Director of Music Ministry

First Congregational United Church of Christ; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

First Congregational United Church of Christ is seeking a musician to lead worship and direct the church choir. You will select and perform music that aligns with scripture and seasonal themes, collaborate with ministers and the Worship Commission, and recruit guest musicians for worship services.

The role involves planning special services, maintaining music resources, and managing the music ministry budget to foster inclusive, varied worship experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating a music program with participants of varying skill levels, including conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles.
• Strong keyboard skills and ability to adapt to different repertoires.
• Knowledge of church music and staying current with trends and resources.

Responsibilities

• Select music for worship in collaboration with the Senior Minister and Worship Commission.
• Lead music during worship, including instrumental and congregational accompaniment.
• Direct a choir of adults via biweekly rehearsals.
• Develop musical experiences for children with the Associate Minister.
• Incorporate volunteer musicians for regular services.
• Plan and lead a special Christmas musical service.

Skills

Strong keyboard skills

Pipe organ familiarity

Additional instruments ability

Diversity of musical styles

Church music knowledge

Job description

Musical/Artistic

• Select music for worship, in collaboration with the Senior Minister and the Worship Commission, that amplifies inclusion, community, and faith and that aligns with scriptural and seasonal themes.
• Lead music during worship, both instrumental (preludes, postludes, etc.) and as accompaniment for congregational singing.
• Direct a choir of adult congregants of varying abilities via biweekly rehearsals.
• Work with the Associate Minister to develop musical experiences for children that nurture their experience of God and community.
• Incorporate volunteer musicians from the church membership to play in regular worship services, whether as soloists or ensembles.
• Plan and lead a special musical service during the Christmas season, highlighting the choir, where the music is the message.

Ministerial/Administrative

• Attend worship planning meetings with the ministers (weekly) and the congregation’s Worship Commission (monthly)
• Determine needs for guest musicians in worship; recruit and direct them.
• Oversee regular maintenance for the congregation’s pianos and pipe organ.
• Maintain the choir’s music library in collaboration with volunteers.
• Manage necessary copyright licenses.
• Oversee the budget for the music ministry.

Experience coordinating a music program with participants of varying skill levels, including conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles

• Strong keyboard skills
• Familiarity with pipe organ and its use in worship
• Skill at performing on additional musical instruments is enthusiastically desired (though not a requirement)
• Demonstrated commitment to bringing a diverse range of musical styles and genres into worship.
• Knowledge of and experience with church music, staying current with trends and resources

Core Competencies

• Welcoming, inclusive, and affirming; rooted in active spiritual life
• Communicates effectively (verbal and written)
• Organized with strong problem-solving skills
• Collaborative and flexible
• Core commitment to antiracism, inclusive language and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Hours/Schedule

• Tuesdays: 1:00pm-3:15pm for staff and worship planning meetings
• Sundays: 9:00am - 12:00pm
• Biweekly choral rehearsals, supplemented by additional rehearsals at key points in the church year.
• Once monthly evening meeting with the Worship Commission to reflect on worship and plan for the season ahead.
• Attendance at annual church meetings in the fall, winter, and spring.
• Availability for Holidays and special services required.