Grace Ev. Lutheran – Choir Director

Worship & Music Vision
At Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, we seek to “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalm 29:2) Our worship services are vibrant, meaningful Word and Sacrament services which are traditional and liturgical, with our music ministry serving to heighten and enrich our worship of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Believing worship should be anything but “boring” or “lifeless,” we seek to plumb the depths of our Lutheran and Christian liturgical and musical traditions in services that are full of life and energy, while also reverent and varied according to the liturgical year. We seek to maintain our commitment to the Great Tradition of the Church of Jesus Christ, while inviting worshipers to grow in their understanding of and appreciation for the richness and variety of that tradition.

Job Summary
The Choir Director will provide spiritual enrichment through music and extend the ministry of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church into the congregation and community through the activities of the worship and music program. The Choir Director is a member of our team of musicians, including organist/accompanist, handbell director and volunteer musicians. Together with the Senior Pastor and organist/accompanist, the choir director will work to coordinate the orders of service and music for worship utilizing forms of worship appropriate to the various themes of liturgical seasons and festivals. This position reports directly to the Senior Pastor

Qualifications
The Choir Director will have:
• Passion for recognizing and celebrating God’s incarnate presence in Jesus Christ, in His Church, for the sake of the world
• Demonstrated appreciation for the centrality of worship in the life of a congregation in the Lutheran tradition
• Bachelor’s Degree in Music or Music Education
• Prior experience in directing and conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles in a church environment
• Familiarity with, or willing to become familiar with Lutheran church liturgy, hymnody and choir repertoire
• Appropriate interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively with pastoral leadership, staff, and congregation

Primary Duties And Responsibilities
Adult Mixed Chorus
The adult mixed chorus provides anthems at regular Sunday services and special services. The Choir Director is responsible for:
• Selecting music appropriate to the liturgical year
• Organizing and executing rehearsals
• Retaining accompanists
• Conducting on Sunday and special services throughout the year
Vocal Soloists or Ensembles
Recruiting and working with occasional vocal soloists or small vocal ensembles to supplement worship music at various services and other special occasions.

Coordinating and Working with Other Musical Groups in the Congregation
The Choir Director will serve as a member of the congregational worship and leadership team, together with the Senior Pastor, organist/accompanist, and volunteers to support and coordinate music groups within the congregation, including but not limited to: handbell choir, youth choir, “A Joyful Noise! Community Concerts”, Scioto Valley Brass and Percussion Company (hosted at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church) and other music ministries as may be organized and developed over time. The Choir Director will not have a primary role for these other groups, but supportive. Should the Choir Director desire greater involvement in any of these groups, involvement is negotiable.

Administration
• Coordinate and oversee Adult Choir
• Provide input to staff and church council related to the congregational music budget
• Attend worship planning meetings with pastor and organist/accompanist
• Attend Worship and Music Ministry team meetings

Benefits & Compensation
• Part time (12-15 hours/week) with annual salary – commensurate with experience – paid semi-monthly

Application
The application packet should include the job application (available at https://www.grace43081.org/employment-opportunity.html), cover letter, candidate’s resume, and recordings that demonstrate work with choral or ensemble music. Application materials should be emailed to: application@grace43081.org. We are now considering applications and are looking to fill the position as early as possible. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background check.