The position of Minister of Music (MM) is seen first as a ministry in praise and worship of God through music. The MM will serve in partnership with the congregation, pastor, and other staff to provide a music ministry to individuals, to the congregation, and to the community. Worship, praise, and outreach through music are primary goals. The position is the senior musician for the church. The MM would also have hands-on responsibility for being Senior Choir Director or senior instrumentalist, in addition to being responsible for oversight of other music staff and volunteers. (Editorial Note: The reason for the flexibility between being Senior Choir Director or senior instrumentalist is that both positions are currently vacant and the church wishes to have separate persons fill these roles instead of a combined Choir Director/Organist. If the chosen candidate for MM has more strengths in instrumental music, the MM could carry out organist/keyboardist duties and a separate Choir Director will be hired, or vice versa.)

Responsibilities and Duties

Choral Music: Select music, rehearse and provide direction of the Senior Choir or choirs which will provide music in support of the Blended and Traditional Sunday services. Arrange appropriate substitute coverage when absent. Select special music and conduct choir as needed for special services or mass choirs. Recruit, train, and provide for direction by a volunteer of children and youth choirs with weekly rehearsals and presentations at least once per month from September to May. Encourage special talents within the congregation with opportunities for soloists, small choral groups, etc. Strive to continuously increase participation in choral groups through recruitment and special programs. Provide opportunities for the creative use of music in the total life of the Church.

Church Musicians & Instrumental Music: Supervise other music staff, ensuring they are well informed of any special needs for services in which they are involved. If budget permits and in consultation with the pastor, Worshipping Commission & Personnel Task Force, be a primary participant in hiring an organist, keyboardist or other instrumentalists (not available as volunteers) as needed to provide accompaniment and other music for the worship services; the MM shall provide organ/keyboard accompaniment for all worship services when not provided by others. Have primary responsibility for planning, coordinating, and implementing the Contemporary Worship Service with assistance from the Contemporary Worship Planning Task Force; oversee three Contemporary Music teams as needed. Recruit and coordinate instrumental ensembles/soloists with organ and choral music for festival services. Supervise rehearsals as needed. Provide opportunities for increasing congregational participation in instrumental music. Provide oversight for handbell choir and either direct or recruit and train volunteer director.

Selection of Music: Work and plan closely with the pastor, other music staff, and Worshipping Commission to produce three well-coordinated worship services. Select and ensure use of appropriate music for all worship services including Sunday services, special services, weddings, funerals, etc. Maintain records of above and include in monthly report to Worshipping Commission and Church Council. With help from a volunteer, maintain music library in a well organized condition. Review and seek out new choral/instrumental music and make additions to the music library as the budget permits. Be responsible for obtaining licences for compliance with music copyright issues.

Music Education: Work with Director of Family Ministries to provide for comprehensive music education throughout the ministries of Grace Church including Sunday School, Jacob's Ladder, Vacation Bible School, Grace Prime Time, etc. Contribute information regarding upcoming events and church music education to the Lutheran Light newsletter, the Grace web site, weekly worship guides, and other publications on a regular basis.

Community Involvement: Work with pastor in joint worship and music endeavors with other congregations. Be proactive in creating opportunities for Grace Church, other congregations, and organizations to work together to worship and praise God with music. Participate in synodical music committees and programs as time permits.

Administrative duties: Oversee the maintenance and tuning of the organ, pianos, and other church instruments and obtain necessary service and repairs. Oversee the purchase of choir robes and any other music equipment as budget permits. Prepare and submit to Worshipping Commission a projected music program budget for the next fiscal year. Participate in any staff meetings of the church, as needed.

Reporting Responsibilities

The MM is supervised by the pastor. Performance review will be held annually in July. The MM will participate in and make monthly reports at the Worshipping Commission and Church Council meetings in order to keep them informed and to assist them in general planning and goal setting for congregational worship.

Requirements

A sound Christian faith exhibited by a lifestyle guided by prayer, regular worship, and service to others. A call to music ministry. Thorough understanding of church music and, preferably Lutheran liturgy, including familiarity with the background and significance of the various liturgical seasons and festivals. College degree in church music, choral or instrumental conducting, or related field and at least 3 years experience or other equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to work equally well with wide range of church music styles from traditional worship music to contemporary praise and worship music. Experience in recruiting, training, and leading volunteer musicians individually and in groups including children, youth, and adults. Good communication & interpersonal skills with children, youth, and adults. Takes initiative for programs and projects from development to completion Must pass a criminal background check.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full time position with an annual salary range of $33,000-37,000 (pay scale based on Bachelor's degree and some experience). Benefits include FICA, sick leave, annual leave, workers comp, health & dental insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan and continuing education. Other benefits include regular prayer support and encouragement from Grace members and the ability to seek counsel and guidance from the Mutual Ministry Committee and the Personnel Task Force. The salary is negotiable based on education and experience.