ASCENSION OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

BEVERLY HILLS, MICHIGAN

MUSIC DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION

Ascension of Christ Lutheran Church is a member congregation of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod through the English District.  We are a small parish that embraces the traditional liturgy and hymnody of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as exemplified by Lutheran Service Book.  We are looking for a highly skilled organist and choral leader to serve as part-time Music Director.  The successful candidate is one who appreciates the role of music in service to the Gospel and thus understands the primary importance of the church musician (organ, choral, instrumental) to both lead and support the congregation’s song.

Music Director reports to the Pastor and works within the context of a team ministry that includes lay leadership (AoC Council and Worship Administration Team).

Essential Functions

        The Director of Music will:

• Administer the church’s music program in a professional manner and in keeping

with the biblical and confessional standards of a congregation of the LCMS.

• Serve as the principal organist for the weekly divine service and other services as required throughout the liturgical year (including but not limited to midweek Advent Evening Prayer, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Midweek Lenten Services, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Ascension Day, Thanksgiving Eve).

• Serve as organist for all church funerals or designate an acceptable substitute. Financial payment for performance in such capacity will be arranged prior to the funeral with the family (or pursuant to a predetermined fee schedule).
• Serve as the organist for all Church weddings or designate an acceptable substitute. Financial arrangements will be handled through the families involved in the service. Rehearsal attendance will be at the discretion of the Pastor and Music Director.

• Oversee all choral and instrumental ensembles of the congregation.
• Direct the adult choir so that it is prepared to support and augment the liturgical worship of the congregation with weekly rehearsals preparing the choir to sing for worship services typically every Sunday from September to June, as well as other services as determined with the Pastor.  
• Organize and direct other choirs where possible, including a bell choir and children’s choir.
• Recruit and encourage the participation of children, youth, and adults in the musical life of the congregation.
• Assure the organization and proper maintenance of the music library.
• Together with the AoC Worship Administration Team, prepare an annual budget for the music program of the congregation.
• Coordinate all guest musicians, organists, and soloists that appear at AoC and work with the Treasurer in the handling the financial arrangements for such.
• In collaboration with the Pastor, select all musical offerings for all services with special emphasis on accompanying the congregation in singing the liturgy and hymns during worship services.
•  In cooperation with parents and other volunteers, serve as a resource for the musical components of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other events involving children and youth.
•  Arrange for the care and maintenance of musical instruments (organ, pianos, hand bells) and choir robes.
• Proclaim the word of God through music in worship and through musical events for the parish and larger community (outreach).

• Assure that the music and texts used in worship are compatible with the biblical and theological teachings of the LCMS, with the counsel and aid of the Pastor.
• Maintain a commitment to introduce the congregation to new music and texts that are doctrinally sound and suitable for congregational singing (such as new hymn compositions, settings of the liturgy or psalms).

Personal Qualifications

• A devout Christian in good standing within his or her denomination; LCMS preferred, but not required.
• Able to give a Christian witness in his/her lifestyle
• Commitment to growth spiritually and musically
• A servant heart and a recognized passion for ministry through music that elicits active congregational participation.

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Organ, Choral Conducting, Church Music, or equivalent experience in service playing and choral conducting.
• A minimum of two years of experience leading a music ministry. Choral conducting is preferred.
• Demonstrated skill and competency at the keyboard, particularly pipe organ and piano, and a working knowledge of handbell techniques.
• Experience and competency directing choirs and ensembles of all ages and skill levels, including training choirs in vocal techniques, and teaching and developing congregational singing.
• A demonstrated knowledge of Lutheran musical heritage and theology.
• Ability to work in a team model that encompasses professional and volunteer staff.
• Strong organizational skills, computer literacy, and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Flexibility in carrying out professional responsibilities.
• Commitment to professional development.

Compensation

• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications based on a part-time work 20 hours per week.
• 403b retirement savings plan available.
• The Music Director may, at his or her discretion and in cooperation with congregational schedules, use space and instruments at Ascension of Christ Lutheran Church to offer private lessons.
•  Four Sundays off per year.
•  Right of first refusal for weddings and funerals, for additional compensation.
•  Annual continuing education budget.

Last Edited: 7/1/2023