spoken word, or presentation

...without appropriate permission, they could be infringing on someone else’s intellectual property rights—even while quoting the Word of God.

This is not just theoretical. Christian publishers have sent takedown notices and cease-and-desist letters when their translations were used without proper attribution or licensing. That includes direct quotes in music, books, merchandise, and digital content.

Few passages resonate more deeply across faith traditions than John 1:1. But what happens when Bible verses inspire songs, and those songs enter the stream of commerce, worship, or digital distribution? Who owns the rights? What responsibilities do we bear when we adapt, remix, or share spiritual works—especially when those works incorporate public domain texts like the Bible? This week these issue have become a topic of high interest.

As both an intellectual property attorney and professor, I encounter these questions frequently—especially from clients and students working at the intersection of faith, music, and media. While the message may be eternal, the legal rights surrounding creative expressions are not.

This article explores four essential legal principles at the heart of this conversation: ownership, licensing, derivative works, and ethical stewardship.

1. Ownership: The Author Matters

Many assume that because a song is “about God” or based on scripture, it’s free to use. Not so.

While the text of the Bible is public domain (at least in older or certain translations), any original creative expression built upon it—such as lyrics, melodies, and arrangements—can be protected by copyright.

In collaborative worship settings, this becomes complex. The person who sings the song isn’t necessarily the person who wrote it—or who owns it. Contributors must clarify ownership in advance or risk disputes later.

2. Licensing: Permission Is Protection

You cannot use what you don’t have the right to use. Period.

Common misunderstandings:

• “We’re a nonprofit, so it’s fair use.”

• “We’re just streaming our worship service.”

• “It’s just a remix—we’re not selling it.”

None of these automatically exempt a performance or recording from licensing obligations. Even churches require proper licenses for music use—whether performed live, streamed online, or included in recordings.

3. Derivative Works: New Expression, Old Roots

What if you rewrite a worship song with updated lyrics? Or create a new musical arrangement of an old hymn? Or translate a song into another language?

These are derivative works, and under U.S. copyright law, you must get the original author’s or rightsholder’s permission to create or distribute them—unless the original work is in the public domain.

Even with Bible-based songs, the melody, rhythm, or even the unique lyrical phrasing can be protected, even if the “source material” is sacred.

4. Ethical Stewardship: Faith and Fair Use

In the legal world, we speak of rights. In the faith world, we speak of stewardship. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.

For creators and faith communities, honoring intellectual property is not just about legal compliance—it’s about ethical practice. Recognizing and respecting the work of songwriters, composers, and arrangers affirms their time, talent, and calling.

Just as scripture calls us to integrity in financial stewardship, so too should we practice integrity in creative stewardship.

When Worship and Copyright Collide

In recent weeks, this sacred text has become the center of a real-world legal controversy involving one of the most respected institutions in faith-based music: Indiana Bible College (IBC). IBC) recently released its choral arrangement titled “John 1,” as an sincere worship. Shortly after its release, however, concerns were raised regarding similarities between the arrangement and “The Word Was God,” a well-known composition by acclaimed composer Dr. Rosephanye Powell. Dr. Powell asserted that elements of her original work may have been used without proper credit, permission, or licensing, prompting broader discussion within the music and faith-based creative communities.

IBC's “John 1” drew attention on social media and TikTok. But as the music community began comparing the song to Dr. Powell’s copyrighted choral work, questions of infringement surfaced. When Indiana Bible College (IBC) released its choral arrangement titled “John 1,” the intent appeared to be rooted in sincere worship and artistic expression. However, the release quickly drew attention and concern after listeners noted striking similarities to “The Word Was God,” a published choral composition written in 1996 by renowned composer and music professor Dr. Rosephanye Powell. Dr. Powell issued a public statement on Instagram.

IBC released a statement regarding this issue and acknowledged the claim of copyright infringement on Instagram

This controversy has sparked a broader conversation about copyright compliance within faith-based creative circles—raising important questions about how ministries and music departments can better navigate intellectual property laws while honoring the spiritual purpose of their work.

Choir Singing & Clapping

What’s Really at Stake?

Faith-based creators often assume that because their message is spiritually inspired, they’re immune from legal obligations. But in the marketplace, that assumption can be costly.

Here’s what every worship leader, gospel artist, pastor, and creative should know:

1. Worship Is Sacred, But IP Law Is Still Binding

The Word of God is eternal. But once it’s transformed into a unique melody, arrangement, or translation by a human author or composer, it’s subject to the legal protections afforded by copyright.

2. Good Intentions Don’t Override Legal Rights

Even if a song or message is born out of prayer and purpose, if it draws substantially from someone else's protected work without permission, it can still be infringement.

3. Your Vision Deserves Legal Protection, Too

Just as we are called to honor the creative works of others, you also have a responsibility to protect what Heaven entrusted to you. That means properly structuring your brand, trademarking ministry assets, and copyrighting original work.

Faith-Based IP Missteps Are More Common Than You Think

As an IP and business attorney for faith-driven entrepreneurs and creatives, I’ve seen

these scenarios too often:

• Releasing gospel albums or choir arrangements that mimic other songs without proper licensing

  
  

• Printing Bible verses from modern translations on merch, without permission

• Launching ministry brands or content titles that accidentally infringe on protected marks

These issues aren’t just legal—they’re ethical. Protecting your own work and respecting others' creative contributions is a Kingdom principle, not just a legal obligation.

Final Word: Inspiration Without Structure Invites Exposure

John 1:1 reminds us that all things begin with the Word. But when that Word becomes content—music, merch, media, or messaging—structure must follow. And that includes legal structure.

The IBC vs. Dr. Powell controversy is a sobering reminder: even among believers, copyright matters. As you build what God has entrusted to your hands, do it with excellence—in your creativity, in your calling, and in your compliance.

Conclusion: The Word Was—and Still Is—Powerful

Words have always mattered. So have songs. And in an era where worship goes viral and ministries livestream globally, understanding the legal landscape around copyright and music is more important than ever.

Let’s remember: the message may be free and timeless, but the expression is protected and temporal. Licensing, attribution, and ownership rights are not barriers—they are bridges to doing creative work with excellence and integrity.

Ready to legally protect your music, brand, or faith-based IP?

Schedule a Brillionaire® Legal Insight Session or Legal Strategy Session at www.brillionairelaw.com.

We help Kingdom visionaries build bold, protected brands—without compromising the call.