Worship Pastor

Fbcstarkville; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

First Baptist Starkville is seeking a Pastor of Worship Ministries to lead the music and worship programs for weekly and special services. This role oversees choir, orchestra, ensembles, and production teams, and mentors volunteer musicians and worship leaders to foster Christ-centered, scripturally-based worship.

The position requires Seminary and Music degrees with 5+ years in Music Ministry, a shepherd's heart, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Five years or more experience in Music Ministry preferred.
• Proven track record in leadership of worship teams and productions.
• Strong vocal, conducting and rehearsal skills with youth and adult ensembles.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the music and worship ministry and supervise volunteer and paid staff.
• Oversee production elements (audio, video, lighting, livestream) for weekend services and events.
• Develop multi-generational musical programs and recruit mentors for future leaders.
• Collaborate with the Senior Pastor on worship planning and calendar alignment.
• Manage budget, facilities and resources for the music ministry.

Skills

Vocal leadership

Conducting

Rehearsal techniques

Team collaboration

Church ministry calling

Education

Seminary Degree required

Music Degree required

Job description

Type: Ministerial
Job Status: Full Time
FSLA Status:Exempt
Office Hours: Sunday – Thursday, hours dependent on ministry needs/schedule
Supervisor: Executive Pastor

Purpose

The Pastor of Worship Ministries serves First Baptist Starkville by providing leadership for the
music and worship ministry of the church, ensuring that corporate worship gatherings are
biblically grounded, spiritually meaningful, and aligned with the church’s mission, doctrine and
vision.
They will provide oversight and development of all music ministries including choir, orchestra,
ensembles, vocal teams and special events as well as recruit, equip, mentor and shepherd
volunteer musicians, worship leaders and production team members.
The Pastor of Worship Ministries models the character of the Christ (Phil 2:3-8) considering the
needs of the congregation over their own preferences and intentionally mentors and trains
others in sharing worship leadership and ministry.

Responsibilities

• Work closely in consultation with the Senior Pastor for the preaching calendar,
  special themes, orders of worship, special emphases and other elements for
  corporate worship.
• Provide leadership and administrate for successful corporate worship including
  various events such as Sunday morning, Sunday evening, special events,
  conferences, Wednesday Luncheons, seasonal events like Christmas and Easter,
  concerts, and other worship experiences.

Music Ministry Development

• Direct an integrated, multi-generational music ministry that honors traditional
  heritage while incorporating modern expressions, focusing on the spiritual formation
  of the congregation to ensure they actively respond to God’s grace through Christcentered, scripturally-based worship.
• Develop a culture of musical excellence, spiritual growth, and servant leadership.
• Recruit, train, audition, and coordinate volunteer leaders as needed.
• Develop, coordinate and guide a comprehensive music and worship program
  involving all age ranges of our multi-generational congregation.
• Organize and oversee the recruitment, rehearsing, scheduling and directing of
  various musical groups for participation in the overall music ministry, including but
  not limited to:
  • Adult Choirs, ensembles and soloists
  • 521 Worship Team
  • Student Worship Team
  • Handbells
  • Orchestra
  • Worship Band
  • Other
• Recruit and mentor musicians and worship leaders for future generations.
• Encourage congregational participation in worship through a healthy and growing
  music ministry.

Service Production

• Provide leadership for production ministries including audio, video, lighting,
  livestream, and presentation systems in collaboration with Communications & Media
  personnel.
• Administrate and coordinate the weekend worship experience from pre-service
  elements to closing, including audio, video and lighting cues.
• Use creative arts to enhance worship experiences including drama, video,
  readings, scripture and other elements.

Administration

• Develop and maintain working relationships with all staff.
• Coordinate with the Senior Pastor in planning effective Lord’s Supper
  experiences as calendared.
• Oversee appropriate committees as assigned.
• Be available to church membership and staff and establish regular office hours.
• Schedule time for study, preparation and planning to develop a comprehensive
  worship and music ministry and for personal spiritual growth.
• Represent the church by serving on appropriate committees or groups in the
  denomination and organizations in the community.
• Establish goals and objectives by prioritizing related programs, managing the use
  of facilities, planning and managing an appropriate budget, delegating tasks, and
  evaluating progress regularly.
• Organize and maintain the music library, both physical and digital.
• Select and purchase music, worship and music resources, musical instruments,
  audio and video equipment and other supplies.
• Supervise volunteer and paid music staff.
• Oversee and administrate the use of the sanctuary for Community Events like
  school concerts, including invoicing, billing and payment of staff.
• Serve as a member of the church’s senior leadership team, contributing to
  ministry alignment, strategic planning, and organizational health.
• Attend staff meetings and committee meetings as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by Executive Pastor.

Direct Oversight

• 521 Worship Coordinator (PT)
• Instrumental Ministries Director (PT)
• Music Ministry Assistant (PT)
• Music Ministry Associate (PT)
• Church Pianist (PT)
• Director of Audio Technology (FT)
• Partnered Oversight with Director of Communications (FT)
• Media Associate (FT)
• Video Specialist (FT)

Requirements

• Seminary Degree required
• Music Degree required
• Five years or more experience in Music Ministry preferred
• Demonstrates a vibrant personal walk with Christ and a commitment to spiritual
  maturity, humility, and servant leadership.
• A clear calling to ministry and a shepherd’s heart for the local church.
• Demonstrated strength in vocal leadership and stage presence.
• Demonstrated strength in conducting and rehearsal techniques.
• Strong relational skills and the ability to work well with families, staff, deacons,
  and ministry volunteers.
• The successful candidate will have honed their musical abilities and will continue
  to further their skills through regular rehearsal and practice, continuing education and
  conferences, while also understanding that a congregation that is engaged in
  worship is the priority rather than performance.