Choral Accompanist

Elim Lutheran Church; Forest Lake (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Elim Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota is seeking a Choral Accompanist / Music Ministry Team Member to support its worship through musical leadership and collaborative planning with the choir director and Senior Pastor. The role centers on providing choral accompaniment and contributing to the broader music ministry of the church.

You will primarily accompany the 9:30am Sunday services, with the choir participating at least three Sundays per month September through May, and you may join

Qualifications

• Proficient skills as a pianist; experience with pipe organ a considerable plus.
• Background in both traditional and contemporary church music styles.
• Relevant experience in traditional church musicianship is highly preferred; however all candidates will be afforded full consideration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the choral accompanist at 9:30am Sunday worship services in which the choir participates. Choir participates a minimum of three (3) Sundays per month, September through May. Call time is 8:45am.
• Serve as choral accompanist at other scheduled worship services throughout the liturgical year. This includes Christmastime, Lent, and Easter. Call time for these services varies by occasion and will be announced well in advance.
• If available, provide choral accompaniment at regular Wednesday choir rehearsals. Call time is 7:00pm. On occasion the weekly rehearsal schedule may change; if so, this will be announced sufficiently in advance.
• Elim may consider the possibility of more extensive collaboration, including but not limited to additional / shared musical participation in worship, filling in on Sundays when the regular organist is away, participate in children’s music ministry and other duties. Contact Pastor Seth Perry for more information.

Skills

Piano proficiency

Pipe organ knowledge

Church music styles

Traditional church musicianship

Job description

SHORT/SWEET: We're looking for a pianist to accompany the church choir, who leads traditional worship 3-4 Sundays a month Sep-May (choir is off at least 1 week a month). Minimum need is Sunday mornings but attending Wednesday evening rehearsals is helpful. Ability to play pipe organ a plus, and if you have interest in playing more (in worship or in other programming) there are additional possibilities. Compensation offer will be competitive based on various formats this position may be.

The individual posting this job is the organist / choir director, having served at Elim for 7 years with gratitude and joy. I look forward to collaborating with the successful applicant!

JOB DESCRIPTION: Choral Accompanist / Music Ministry Team Member

REPORTS TO: Senior Pastor

WORKS WITH: Choir Director and others as directed by Senior Pastor

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt / Salaried, 4+ hours per week based on assigned duties

Purpose Statement

The Choral Accompanist and Music Ministry Team Member works to help

Elim achieve its worship vision which is “to be a place to glorify God.” This position plays an

important supporting role in making worship an uplifting, inspiring and meaningful experience

for all people.

Position Summary

The Choral Accompanist / Music Ministry Team Member’s primary role is

to work with the choir director, choir and other participants to support Elim’s music ministry,

specifically but not exclusively as choral accompaniment. The position works collaboratively with

others to create an enriching musical experience as part of Elim’s greater worship ministry. The

accompanist aspires to use their creative and musical abilities to help create a consistently high-

quality worship experience that nourishes people’s souls.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Serve as the choral accompanist at 9:30am Sunday worship services in which the choir participates. Choir participates a minimum of three (3) Sundays per month, September through May. Call time is 8:45am.
• Serve as choral accompanist at other scheduled worship services throughout the liturgical year. This includes Christmastime, Lent, and Easter. Call time for these services varies by occasion and will be announced well in advance.

Additional / Optional Responsibilities and Duties

• If available, provide choral accompaniment at regular Wednesday choir rehearsals. Call time is 7:00pm. On occasion the weekly rehearsal schedule may change; if so, this will be announced sufficiently in advance.
• Elim may consider the possibility of more extensive collaboration, including but not limited to additional / shared musical participation in worship, filling in on Sundays when the regular organist is away, participate in children’s music ministry and other Some flexibility is available within the scope of duties referenced above. Please contact Pastor Seth Perry at [e-mail] for more information.

Primary Background, Skills, and Qualifications

• Proficient skills as a pianist; experience with pipe organ a considerable plus.
• Background in both traditional and contemporary church music styles.
• Relevant experience in traditional church musicianship is highly preferred; however all candidates will be afforded full consideration.

Job Description-Choral Accompanist and Music

Team Member (Final) 7.22.2026Supportive Background, Skills, and Qualifications

• Ability to read choral music scores.
• Ability to sight-read (primarily vocal parts but occasionally the full accompaniment)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to engage with and motivate people.
• Communicate and work positively and collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, church and community members.
• Maintain cooperative and effective working relationships and be willing to be a collaborative partner on a staff.
• Handle emergencies as they arise and maintain confidentiality in all matters.
• Function independently and use good judgment in decision making related to duties.
• Availability on Sunday mornings in which choir participates, subject to worship schedules, adjusting working hours to accommodate workload as needed.
• Availability on Wednesday evenings as needed if covering rehearsals.
• Ability to pass a background check, complete safe environment training and other training as may be required by church leadership and/or senior pastor.

Spiritual Life and Self Care

Elim encourages staff to attend to their spiritual life and personal needs in a way that fosters wholeness and vitality in oneself as well as in ministry.

Support

Personnel Committee.

Church Instruments

• Sanctuary: 6’ Steinway Grand Piano
• IV/64 instrument under construction, installation to be complete mid-2027
• Choir Room: Weber Baby Grand Piano
• Fellowship Hall: Lester Baby Grand Piano

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee, who may be asked to perform other duties as required.