Minister of Music

Position:
Minister of Music
Purpose:
Plan, prepare, and coordinate the music program of the congregation in agreement with the pastors, staff, and mission of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church. Welcome and nurture participation in music ministries, deepen worship of God, expand opportunities to serve neighbors, share gifts of music with joy, and develop the skills of all who take part in music programs.
Qualifications:
·                     Master of Arts in Music, or equivalent degree required

·                     Demonstrates exceptional musical skills in a variety of styles

·                     Demonstrates proficiency in organ and piano

·                     Demonstrates proficiency in planning and leading liturgical worship services

·                     Shows competency in choral directing for various age groups

·                     Knows how to interpret music (expressive elements, terminology, etc.)

·                     Has knowledge of the voice

·                     Knows how to efficiently run a rehearsal

·                     Provides strong leadership, teaching, spiritual development, and organizational skills

·                     Has knowledge and appreciation of the theology and teachings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Time Expectations:
A minimum of 40 hours per week. These hours include regular worship services on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, special and seasonal worship services such as funerals and festivals, and office hours for planning, meetings, rehearsals, and practice.
Supervisor:
Senior Pastor
Compensation & Benefits:
Commensurate with experience within a range of $50,000 – $65,000 annually with benefits.

A regular exempt (salaried) position; details described in Employee Handbook; Abiding Presence Lutheran Church will reimburse for annual professional dues, as budgeted. Compensation agreements will be reviewed and approved by the Executive Council.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Worship

·                     Plays the organ at all worship services, including Saturday evening service, Sunday services, Lenten and other special services

·                     In coordination with the pastors and staff, plans and prepares the music portions of all worship services, selecting hymns, anthems, prelude and postlude

·                     Recruits, trains, develops, and supports cantors to provide music at worship services

·                     In addition to traditional musical support, plans, coordinates, and directs special music at worship and special events whenever possible (for example: vocalists, harpists, brass and/or orchestra ensembles)

Duties & Responsibilities (Continued):
Choral

·                     Directs Sanctuary Choir

·                     Chooses music that coincides with the gospel readings and/or seasons of the church year

·                     Rehearses, schedules and directs choirs for various worship styles (traditional, blended, contemporary)

·                     Directs or recruits, supervises, and nurtures volunteers to direct other choirs, including Cherub Choir, Chapel Choir/Chimers, Youth Handbells, Noteworthy Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus, Instrumental Ensemble, Worship Band, and any others that may be formed

·                     Uses available vocal resources as soloists

Instrumental

·                     Directs Bells of Praise Handbell Choir

·                     Arranges for the care, maintenance, and tuning of instruments, as budgeted annually

 

General Tasks

·                     Supports and supervises the Music Associate

·                     Assists in interviewing as well as provides input for hiring and evaluation of Music Associate

·                     Prepares and maintains the calendar of music program events as planned by all choir directors

·                     Ensures congregation is compliant with all copyright laws by reviewing planned music selections and keeping all online worship credentials up to date

·                     Relates to and supports the work of the Worship, Art & Music Ministry Action Team, and participates in its monthly meetings and annual budgeting process

·                     Attends Executive Council meetings to report and share information

·                     Maintains scheduled office hours at the church sufficient to be available for ministering to members of the congregation and coordinating work with the staff

·                     Schedules substitutes and negotiates compensation within existing budget constraints, as needed

·                     Coordinates volunteers to organize and maintain the music library

·                     Exercises fiscal responsibility by confining expenditures within existing budget constraints and carefully stewarding resources

 

Outreach

·                     Provides music for Vacation Bible School program, Day School, and Summer Music Camp

·                     Connects with established local community music organizations, such as River City Ringers and San Antonio Chamber Choir

Equipment:
Music equipment currently available at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church includes:

·                     Parkey/Zimmer Organ – 1975/2005, 2 manuals, 27 ranks of pipes

·                     6’ Boston Grand Piano, 2007

·                     Roland Electronic Keyboard

·                     Schulmerich Handbells – 5 octaves

·                     Malmark Handchimes – 5 octaves

·                     Schulmerich Handchimes – 3 octaves (older – for children)

·                     Choir room piano – Boston upright

·                     2 Timpani

·                     Assorted percussion
Expectations:
Minister of Music will arrive in sufficient time before any worship service in order to coordinate with other worship leaders.

Minister of Music will participate in worship planning meetings as scheduled and provide hymns, psalm and all other musical selections for inclusion in bulletin according to office deadlines.

Funerals are a service of the church. The Minister of Music is expected to serve as organist without further compensation (gifts received by the Minister of Music in connection with a funeral belong to the Minister of Music).

The Minister of Music is given first option to provide music for weddings and will be compensated by the church from fees charged in accordance with Abiding Presence Lutheran Church’s wedding policy.
Continuing Education:
Up to two weeks including two weekends are available for continuing education.

Funding is also available.  Requests for continuing education time and funds should be directed to the Senior Pastor within appropriate timelines. Details are in the Employee Handbook.
Apply:                         Applications accepted December 1, 2024 – February 1, 2025

 

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to kentkirkman462@gmail.com

Or by mail to:

 

Abiding Presence Lutheran Church

C/o Kent Kirkman

14700 San Pedro Ave

San Antonio, TX 78232

210-494-8884