Overview
The Director of Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church serves as a ministry partner to the Pastor and helps strengthen the congregation’s mission of sharing God’s love through revitalization, community, and outreach.
This position provides leadership for the music ministry of St. John’s, supporting vibrant Lutheran worship through congregational singing, choral leadership, and thoughtful musical planning in collaboration with the Pastor.
Primary Responsibilities
Worship & Music Leadership:
- Collaborate with the Pastor to plan music for weekly worship services and festival celebrations according to the church year.
- Lead and accompany congregational singing that supports active participation in worship.
- Serve as primary organist and pianist for Sunday worship and special services.
- Select hymns, liturgical music, and musical settings consistent with Lutheran theology and worship practice.
- Coordinate music for special services including Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Christmas Eve, funerals, weddings, and other congregational observances.
Choir & Volunteer Leadership:
- Direct the St. John’s Choir, including weekly rehearsals at an agreed-upon time.
- Recruit, encourage, and grow participation in the choir and music ministry.
- Equip singers and musicians of varying skill levels to share their gifts in worship.
- Identify and coordinate additional musicians for festival Sundays and special services (instrumentalists, soloists, guest accompanists, etc.).
- Foster a welcoming and spiritually meaningful rehearsal environment.
Music Ministry Development & Growth:
- Work collaboratively with the Pastor to strengthen and expand the role of music in congregational life.
- Introduce appropriate musical variety while honoring St. John’s Lutheran heritage and traditions, including new liturgical settings from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, All Creation Sings, and other sources.
- Support intergenerational participation in music ministry where possible, particularly through engagement with St. John’s Preschool chapel services.
- Help cultivate future musicians and leaders within the congregation.
Administration:
- Participate in weekly staff meetings and seasonal worship planning conversations.
- Maintain music library, choir resources, and music-related equipment.
- Assist with budgeting and planning related to music ministry needs.
- Provide a monthly written report to Congregation Council.
- Serve as ex-officio member of the Worship & Music Committee.
- Carry out other duties as assigned by the Pastor.
Qualifications
- Commitment to the Christian faith and the mission of St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA).
- Organ proficiency.
- Experience directing choirs or ensembles.
- Knowledge of Lutheran liturgical worship and hymnody.
- Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to encourage participation and build community through music.
Hours
- Part‑time position (typically 10–15 hours per week), including Sunday mornings, weekly rehearsal, worship planning, and seasonal services.
- Flexible schedule with additional hours during major church festivals.
- Continuing education opportunities encouraged.
Reports To
- Pastor