Minister of Music

Minister(s) of Music: Praise Band Leader and Choir Director, or you may apply for the Joint Position

Reports to: Senior Pastor

Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Church Description:

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is located near California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. We are a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American, in the Southwest California Synod. We strive to love diversly and deeply, seeking to create a faithful community that shares the love of God and embraces the diversity of God's creation.

Position Overview:

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is seeking a passionate and collaborative music leader (or leaders) to help shape vibrant, inclusive worship experiences through music. We are currently hiring for two roles:

• Praise Band Minister of Music for our 9:30 AM contemporary worship service (10 hours/week), and
• Choral Minister of Music for our 11:00 AM traditional worship service (10 hours/week)
• Or we are open to hiring one individual to serve in both roles as a Minister of Music (Joint Position) for 20 hours/week.

This position works closely with clergy, staff, and volunteers to foster meaningful worship through a variety of musical styles grounded in the Lutheran (ELCA) tradition.

Compensation and Schedule for Joint Position:

• $30-$35/hour, depending on experience
• For the joint position: 20 hours/week during program year (42 weeks) & 10 hours/week during summer (10 weeks)
• 4 weeks unpaid time off

For Individual Positions

• $30-$35/hour, depending on experience
• 10 hours/week
• 4 weeks unpaid time off

Schedules

• Sunday morning worship leadership
• Thursday evening choir rehearsals (Choir Director/Joint role)
• Weekly planning and preparation time
• Seasonal services (Advent, Christmas Eve, Lent, Holy Week, etc.)
• Occasional staff meetings (typically monthly)

Key Responsibilities for both roles and joint position

• Collaborate with clergy and staff to plan engaging, theologically grounded worship
• Provide leadership that fosters a welcoming, spiritually nurturing environment
• Recruit, encourage, and develop volunteer musicians
• Coordinate music selections, ensuring timely communication with church office
• Support congregational singing across worship styles
• Model servant leadership and teamwork

Praise Band Leader (9:30am Service)

• Lead and rehearse a contemporary praise band
• Coordinate vocalists, instrumentalists, and tech volunteers
• Select and arrange music appropriate to the service style
• Assist with informal worship services and special events as needed

Choir Director (11am Service)

• Direct adult choir in weekly rehearsals and worship
• Prepare choir for seasonal and special services
• Supervise section leaders and accompanists
• Maintain and develop choral repertoire

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain music library and manage budgeted purchases
• Track hours and submit reports as required
• Participate in staff meetings
• Coordinate scheduling with church office
• Ensure proper copyright compliance

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required (additional training preferred)
• Minimum of 3 years of music leadership experience
• Ability to lead both traditional choral music and/or contemporary worship music (depending on role)
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Experience (or willingness to learn) AV and worship technology
• Familiarity with Google Workspace or similar tools
• Ability to work within the theology and worship life of an ELCA Lutheran congregation
• Must pass criminal background/fingerprint clearance

Core Competencies

• Mission Alignment: Embraces and models the church’s values and vision
• Creativity: Curates meaningful and engaging worship experiences
• Leadership: Inspires participation and growth among musicians of all skill levels
• Collaboration: Works effectively with clergy, staff, and volunteers

Work Environment

• Hybrid role (planning from home if you prefer; rehearsals and worship in-person)
• Physical ability to perform typical music and office-related tasks

Please submit:

• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

We warmly welcome applicants interested in either individual roles or the combined position, and we celebrate a diversity of musical gifts and leadership styles. Join us in building a vibrant and inclusive music ministry!