Director of Music Ministry

Grace Lutheran Church; Illinois; On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Grace Lutheran Church seeks a part-time Director of Music Ministry to lead and enhance the worship experience through leadership of vocal and instrumental music. You will recruit and coach volunteers, plan worship music, and coordinate with staff for bulletins and events.

The role requires familiarity with Lutheran liturgical music and the ability to work with diverse musical styles while maintaining congregational participation and excellence in worship.

Qualifications

• Lutheran liturgical background preferred with openness to newer styles.
• Strong vocal abilities and ability to read and arrange music.
• Experience leading worship and recruiting volunteers is essential.
• College degree preferred; good relational and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee music support for the worship service.
• Lead vocal and instrumental music for services.
• Plan and direct weekly rehearsals for choirs and volunteers.
• Recruit, train and lead volunteers and music staff.
• Coordinate with communications for bulletins and promotions.
• Assist in annual music ministry budget and equipment needs.
• Set up and break down equipment for services and events.

Skills

Strong vocal skills

Multiple instruments

Interpersonal skills

Reading/arranging music

Leadership

Team building

Computer skills (MS Office/PowerPoint)

Audio/visual knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

AV systems knowledge

Projection systems

Sound systems

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Director of Music Ministry

ACCOUNTABILITY: The Director of Music Ministry is directly accountable to the Senior Pastor with budgetary and reporting accountability to the Worship and Music Ministry Team.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION: Provide leadership and guidance in creating a meaningful and optimal worship experience where “doing this to the glory of God” is always the primary objective, including music that is sung and played. This position is responsible for the planning, execution and quality of music within the worship service(s). S/he will provide music support and evaluation by selecting appropriate songs for worship services, which can range from traditional hymns to contemporary music for the worship service. The position includes planning and implementing music content and guidance of volunteer music and support personnel in a way that is consistent with the mission, values and theology of the church.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

• Oversee the incorporation of music support for the worship service.


• Lead vocal and instrumental music for the worship service(s).


• Participate in creative worship planning and special services with staff.


• Recruit, lead, rehearse with and manage the music team volunteers and music staff


• Participate in other aspects of the worship service, encouraging congregational participation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Meet on a regular basis with the pastor for the purpose of selecting congregational songs and hymns, and contributing to the planning of worship and music around sermon themes. Based on these discussions, integrate music into services as requested.

• Identify, recruit and train volunteer musicians and other worship participants who provide music, drama, and readings in the service(s). This recruitment may include high school and post-high school aged youth and young adults; this may require communication and cooperation with church ministries and staff assigned to these groups.


• Lead vocal music during weekly services with energy, intelligence, imagination and love; lead and inspire congregational singing; verbally direct the flow of the worship service, including spoken liturgy.


• Schedule and direct weekly rehearsals of choirs and worship leaders (composed of paid and volunteers) in preparation for their contribution in the worship service(s).


• Provide personal leadership of congregational singing along with the choirs and worship leaders, other song leaders, and volunteers.


• Coordinate with church communications for bulletin and promotional items.


• Determine annual rehearsal/service schedule for the worship leaders in cooperation with the Worship & Music Ministry Team, considering occasional specially planned events.


• Provide oversight and direction for the music aspect of Vacation Bible School and special children’s music programs during the year (e.g. the Christmas program).


• Work with the Worship & Music Ministry Team in obtaining software, music and worship resources, and copyright permissions. Report regularly and in a timely manner the usage of rights restricted music.


• Assist in the development of an annual music ministry budget and assist in the selection of music and equipment/maintenance.


• Communicate with the congregation by word or song throughout the service, including the introduction, leading and encouraging participation of the congregation during the worship music selections.


• Assist in set-up and take-down of the equipment necessary for each worship service and occasional special events, including microphones, music stands, instruments, and other equipment.


• Support other areas of ministry, where appropriate, as directed by the Senior Pastor.

OTHER TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• The Director of Music & Worship job is a regular part-time /non-exempt position. A working schedule of hours will be developed with the Senior Pastor.


• The wages will be commensurate with experience.


• Performance reviews will be held in compliance with the employee handbook.


• A background check is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidate should preferably have a strong background in Lutheran and other liturgical music, or a related field, while also being able to incorporate newer styles into the worship experience.


• Strong vocal skills required.


• Ability to play multiple instruments is a plus.


• Possess a musical background with the ability to read/arrange music and lead the congregation in worship.


• Completion of a college degree preferred.


• Excellent relational and interpersonal communication and organizational skills.


• Strong team building skills.


• Proficient computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office and PowerPoint or equivalents.


• Working knowledge of audiovisual technology components (e.g., projection systems, microphones, sound systems).


• Ability to train, develop and shepherd adults and young adults with whom they work.


• Subscribe to and affirm the Statement of Faith and Covenant of the Church.


• Must be a mature-growing follower of Jesus Christ


• Passionate and high energy leader

EXPERIENCE

3-5 years in a similar position.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT

The Director of Music Ministry needs an ability to relate well with people (both youth and adults); able to make decisions and delegate responsibilities to others. The Director will have the responsibility to recruit musicians and performers, communicate ministry expectations, and, with the counsel of the pastor(s), shape the choirs and worship leaders or team so that ministry effectiveness is assured. This requires an ability of interpersonal communication. Required to interact and serve with the Senior Pastor and staff, and be under the direction of the Pastor(s).

PERSONAL ATTITUDES

A Spirit-filled winsomeness, friendliness; joy of life; caring for and loving others in Christ; a desire to share the grace, love and life of Jesus Christ with others; a positive mental attitude of faith, hope and love; a serving, glad and humble attitude; an ability to graciously express leadership; openness to new ideas; self-starter / self-initiative imperative.

DEPENDABILITY

Loyalty and reliability, setting and meeting deadlines and goals; organizing; punctuality.

DISCRETION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Trustworthiness.

ADMINISTRATION

Coordination with the pastoral and church staff; participation in regularly scheduled meetings with the Senior Pastor; participation in supervising or mentoring by an assigned pastor(s); regular communication with the church through the use of the bulletin, newsletter and other channels; an annual report; occasional reports to the Worship & Music Ministry Team; occasional letters, etc.

Zip Code/Postal Code: 60048