Position Overview

The Director of Worship will lead the musical worship culture for a dynamic, medium-to-large sized congregation of 1C | The Sanctuary, a church of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. This Congregation worships approximately 500 people per Sunday over two services. A third service will potentially be added within 2 years. Our primary mission is to reach those who are unfamiliar with church or who have been hurt by past church experiences. This role requires a high-energy leader who can deliver an excellent, modern rock/contemporary music experience, while maintaining a low-barrier, highly welcoming environment. This role will work hand-in-hand with the Senior and Associate Pastors in creating a cohesive worship experience that gives glory to Christ.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Accessible Worship: Plan and execute engaging, high-quality modern worship sets for weekly services.
Build an Inviting Stage Culture: Serve as a primary host from the stage.
Recruit & Coach a Modern Band: Lead current band members and create a pathway for auditioning and developing future band members. Create a volunteer rotation for all positions, to include drums, electric guitars, keys, bass, and vocals. Incorporate youth as appropriate to help develop future worship team members. Develop use of Planning Center to track and plan rehearsals and worship service volunteers.
Manage Mid-Sized Production: Lead and collaborate with the audio, visual, and lighting tech teams. Ensure the mix is powerful and modern (concert-quality but family-friendly) and that visual media (ProPresenter) is flawless for those trying to follow along. Provide excellent customer service to the Pastors to meet their vision and expectations of the worship experience.
Weekly Rehearsals: Run efficient rehearsals that respect volunteers' time, focusing on tight transitions, dynamic builds, and musical excellence.
Systems & Administration: Utilize Planning Center Online, Multi-Tracks, Loop and other stand alone and on-line services for scheduling and tracking arrangements. Research and suggest methods to streamline current subscriptions. Manage the worship and tech budget lines effectively. Work alongside the operations staff to ensure smooth financial operation. Build and maintain a continuity binder. Train at least one person to accomplish Director tasks necessary when not able to be present for rehearsals and/or worship services.
Collaboration: Work with other departments within 1C | The Sanctuary to bring worship elements into their programming and/or to provide utilization of the worship team technology. Other departments include Bright Starts Daycare and Preschool, BLAST Summer Camp, Teen Ministries, and Bible Studies.
Event Ministry: Seek out and suggest other ministry opportunities that utilize the worship space and technology to promote sharing the Gospel. Opportunities may include concerts, performances and/or family movie nights.

Spiritual and Character Qualifications

Dependance on Jesus: A strong relationship with Jesus and a continuous walk with the Holy Spirit.
Heart for the Outsider: A deep, visible passion for evangelism and reaching people who are far from God or cynical about religion.
Authenticity Over Performance: An on-stage presence that values transparency and humility over a polished "rockstar" persona.
Emotional & Spiritual Maturity: The ability to shepherd volunteers who may be processing church hurt or are new to their faith.
Alignment: Full alignment with the church’s vision to be a safe place for people to ask tough questions and investigate faith. Full alignment with the practices of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and those of 1C | The Sanctuary.

Skills and Experience

Front-Man Proficiency: Exceptional vocal ability and the skill to confidently front a rock/contemporary band while playing acoustic guitar, electric guitar, or keys.
Modern Musical Direction: Experience using click tracks and backing tracks (e.g., Loop Community, Ableton Live) to achieve a full, modern sound with a medium-sized team.
Vibrant Leadership: 3+ years of experience leading worship in a contemporary local church setting. Experience requirements are negotiable for the right candidate.
Technical Savvy: Solid working knowledge of live sound reinforcement, digital boards, and modern stage lighting to help create an immersive environment.

The Outreach Lens: In a church for the unchurched, the Worship Director’s job is as much about hospitality as it is about music. Every song choice and stage comment should pass 2 tests: 1. “Does this song praise God versus speaking to the Congregation”, and 2. "Would a guest understand what is happening right now?"

Pay: $15,600.00 - $30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Language:

English (Required)

Ability to Commute:

Columbus, NE 68601 (Required)

Work Location: In person

1C | The Sanctuary jobs

Director of Worship