Minister of Music – Abiding Presence Lutheran Church ELCA

Overview
The Minister of Music will plan, prepare, and coordinate the music program of the congregation in agreement with the pastors, staff, and mission of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church. He or she will welcome and nurture participation in music ministries, deepen worship of God, expand opportunities to serve neighbors, share gifts of music with joy, and develop the skills of all who take part in music programs.

Qualifications

Master of Arts in Music, or equivalent degree required

Demonstrates exceptional musical skills in a variety of styles

Demonstrates proficiency in organ and piano

Demonstrates proficiency in planning and leading liturgical worship services

Shows competency in choral directing for various age groups

Knows how to interpret music (expressive elements, terminology, etc.)

Has knowledge of the voice

Knows how to efficiently run a rehearsal

Provides strong leadership, teaching, spiritual development, and organizational skills

Has knowledge and appreciation of the theology and teachings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Time Expectations
A minimum of 40 hours per week. These hours include regular worship services on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, special and seasonal worship services such as funerals and festivals, and office hours for planning, meetings, rehearsals, and practice.

Supervisor
Senior Pastor

Compensation & Benefits
Commensurate with experience within a range of $50,000 – $65,000 annually with benefits. A regular exempt (salaried) position; details described in Employee Handbook; Abiding Presence Lutheran Church will reimburse for annual professional dues, as budgeted. Compensation agreements will be reviewed and approved by the Executive Council.

Duties & Responsibilities
Worship

Plays the organ at all worship services, including Saturday evening service, Sunday services, Lenten and other special services

In coordination with the pastors and staff, plans and prepares the music portions of all worship services, selecting hymns, anthems, prelude and postlude

Recruits, trains, develops, and supports cantors to provide music at worship services

In addition to traditional musical support, plans, coordinates, and directs special music at worship and special events whenever possible (for example: vocalists, harpists, brass and/or orchestra ensembles)

Choral

Directs Sanctuary Choir

Chooses music that coincides with the gospel readings and/or seasons of the church year

Rehearses, schedules and directs choirs for various worship styles (traditional, blended, contemporary)

Directs or recruits, supervises, and nurtures volunteers to direct other choirs, including Cherub Choir, Chapel Choir/Chimers, Youth Handbells, Noteworthy Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus, Instrumental Ensemble, Worship Band, and any others that may be formed

Uses available vocal resources as soloists

Instrumental

Directs Bells of Praise Handbell Choir

Arranges for the care, maintenance, and tuning of instruments, as budgeted annually

General Tasks

Supports and supervises the Music Associate

Assists in interviewing as well as provides input for hiring and evaluation of Music Associate

Prepares and maintains the calendar of music program events as planned by all ensemble directors

Ensures congregation is compliant with all copyright laws by reviewing planned music selections and keeping all online worship credentials up to date

Relates to and supports the work of the Worship, Art & Music Ministry Action Team, and participates in its monthly meetings and annual budgeting process

Attends Executive Council meetings to report and share information

Maintains scheduled office hours at the church sufficient to be available for ministering to members of the congregation and coordinating work with the staff

Schedules substitutes and negotiates compensation within existing budget constraints, as needed

Coordinates volunteers to organize and maintain the music library

Exercises fiscal responsibility by confining expenditures within existing budget constraints and carefully stewarding resources

Outreach

Provides music for Vacation Bible School program, Day School, and Summer Music Camp

Connects with established local community music organizations, such as River City Ringers and San Antonio Chamber Choir

Equipment

Parkey/Zimmer Organ – 1975/2005, 2 manuals, 27 ranks of pipes

6’ Boston Grand Piano, 2007

Roland Electronic Keyboard

Schulmerich Handbells – 5 octaves

Malmark Handchimes – 5 octaves

Schulmerich Handchimes – 3 octaves (older – for children)

Choir room piano – Boston upright

2 Timpani

Assorted percussion

Expectations

Minister of Music will arrive in sufficient time before any worship service in order to coordinate with other worship leaders.

Minister of Music will participate in worship planning meetings as scheduled and provide hymns, psalm and all other musical selections for inclusion in bulletin according to office deadlines.

Funerals are a service of the church. The Minister of Music is expected to serve as organist without further compensation (gifts received by the Minister of Music in connection with a funeral belong to the Minister of Music).

The Minister of Music is given first option to provide music for weddings and will be compensated by the church from fees charged in accordance with Abiding Presence Lutheran Church’s wedding policy.

Continuing Education: Up to two weeks including two weekends are available for continuing education.

Funding is also available. Requests for continuing education time and funds should be directed to the Senior Pastor within appropriate timelines. Details are in the Employee Handbook.

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