Minister of Music

Position Summary
The Lutheran Church of Our Savior (LCOS) is seeking a creative and collaborative Minister of Music to lead and grow our music ministry. This is a part-time position (up to 15 hours per week, with additional hours during Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and other agreed-upon events) that combines musical excellence with a passion for congregational worship and community building.

The Minister of Music works closely with the Pastor and the Worship and Music Committee to curate worship that is rooted in Lutheran liturgy, supports congregational singing, and reflects the themes of the church year. We are looking for someone who sees music not simply as performance, but as ministry—someone who can inspire participation, cultivate volunteer musicians, and help the congregation lift its voice in praise.

LCOS is a warm and welcoming ELCA congregation that values thoughtful worship, meaningful community, and a willingness to explore both treasured traditions and new expressions of faith.

Primary Responsibilities

Worship Leadership

• Provide musical leadership and accompaniment for the weekly Sunday worship service.
• Prepare and perform preludes, postludes, service music, hymns, liturgical settings, and other musical offerings that support congregational worship.
• Work collaboratively with the Pastor to plan worship music that reflects the liturgical season.
• Introduce and teach new hymns, liturgical settings, and musical resources that enrich congregational participation while honoring the congregation’s musical heritage.
• Maintain a balance of traditional Lutheran hymnody and appropriate newer worship resources.
• Perform other duties reasonably related to the responsibilities of the Minister of Music position, as assigned in consultation with and by mutual agreement between the employee and the Pastor.

Choir and Music Ministry

• Direct the adult choir through weekly rehearsals during the program year and lead the choir in worship.
• Foster a welcoming, encouraging choir culture where singers of varying experience can participate without formal auditions.
• Recruit, mentor, and encourage musicians and vocalists of all ages within the congregation.
• Coordinate instrumentalists, soloists, guest musicians, and other musical ensembles for worship and special occasions.
• Explore opportunities for seasonal choirs, small ensembles, children’s participation, hymn festivals, and other creative musical offerings.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as an active member of the Worship and Music Team.
• Communicate regularly with the Pastor regarding worship planning, special services, and upcoming musical needs.
• Work cooperatively with audiovisual volunteers and other worship leaders.
• Help cultivate a vibrant music ministry that strengthens congregational life and welcomes broad participation.

Special Services

• Provide musical leadership for Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Christmas Eve, and other festival services.
• Play for weddings and funerals held at LCOS when available (additional compensation is provided for these services).
• Help coordinate substitute musicians when unavailable for scheduled worship.

Administration

• Select and prepare music well in advance of worship services.
• Maintain accurate copyright and licensing records for all music used in worship, including One License reporting.
• Assist in the care and stewardship of the church’s musical instruments and music library.
• Communicate rehearsal schedules, music selections, and special-event information to choir members and participating musicians, as well as the church administrator and Pastor.
• The Minister of Music shall be responsible for selecting and purchasing new music and worship resources within the annual budget established by the congregation.
• Submit a written…