Job description
First Methodist Church of Mount Holly, North Carolina
Job Title: Choir Director
Reports to: Senior Pastor (Direct)
Staff Parish Relations Committee (Indirect)
Work Schedule: Sunday - Saturday depending on church calendar, including Sunday
morning traditional worship service, choir rehearsals on Wednesday
evening, handbell rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM, and
other practices as needed.
Pay Range: Part time – hourly based on experience and qualifications.
(Note: normal week not to exceed 15 hours. Extra hours for
special services, etc, to be approved prior to schedule).
Job Summary and Purpose:
The position of Choir Director is a part-time position that will serve as the music leader for the traditional service and as a resource for the church. The Choir Director will be responsible for providing and/or coordinating music leadership for the adult chancel choir, youth (teen) choir, and handbell choir.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The following is a summary of the major responsibilities for this job. Specific activities may change depending on the needs and goals of the church. Other activities or projects may be assigned that supplement these responsibilities and/or further the mission of the church.
A. Sunday Morning Traditional Service (starting at 10:55 AM)
1. Prepare appropriate music for worship and coordinate all music activities, including regular Sunday morning anthems, special music, soloists, and responses.
2. Consult the pastor in planning the services of worship and selecting hymns/music for the service.
3. Communicate with the administrative assistant on the music details of the worship service.
4. Announce the hymns and lead the congregation.
B. Adult Chancel Choir
1. Direct and lead the chancel choir in music activities.
2. Plan all music and schedule for services.
3. Hold regularly scheduled rehearsals, even during summer months.
4. Coordinate activities involving chancel choir, including special services, choir outings, and cooperate with other services and/or churches.
5. Coordinate time off with the church organist to ensure that he/ she will be available to lead choir during any absence.
C. Special Choirs (Youth Choir, Handbell Choir, others as needed)
1. Plan all music and schedules for performances.
2. Direct and lead music activities, including practices.
3. Be responsible for handbells and auxiliary equipment and see that maintenance is performed when required.
4. Miscellaneous
· Attend staff meetings with the pastor(s) and other staff/leaders to provide/receive input regarding the music program.
· Work with pastor(s) to determine calendar of events and practices.
· Coordinate sound system requirements with technicians.
· Coordinate maintenance/repairs of the organ, keyboard, and other musical instruments/equipment.
5. Design and participate in music-related events that go beyond regular rehearsals as follows:
· Ash Wednesday
· Maundy Thursday
· Good Friday
· Blue Christmas
· Christmas Eve
· Other services as schedule
6. Maintain and ensure compliance with CCL and copyright rules and laws.
7. Weddings and funerals are individual contract agreements and are not part of regular duties.
Qualifications
Education: College degree in music performance preferred. Ability to accompany choir on piano and/or organ desired, but not required.
Special Knowledge/Experience: Knowledge of music leadership is a must. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with musical performers of all ages. Understanding of the doctrines of the Global Methodist Church.
Professional Certification: None required; however, a willingness to participate in professional development opportunities is preferable.
Skills and Abilities:
Passionate Christian worship leader with strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills. The ability to lead people of all ages in the congregation in music-making experiences so that they may:
· Grow in understanding the Christian faith and music’s role in that faith.
· Develop and strengthen their relationship with God.
· Become better equipped for daily living as faithful Christian disciple.
· Gain basic music skills so that they may effectively serve the church as music leaders.
Personal Characteristics:
· Demonstrate a passion for music and ministry.
· Ability to listen to and communicate with people of all ages and musical backgrounds.
· Interest in a wide range of musical experiences.
· Ability to work with volunteers and committees.
· Skills for researching music programs related to people in the congregation and community.
· Skills for researching issues involved in worship and sensitivity to what makes worship effective.
· Professionalism and teamwork characteristics are a must.
Working Conditions
Must be willing to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the church. This job requires the use of standard office equipment and apps to manage worship music. Weekly streaming service of worship services requires ability to lead in a live online platform.
Physical Requirements / Essential Functions:
Must be able to hear and speak effectively.
Frequent standing required during the directing of music during practice and worship services.
Job Type: Part-time
Work Location: In person
