Accountability:
The Director of Worship reports to the Head of Staff and is accountable to the Session of John Knox Presbyterian Church (JKPC).
Summary:
The Director of Worship is a gifted musician and collaborative leader who works closely with clergy, staff, and the Worship, Music, & Arts (WMA) committee to plan and lead Christ-centered worship that is spiritually enriching, theologically grounded, and engaging across generations. Drawing from a wide range of musical traditions — including hymnody, choral music, and contemporary worship — this person serves as the creative and musical leader of the church’s worship ministry, crafting services that honor the church’s heritage while fostering active congregational participation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Worship Planning & Leadership
● Collaborate with clergy, ministry leaders, and worship committee to plan and lead weekly worship services and seasonal services throughout the liturgical year, including Advent, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Easter.
● Design and lead worship that is theologically grounded, spiritually formative, musically excellent, and aligned with the mission and values of the congregation.
● Integrate music, liturgy, prayer, and creative arts to foster meaningful congregational participation and engagement.
● Draw from a broad range of musical traditions — including Presbyterian hymnody, choral music, and contemporary worship — to create services that honor the church’s heritage while engaging multiple generations.
● Lead worship with confidence, warmth, and pastoral sensitivity while coordinating musicians, vocalists, volunteers, and technical teams to ensure worship services are prepared and executed with excellence.
● Contribute creative leadership and strategic insight to the ongoing development of the church’s worship life in alignment with Reformed/Presbyterian theology.
Volunteer Development & Coordination
● Recruit, train, schedule, and lead volunteer musicians, vocalists, worship leaders, and technical team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and spiritual growth.
● Cultivate a welcoming ministry environment where volunteers are encouraged, equipped, and empowered to use their gifts in worship leadership.
● Provide ongoing musical, technical, and spiritual development through rehearsals, mentorship, coaching, and regular communication.
● Identify and develop emerging leaders and musicians within the congregation, encouraging participation across generations.
● Coordinate volunteer schedules, rehearsals, and service preparation to ensure worship teams are organized, prepared, and supported.
● Promote healthy team relationships marked by unity, servant leadership, dependability, and shared commitment to the church’s mission and values.
Audio, Video, & Production
● Oversee the technical production of worship services, including live sound, projection, livestreaming, recording, and related worship technologies, ensuring a high-quality experience for both in-person and online worshipers.
● Collaborate with staff and volunteers to maintain, troubleshoot, and improve audio, video, lighting, and streaming systems in support of the church’s worship ministry goals.
● Ensure all media, presentations, and technical elements are well-prepared, thoughtfully integrated, and aligned with the tone and flow of each service.
● Continually evaluate and enhance worship production quality while staying informed about emerging technologies and best practices.
● Partner with clergy and worship leaders to incorporate visual arts and creative elements that deepen congregational engagement and support worship through multiple expressions.
● Develop sustainable systems, training, and documentation that strengthen the long-term effectiveness of the church’s worship and production ministries.
Pastoral & Team Engagement
● Participate actively in staff meetings, worship planning gatherings, supervisory meetings, and training opportunities, contributing to the shared mission and ministry life of the congregation.
● Maintain strong working relationships with clergy, staff, volunteers, and church leadership, fostering teamwork, professionalism, and mutual support.
● Provide pastoral care, encouragement, and spiritual leadership within the worship ministry, cultivating a healthy and Christ-centered team culture.
● Oversee the Worship & Music Arts (WMA) budget, including expenditures, equipment, licensing, and resource planning, while operating within approved financial guidelines.
● Assist in the stewardship and long-term planning of worship ministry resources, instruments, equipment, and technology.
● Pursue ongoing professional, musical, and spiritual development while supporting the broader ministry of the church through flexibility, collaboration, and additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications
● Education: College degree or equivalent experience in worship, theology, or a related field (preferred).
● Demonstrated excellence in vocal and instrumental musicianship, including the ability to confidently lead worship from an instrument, along with proficiency in live sound, audio production, and worship streaming technologies.
● Broad knowledge and appreciation of both traditional sacred music and contemporary worship expressions, with the ability to thoughtfully integrate diverse musical styles in ways that reflect and support Reformed/Presbyterian theology, liturgy, and worship practices.
● Strong communicator (verbal and written) who consistently demonstrates a keen ability to work collaboratively, and effectively cultivates healthy relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
● Technical competency (e.g. in computer applications, Microsoft Office).
● Availability: Because worship leadership is central to the church’s life during the major seasons of the Christian calendar, the Director of Worship is expected to be available to lead and support worship services during key observances each year, including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Easter.
Essential Character and Values
● A disciple of Jesus Christ in whom the fruit of the Spirit is evident, and commitment to a personal faith marked by growth and vitality.
● A Christian who approaches leadership from a place of vision, creativity, and intentionality.
Pay: $29.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
