Organist and Choir Director

Position Information
Job Title:

Organist and Choir Director

Classification:

Part-Time (approx. 15–20 hours/week)

Accountable to:

Senior Pastor and Church Council

Position Summary
The Organist and Choir Director provides primary musical leadership for the congregation, ensuring that music enhances the Lutheran liturgy and fosters spiritual growth. This role involves masterfully playing the pipe organ and directing various vocal and instrumental ensembles while collaborating with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and guest musicians.

Primary Responsibilities
1. Organist & Musical Leadership

Worship Services:

Provide organ and piano music for all Sunday services and special liturgical events (e.g., Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Reformation) as well as weekly mid‑week evening services during Advent and Lent.

Liturgical Support:

Play hymns, preludes, offertories, and postludes that align with the lectionary and seasonal themes.

Instrument Oversight:

Coordinate regular tuning and maintenance for the church’s pipe organ, pianos, handbells and carillon.

2. Choir Direction & Development

Ensemble Leadership:

Plan, rehearse, and direct the Adult Choir and other vocal ensembles as well as the handbell choir and children and youth musical ensembles.

Recruitment:

Actively recruit and audition new members to foster a diverse and inclusive music ministry.

Musical Growth:

Nurture the skills of volunteer musicians, adapting arrangements to suit varying skill levels as needed.

3. Collaborative Planning & Administration

Worship Design:

Meet with the Pastor and Worship and Music Committee to select hymns and anthems that support the sermon topics and/or reflect the lectionary and season. Attend weekly staff meetings.

Resource Management:

Maintain the choral library and manage the music budget, including purchasing new music and securing copyright permissions.

Coordination:

Arrange for qualified substitute musicians during absences and manage schedules for guest instrumentalists.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Music, Church Music, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Technical Skill:

Advanced proficiency in pipe organ and piano performance, including sight‑reading and accompanying.

Liturgical Knowledge:

Understanding of ELCA Lutheran liturgy, hymnody, and theology.

Interpersonal Skills:

Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and lead volunteers with patience and energy.

Experience:

Preferably 2–5 years of experience leading music in a liturgical church setting.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary:

$30,000–$36,000, depending on skill and experience.

Additional Fees:

First right of refusal for weddings and funerals, paid via additional stipends by involved parties.

Continuing Education:

Professional development support for workshops or conferences is often provided.

Street Address:

216 North Main Street

Zip Code/Postal Code:

28012

Phone:

(704) 825-2483

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