Bethel Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (www.elca.org), is seeking applicants for the position of Music Minister to lead the congregation’s worship through music and song and cultivate the talents of volunteer musicians, all to the glory of God. Worship services at Bethel include traditional hymns, “contemporary” praise songs, and newer music. We value music-making that enhances our corporate worship of God over personal performance.
Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume with references. Portions of this job description and compensation may be negotiable, so applicants should bring their questions and suggestions.
The position will be open until filled, with first interviews taking place in early October 2025.
Musical Responsibilities:
· Play the piano for Sunday worship service, 10:00am, which includes:
- prelude, congregational songs, communion music, postlude
- rehearsing with Praise Team singers an hour prior.
· Direct the vocal and handbell choirs (seasonally).
· Play and lead music for occasional services (e.g. Holy Week services, Christmas Eve, etc.)
· Funerals are optional. Pay for these services comes from the family of the deceased.
Administrative Responsibilities:
· Work with the pastor and worship committee in planning and selecting music for worship services.
· See to the maintenance of Kawai Grand Piano, Piano in Fellowship room, and 3 Octave Hand Bell Set.
· Work with office administrator to sync Power Point slides and music for worship services.
· Oversee the worship volunteer schedule.
· Work with Director of Audio/Visual Ministry to arrange for A/V equipment set up, as needed for worship services.
· Ensure copyright approval for all music and record usage on appropriate licensing websites. (OneLicense.net and CCLI)
· Oversee storage, organization, and indexing of sheet music collection both on paper and on computer.
Expectations:
As both the lead musician and the administrative Music Minister, time will be spent at church on Sunday mornings as well as preparation time during the week.
The Music Minister will:
· Pursue creative musical expressions of worship, while also honoring the traditions of our Lutheran heritage and Bethel Lutheran Church.
· Complete tasks and responsibilities without direct supervision.
· Participate in weekly staff meetings.
· Be able to guide and encourage both those who read music and those who do not.
· Invite participation while demonstrating reliability, flexibility, patience and a good sense of humor.
· Be a flexible and collegial team player with other staff members and volunteers.
Qualifications:
· Must be a committed Christian who is respectful of Lutheran (ELCA) doctrine.
· Skilled pianist with experience in leading large group singing and the ability to play from a lead sheet (melody line and chords) as well as fully written hymn music. Transposing skills are a plus.
· Able to plan, teach, and lead worship teams, adult choirs, and willingness to direct or oversee a hand bell choir.
· We currently use PowerPoint for our worship visuals, but we would be open to using ProPresenter if the applicant has experience with that software.
· Able to pass a background check.
Interview and Audition Preparation:
· Be prepared to play three pieces of music, appropriate for worship, of various styles. One should be a song with which the interview panel can sing along.
· Other instrumental selections would also be welcome.
· Bethel worship videos may be viewed on our YouTube channel (see above). Click on the Live tab to view services that were livestreamed.
Compensation:
· Congregational prayer support.
· Leadership and encouragement from the pastor and church council.
· Part-time salaried position (15-20 hours per week). Annual $20,000-24,000 depending on experience. After a 6-month probationary period the personnel committee will determine the future of the person in this position.
· Vacation time and sick leave per employee handbook.
· Negotiable weekday schedule with pastor’s approval and input.
Bethel Lutheran Church may terminate employment at will or Music Minister may terminate employment with two-week notice.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20,000.00 - $24,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 15 – 20 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
