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music minister

Minister of Music

Job Description

The Minister of Music & Arts at Simon Temple AME Zion Church will be a strong leader possessing a passion for traditional and contemporary worship, a vision for musical excellence, the ability to lead instrumentalists and vocalists, and possess basic skills for playing piano and organ. The person in this role will also possess the ability to create, organize, supervise, and provide administration for the Music and Arts ministry. Through our worship, God will be praised and glorified, people will be connected, and the unchurched and non-believers will hear the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. Simon Temple AME Zion Church strives to worship in excellence, pleasing God in all we do. Therefore, our staff should execute their duties according to a desire for excellence.

Position Classification: Full-Time
Reports to: Senior Pastor
Compensation: Exempt, salaried position

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and be striving to grow in that relationship.
  • Bachelor’s degree in music or a related field is preferred.
  • A minimum of three (3) years of experience serving as a Minister/Director of Music, Worship Leader, or Worship Pastor in a local church is required. Must have expertise in implementing a vision for a vibrant, comprehensive music and arts ministry.
  • Must have the ability to play the piano/keyboard and/or Hammond organ. The ability to read music is strongly preferred.
  • Must have the ability to organize and lead choirs, small vocal ensembles, and the band.
  • Must have the ability to choose, arrange, and plan song selections appropriate for weekly Sunday services and the liturgical seasons. Must have the capacity to lead, teach, and play a variety of genres of music from the Black Church tradition, such as (but not limited to): hymns, anthems, spirituals, contemporary and traditional gospel, and praise and worship.
  • A willingness to work with a team concept.
  • Be able to articulate a theology of worship.
  • It is preferred for the candidate to have an awareness of the AME Zion Church worship tradition.
  • Can effectively work with a diverse population of ages, gifts, and personalities.
  • Must possess a heart for the personal and corporate worship of God. We desire someone who has a passion to involve and equip people for ministry; someone who yearns to reach the lost through music and the arts.

Responsibilities & Duties

  • Will work in collaboration with the Senior Pastor or designee to develop and coordinate music and arts for the 8:30 am and 11:00 am worship services each week that fit the theme of the service.
  • Must meet regularly with the pastor or designee for planning, reporting, and evaluation
  • Must meet regularly with the music and worship arts team.
  • Will recruit, lead, and train the choirs, soloists, vocal ensembles, all musician
  • Currently, there are five (5) active choirs/vocal ensembles serving in worship:
    • Mass Choir (1st & 3rd Sunday)
    • Men’s Choir (2nd Sunday)
    • Praise Team (Every Sunday)
    • Women’s Choir (4-5 times per year; will provide support to the current director)
    • Children’s Choir (4th Sunday; will provide support to the current director)
  • Expected to provide administrative and logistical support for performing arts ministries. There are three (3) active performing arts ministries serving in worship:
    • Children & Youth Dancers (1st Sunday)
    • Mime Ministry (3rd Sunday)
    • Energizers/Children’s Dance Ministry (5th Sunday)
  • Plan and lead music for special programs for holiday services, such as Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter.
  • Provide musical leadership and input for all events or and special services outside of the Sunday morning worship experience held at Simon Temple AME Zion Church that require music such as the Annual Conference of the AME Zion Church or Revivals.
  • Will be compensated for all weddings held at Simon Temple AME Zion Church.
  • Expected to provide music leadership or coverage for all funerals held at Simon Temple AME Zion Church.
  • Based on the pastoral vision and the needs of the congregation, develop/supervise additional ministries that encourage the spiritual and musical growth of the church.
  • Assist with maintaining the music library and musical instruments.
  • Lead the Music Ministry by encouraging teamwork and mutual support.
  • Arrange for a replacement in the event of an absence; ensure coverage/schedule guest musicians when necessary.
  • All other duties assigned will be discussed in advance with the Senior Pastor.
  • Must be professional in appearance while working at church or leading services.

TO APPLY:

Persons interested in applying for this position should submit:

  • A letter of interest (Limit 2 pages)
  • A resume or curriculum vitae, and
  • Links to video/audio recordings that demonstrate musical and artistic leadership in corporate worship

Requested materials should be sent via e-mail to Rev. Donelle Simmons at dsimmons@simontemple.com with Subject Line: MINISTER OF MUSIC.