Position Title: Vocal Music Director
Job Summary
Provide creative and collaborative leadership for the vocal music ministry of First Lutheran Church, cultivating a welcoming and spiritually enriching choral program that supports worship, builds community, and reflects the congregation’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and vibrant liturgical life.
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Duties and Responsibilities
  • Facilitate the mission of First Lutheran Church through leadership of the choir
  • Collaborate with pastors and worship staff to select music that supports scripture, seasons, and themes within the Revised Common Lectionary
  • Plan and lead weekly choir rehearsals during the program year
  • Direct the choir in worship services as scheduled
  • Foster a spirit of community, belonging, and musical growth within the choir
  • Coordinate closely with the organist/accompanist for rehearsals and worship
  • Participate in worship planning conversations as needed
  • Encourage congregational singing and highlight the musical gifts of members
  • Incorporate a variety of musical styles, including global and culturally diverse traditions
  • Engage children and youth in vocal music in creative and meaningful ways
  • Support special seasonal worship, including Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter
  • Collaborate annually with area Lutheran congregations for a combined choir (approx. 70 singers, SABT)
  • Recruit, welcome, and retain choir participants
  • Arrange for a qualified substitute when unavailable
Choir & Program Overview
  • Volunteer, non-auditioned choir of approximately 10–20 singers (seasonal variation)
  • Weekly rehearsals mid-September through mid-May
  • Additional rehearsals as needed for special services or events
  • Annual or semi-annual combined choir experience with neighboring congregations
Time Commitment
  • Estimated 3–5 hours per week during program year
  • Weekly rehearsal: Wednesday day/evening and Sunday morning have been previous options for rehearsals
  • Sunday worship leadership twice monthly/previously first and third Sundays
  • Additional time during major liturgical seasons and special events
Minimum Qualifications
  • Experience directing a choir or vocal ensemble
  • Working knowledge of choral music for worship
  • Understanding of Lutheran liturgy and the role of music in worship
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, staff, and volunteers
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to pass a background check (required for all staff)
Desired Qualifications
  • Commitment to inclusive, justice-centered, and progressive faith expression
  • Experience incorporating diverse musical traditions and styles
  • Ability to engage singers of varied skill levels
  • Willingness to build relationships with local musicians and expand musical offerings
  • Creativity and flexibility in congregational and intergenerational music leadership
Resources & Support
  • Collaboration with pastoral staff, organist, and worship leaders
  • Access to church music library and instruments (organ, piano)
  • Modest music budget available
  • Supportive, collegial staff environment with shared visioning and planning
  • Recent full renovation of sanctuary space
Work Environment
First Lutheran is a Spirit-driven community called to the love and justice of Jesus Christ. Staff work collaboratively, support one another in ministry, and engage in ongoing imagination and innovation for worship and community life.
Compensation & Accountability
  • Compensation: $6,000–$8,000 annually, based on experience; start date ASAP
  • Reports to: Senior Pastor
  • Performance review: Annual, including collaborative goal-setting
  • Application materials: Resume and references to be sent to: [email protected]
  • Equal Opportunity Employer: First Lutheran Church welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and identities