Choir Director

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA seeks a Part-time Choir Director to lead the Chancel Choir for weekly rehearsals and Sunday worship. The role involves recruiting vocalists, selecting hymns and anthems aligned with sermon focus, and coordinating with the Worship Planning Team and Tech Team.

The ideal candidate will be organized, a strong communicator, and committed to Lutheran liturgy and pastoral alignment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of choral experience, ideally in a church setting with 200+ congregants.
• Experience recruiting and leading vocalists.
• Organized and administratively inclined.
• Confident communicator and collaborative team player.
• Proactive, teachable and servant-hearted leader.
• Ability to collaborate with worship leaders and Servant Leaders.
• Dependable, punctual and well-prepared.
• Heart for worship and alignment with the church mission.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Chancel Choir during weekly rehearsals and Traditional Worship Services.
• Coordinate hymn and anthem selection with the Senior Pastor in alignment with sermon focus.
• Recruit and assimilate new Chancel Choir members.
• Maintain and organize the music library and database.
• Collaborate with the Worship Planning Team on Christmas and Holy Week services.
• Coordinate with the Tech Team to support a cohesive worship experience.
• Provide leadership weekly for Sunday Morning Worship and Thursday Evening Choir Rehearsals.
• Attend All Staff Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month.

Skills

Choral directing

Recruiting vocalists

Leadership

Communication

Job description

The Choir Director provides weekly direction to the Good Shepherd Servant Leader (volunteer) Chancel Choir in support of our Traditional Worship Service. This role is responsible for recruiting and developing choir members, selecting music that aligns with a worship setting and the Pastor's message, and creating a worshipful, well-organized choral program. The Choir Director works closely with the Senior Pastor and Worship Planning Team to deliver a meaningful and transformative Traditional Worship experience.

Part-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position

$32-35/hour, up to 8 hours per week

Direct the Chancel Choir during weekly rehearsals and Traditional Worship Services

Coordinate hymn and anthem selection with the Senior Pastor in alignment with the sermon focus

Recruit and assimilate new Chancel Choir members

Maintain and organize the music library and database

Collaborate with the Worship Planning Team on Christmas and Holy Week services

Coordinate with the Tech Team to support a cohesive and transformative worship experience

Worship & Music Collaboration

Coordinate hymn selection with the Senior Pastor and Organist/Piano Accompanist

Develop music direction in alignment with Lutheran traditions and liturgy

Select anthems that align with the sermon focus or create a worshipful environment for the congregation

Support the design of Christmas and Holy Week Traditional Worship Services alongside the Worship Planning Team

Servant Leader Recruitment & Care

Actively recruit new Chancel Choir members and conduct auditions

Guide new recruits through an assimilation period to set them up for success

Communicate regularly with and schedule Chancel Choir members as needed

Coordinate two social events per year to encourage community among the choir

Worship Development

Coach and guide Chancel Choir members during weekly rehearsals

Identify and develop vocalists as needs arise

Receive and apply coaching from the Worship Planning Team and Leadership Team

Worship Administration

Ensure each Chancel Choir member has printed music as needed

Maintain and organize the music library and database

Prepare rehearsal space with seating arrangements, music, and teaching aids

Submit annual budget requirements for the music program

Collaborate with the Tech Team to create a cohesive worship experience

Scheduling & Availability

Provide leadership weekly for Sunday Morning Worship and Thursday Evening Choir Rehearsals

Attend All Staff Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month

Attend Thursday afternoon Worship Alignment Meetings

Coordinate with the Worship Planning Team regarding planned absences

Collaborate to ensure coverage is arranged when unavailable

Support with Holy Week, Christmas Eve Services, and the occasional Saturday Memorial Service

Organizational Structure

Works closely with the Senior Pastor and Organist/Piano Accompanist

Collaborates with the Senior Pastor and Creative Director as needed

Supports the broader worship ministry of Good Shepherd

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years of choral experience, ideally in a church setting of 200+ congregants

Experienced in recruiting and leading vocalists

Organized and administratively inclined

Confident communicator and collaborative team player

Proactive, teachable, and servant-hearted leader

Ability to collaborate effectively with worship leaders and Servant Leaders

Dependable, punctual, and well-prepared

Heart for worship and alignment with the mission of the church

Additional Information

All Good Shepherd Staff:

Love Jesus and call themselves Christians.

Display Christ-like attitudes and behavior through personal conduct and lifestyle.

Are Coachable and open to feedback and growth.

Do Whatever It Takes to serve the mission of the church and support the team.

Are actively Growing in Christ through their personal faith and participation in the life of the church.

Create a Warm and Inviting environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

Show accountability in their role and on the team.

Exhibit a passion to build God’s Kingdom.