Bethel Lutheran Ministries is hiring: Worship Music Director in Morton

Bethel Lutheran Church Worship Music Director

Status: Full-Time

Accountable To: Pastors, Elder Board

Salary: $60,000–80,000 (salary and benefits commensurate with experience)

Benefits: Medical, Dental and Prescription Insurance; Term Life Insurance; Church-funded Pension; 403(b) Retirement Plan; Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage; Paid Time Off and Sick Days

Location: Bethel Lutheran Church, Morton, IL

Application Closing Date: November 30, 2025

Job Summary

Seeking a full‑time director to lead our blended worship life of traditional and contemporary music, with creativity, spiritual depth, and administrative skill. This role unifies leadership of the choirs, bell choir, praise teams, organists, special music and tech support. You will work closely with the pastors, elders, and musicians to ensure the entire church congregation can connect to God through music in both traditional and contemporary worship settings, driving the ministry forward. You will steward the musical gifts and vocal/instrumental talents within our congregation by providing leadership and structure across the entire music ministry, helping the church glorify God and draw closer to Him through worship.

Principal Responsibilities

• Broad Ministerial Duties:
  • Oversee, manage, coordinate, and support all facets of the music ministry including special music, organists, praise teams, and choirs (vocal and handbells), blending into cohesive worship services.
  • Collaborate with the pastoral team to create comprehensive worship services that include both the selection of traditional hymns and contemporary songs that align with the readings and sermon topics planned.
  • Organize and oversee large‑scale worship services for major holidays (Christmas, Easter, Reformation Sunday, etc.).
  • Actively participate in the worship service as a musician, according to gifts and abilities.
• Choral and Vocal Oversight:
  • Direct two adult choirs on a regular basis and work with Sunday‑school leadership to organize, direct, and plan children’s choirs for special occasions.
  • Adult choirs include a weekly rehearsal with both ensembles and 2‑3 Sunday‑morning performances per month.
  • Recruit and shepherd choir members; select and prepare songs appropriate for the church year and special occasions.
• Contemporary Worship:
  • Coordinate, mentor, and spiritually disciple four praise teams, choosing weekly contemporary repertoire to align with sermon themes and scriptures.
  • Meet regularly with leaders to handle logistics, provide training and spiritual growth, ensure consistency and quality, and assist in conflict resolution as needed.
  • Recruit, audition, train, and oversee onboarding of new members.
  • Attend and oversee Tuesday‑night rehearsals with each team to assist in soundboard operation and provide general rehearsal/feedback.
• Additional Music‑Related Duties:
  • Coordinate, guide, and support lead organist; ensure proper resource levels are available for organ coverage; coach newer organists.
  • Support the director of the bell choir as needed.
  • Recruit and schedule soloists and special ensembles from within the congregation throughout the year; maintain an active list of musicians and help schedule and mentor willing participants.
• Technical/AV and Administrative Oversight:
  • Oversee all aspects of technical production and training for services including sound, lighting, projection, and livestream; be technologically savvy enough to learn all facets of soundboard, lighting, ProPresenter, etc.; manage teams and their scheduling and train volunteers.
  • Supervise contract musicians and technology staff.
• Staff & Volunteers: Recruit, train, and appreciate all music and tech volunteers.
• Administration:
  • Maintain accurate records of all music performed at weekly services.
  • Maintain a database of all choral and praise team music titles; purchase and store both traditional and electronic sheet music.
  • Attend staff meetings as required and keep regular office hours.
  • Maintain music ministry equipment and manage copyright/licensing/CCLI compliance.
  • Advocate for change when needed with the spiritual best interests of the people at the forefront of all decisions; bring new ideas and new music selections that honor both traditional and contemporary worship genres.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Worship, Music Ministry, Music Education, or related field preferred; candidates with demonstrated experience in choral directing, voice proficiency, and other related skills will be considered.
• Experience leading both traditional and contemporary church music ministry, including choir and team leadership.
• Formal training in choral conducting or strong equivalent experience; passion and appreciation for both traditional and contemporary worship music.
• Familiarity with soundboard & livestream technology and/or ability and desire to learn.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, leadership, conflict‑resolution, and team‑building skills.
• Ability to inspire and develop volunteers of all ages, grow participation, support a culture of spiritual excellence and collaboration; build and manage teams while establishing strong working relationships.
• Deep Christian faith with a heart of service; desire to help both the congregation and church musicians grow and deepen their connection to God; serve as a spiritual leader and mentor when called upon.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Lutheran Church‑Missouri Synod (LCMS).
• 1–3 years experience.
• The desire to grow the ministry through other innovative projects.
• ProPresenter knowledge base.

Religious Affiliation Statement

Bethel Lutheran Church is a religious organization affiliated with the Lutheran Church‑Missouri Synod. As such, we reserve the right to prefer candidates who share our faith and theological beliefs in accordance with applicable law.