Church Music Director

Job Description

Job Description

Would you like to make a difference in people’s lives through music? The music at St. John’s Lutheran Church is rich, varied, and meant to draw people into the presence of God through powerful worship. You will be the overall leader of our various music programs, directing your staff and volunteers. You will also be the Primary Organist and Choir Director and work collaboratively with our Pastor and the Worship Team. 

We are looking for that special person who is a skilled musician and choir director, and who also has the interpersonal and collaborative skills to recruit and coordinate volunteer supporters, plan and lead rehearsals, and plan the yearly schedule of performances. The ideal candidate will have: five years of related experience in a Lutheran Church and a bachelor’s degree in music, or equivalent life/work experience; performance level musician skills on organ/piano; and broad knowledge of traditional liturgical and contemporary Christian music styles. 

 

This is a salaried part-time position usually requiring 25 hours per week. 

 

DUTIES of this position are currently grouped in three areas – Music Coordinator, Primary Worship Musician/Organist, and Choir Director.

Music Coordinator (33% of time)

1. Supports and furthers the mission, core values, and strategic objectives of St. John's through the music programming; aligns existing ministry, screens and focuses emerging ideas accordingly.

2. Oversees the work of all other paid staff within Music, supporting and resourcing them so that they are successfully fulfilling their roles within the program. This includes regular communication with this staff and annual performance reviews with each person.

3. Selects music (in consultation with Pastor and other worship leaders) for all worship services, including advent, lent and other special services; provides a schedule of music to all music groups, pastoral staff and other staff for preparation of worship materials. Prepares scores, schedules rehearsals as appropriate.

4. Recruits and develops people with musical gifts, inviting them to offer their gifts within the ministry; enlists and organizes instrumentalists to play for services.

5. Coordinates the maintenance of all music equipment.

6. With Pastor, provides support and brings experienced musical understanding and innovation into issues and opportunities for ministry.

7. Arranges all summer and non-choir or handbell Sunday soloists/ensembles to play for services and arranges cantors for the liturgy.

8. Consults with music staff for the 10:45 am Sunday service to ensure continuity of weekend worship theme; provides resources and support as needed.

 

Primary Worship Musician/Organist (33% of time)

1. Leads the congregation in the musical aspects of worship at the 8:30 am Sunday service, supporting the hymns and liturgy with inspiring and engaging accompaniment, offering prelude, postlude and other special musical offerings that enhance the service.

2. Provides for musical leadership for the 10:45 am Sunday service when there are absences due to vacation or sick time. This may be done personally or by recruiting other qualified musicians.

3. Provides for music to support weddings and funerals, as they arise. May also authorize other qualified musicians to accompany these services.

Choir Director (33% of time)

1. Plans calendar of choir offerings for worship, selecting and purchasing music in accord with the choir music budget.

2. Schedules the choir year and provides the schedule to choir members, accompanist, office staff and pastor.

3. Conducts weekly rehearsals with the choir to develop competence and confidence in the music in preparation for leading worship.

4. Oversees and supports the choir accompanist in providing quality music for the choir.

5. Directs the choir at all services in which they offer music, drawing out voices and the collective voice so that God is honored and worship is enhanced.

6. Pursues activities as necessary to maintain and grow skills needed to perform the job such as attending annual continuing education opportunities and regular practice.

7. Supports and resources lay leaders in their work with children's choirs and musical programming.

 

 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS This position reports to the St. John’s Pastor. The position supervises the Bell Choir Director, Contemporary Music Director, Kids of the Kingdom Music Director and Musicians.

 

 

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

· Bachelor's degree in music, or equivalent life/work experience; 5 years experience preferred working in a Christian church setting with musicians and pastoral staff.

· Performance level musician skills on organ/piano with ability to lead performers with creativity and passion to inspire.

· Broad basic knowledge of traditional liturgical and contemporary Christian music styles.

· Knowledge in the use of Lutheran theology and tradition.

· Competence in budget management and organization.

· Demonstrated skills in recruiting and developing volunteers, and overseeing staff.

· Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively coordinate groups of musicians and vocalists that may change in mix from week to week.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Most work is performed in a small office environment or within the worship space while preparing or leading the musical portions of worship. The job requires moving freely between organ, piano, and choir space within the worship time. There is also regular walking from office space to copying room and between rooms for meetings. There are frequent verbal communications with people in person or by telephone and e-mail.

MENTAL DEMANDS The duties of the position require organizing multiple things at one time and coordinating many people. Creativity and innovation are needed to engage many levels of talent. Ability to receive feedback, integrate new ideas, communicate mission and to respond with respect and clarity is necessary.

 

\nCompany Description

An 800 member congregation belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Synod, with a staff of 20.

Company Description

An 800 member congregation belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Synod, with a staff of 20.