Director of Music Ministries

Director of Music Ministries – Job Description

First United Methodist Church, Cherryville, NC

Job Title:

Director of Music Ministries

Position Status:
Part-Time (20-25 hours/week)

The primary work of the Director of Music Ministries is to lead the congregation into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through participation in worship music. The Director is responsible for the Sanctuary Choir and all aspects of preparing and implementing music for worship services. A passion for excellence in varied genres of worship music is essential as well as the gifts of positive communication, leadership, relationship‑building, and administration.

This position reports to the pastor with direction from the Pastor Parish Relations Committee (PPRC).

• Loves Jesus and has a heart for engaging, experiential worship
• Loves people and shares a vision to grow the church’s music ministry to include children, youth, and adults of varying abilities
• Possesses the ability to organize, equip, and inspire ministry teams
• Works as a team player
• Has a flexible and willing spirit and a positive attitude
• Communicates effectively with a variety of people
• Deeply invests gifts and graces into the ministry of the whole church
• Embraces First UMC’s core value of Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.

• Work as a team with the pastor and accompanists to design music for Sunday worship that reflects the scripture, sermon series, and/or liturgical celebration
• Work as a team with the pastor and accompanists to design music for special services (including but not limited to: Christmas Eve, Christmas, Easter, Holy Week)
• Direct the Sanctuary Choir for Sunday worship; perform as solo or with others
• Prepare and conduct weekly choir rehearsals
• Work with the Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth to develop and lead music ministry opportunities for K-12 students.
• Recruit, welcome, and train new musicians
• Plan and Coordinate (and rehearse if appropriate) special music for worship (solos, ensembles, instrumentalists, etc.)
• Communicate with sound technicians to ensure all details are prepared and accurate for worship.
• Supervise and communicate with handbell leaders and other volunteer leaders concerning worship participation
• Maintain music supplies and administer the music budget
• Attend worship planning meetings as needed (usually once monthly).

• Holds a music degree or has relevant experience
• Demonstrates ability to organize, coordinate, and motivate volunteer musicians
• Leads by Christian example
• Background check and Safe Sanctuary Training required for employment

The Director of Music Ministries will be hired by the PPRC in consultation with the Pastor. The position will be reviewed annually by the PPRC chair and the Pastor. A written review will be kept on file. There is a 90‑day trial period at point of hire. After the 90 days, an evaluation will be conducted to determine if both parties are in agreement with job responsibilities and performance.

The staff member or the Church may terminate the position by giving 30 days notice.

Vacation Allowance (not to be taken on high holy days such as Christmas Eve, Christmas, Maundy Thursday, Easter):
At Hire (2 weeks per year);
At 2 years (3 weeks per year);
At 5+ years (4 weeks per year)