Protestant Worship Leader Pianist Keyboardist or Guitarist

Music Ministry International; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Music Ministry International seeks a part-time Protestant Worship Leader to perform at Shaw Air Force Base. The candidate will lead worship services, oversee musicians, and coordinate song selections.

Qualifications include leadership experience in Protestant music settings and proficiency in instruments such as piano or guitar. Additionally, the role requires planning and collaborative skills alongside the assigned chaplain.

Compensation is based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Three years full-time leadership experience in Protestant worship.
• Skills in voice and proficiency in one or more instruments.
• Ability to work with diverse faith backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate weekly song selections with praise team and chaplain.
• Lead rehearsals and provide musical oversight for services.
• Manage musical equipment and ensure facilities are secured.

Skills

Leadership experience with blended worship styles

Instrument proficiency (piano, keyboard, guitar)

Planning and coordinating music

Ability to recruit and train volunteers

Interpersonal relationship skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Job description

Position Overview

The successful candidate for this position will be a 1099 contractor with Music Ministry International and be responsible for the following:

GENERAL: This is a non‑personnel services contract for the Shaw Air Force Base Protestant Worship Leader. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Worship leader who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The worship leader shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non‑personal services necessary to perform as the Protestant Worship Leader as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The worship leader shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: The Protestant Worship Leader is a position that brings structure and resilience into the Protestant community through musical selections. The service provided enables live/interactive music that elevates the worship experience for attendees, and allows for spiritual renewal.

1.3 Objectives:

• Provide live music to enhance worship
• Provide structure for musicians and volunteers in the music ministry
• Lead the musical portion of worship services

1.4 Scope: Services include preparing musical selections and accompaniment, and leading volunteers/musicians in worship during services. Worship leader shall lead instrumentalists and vocalists, congregation, and perform as musician for Protestant worship services weekly at Shaw Air Force Base; working in coordination with the assigned chaplain in charge of the worship service.

1.5 Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Year of 12 months and four (4) 12‑month option years.

1.6 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed primarily at Palmetto Chapel, Building 912 – Shaw AFB, SC.

Special Qualifications

• 1.6.1.1 Have at least three (3) years full‑time leadership experience with a blended Protestant worship service involving both Traditional and Contemporary worship styles. Must provide a written Theology of Worship statement, demonstrate skills in voice, and at least one of the following instruments: piano, keyboard, and/or acoustic guitar. Preferred but not required: be able to read music for appropriate instrument, and Bachelor of Arts in Music.
• 1.6.1.2 Demonstrate skills in planning and coordinating praise/contemporary musical support in keeping with the type of worship being celebrated, in coordination with the assigned chaplain.
• 1.6.1.3 Furnish a resume including academic and at least three work‑related reference letters. These references will be submitted and checked by the assigned chaplain and/or Chapel representative. In addition, the worship leader must submit a sample video of leading worship before being approved.
• 1.6.1.4 Be able to work with personnel who participate in the music ministry from different denominations/faith groups for ecumenical functions. Demonstrate a willingness to meet the needs of the Protestant chapel community. Have patience with different levels of musical talent/training from musicians and choir volunteers.
• 1.6.1.5 Shall have experience to recruit, train, and enhance skill level of team members. Must exhibit willingness to include all ranges of age groups.
• 1.6.1.6 An ability to work unsupervised in a fluid and sometimes stressful environment with parents and children. Possess an ability to maintain healthy, functional interpersonal relationships with co‑workers and Chapel staff. Maintain professional standards of conduct.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate with praise team and assigned chaplain on the upcoming week’s song selections by Wednesday prior to service, at noon, providing CCLI song sheets to the musicians along with a sample video clip of the arrangement for personal review prior to the group practice. Report all songs to CCLI as necessary.
2. Provide musical oversight and serve as musical accompanist for Protestant worship services under the assigned Protestant Chaplain.
3. Lead weekly rehearsals for vocalists & musicians to last no less than 30 minutes, not including the time required to set‑up and tear down.
4. Be present at least fifteen (15) minutes before rehearsals and thirty (30) minutes before worship services for equipment set‑up and sound check.
5. Be responsible for musical equipment and supplies used for the work, such as songbooks, sheet music, etc., ensuring it is returned to its proper location after worship services.
6. Ensure that facilities and storage areas are secured according to chapel facility procedures after rehearsals.
7. Assume responsibility in conservation of energy (turning off all lights and equipment) before leaving rehearsals, and ensure building is locked and secured before leaving.
8. Provide the following services:
   • Protestant Worship Leader and Musician Sunday Services (52)
   • Protestant Worship Leader and Musician Rehearsals (52)
   • Protestant Worship Leader and Musician Special Services (10)
9. Special Services: Worship leader is responsible to play music for the following special services, to include both rehearsal and performance (outside of the weekly worship services) including:

• New Year’s Eve – 2 units
• Christmas Eve – 2 units
• Weddings/funerals/memorials – not to exceed 6 units

Present a standard of quality and music style/selection/presentation that meets the needs of the congregation. Maintain a satisfactory score on the annual Worship Satisfactory Survey. A mid‑term feedback survey will be provided after six months of the contract being awarded or renewed.

Meet with the assigned chaplain each month to discuss/review the status of the program and exchange feedback on the current status and future direction of the program.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates are requested to forward their resume together with three references from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s good work and steadiness. Candidates who do not possess the specific attributes/qualifications in the Special Qualifications section above need not apply. This is a part‑time position with compensation based on budget and the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Contract Details

Type: 1099 Contractor

Period of Performance: 1 base year of 12 months plus four (4) 12‑month option years.

Place of Performance: Palmetto Chapel, Building 912 – Shaw AFB, SC.