Royal Oak First United Methodist Church seeks an experienced worship and music director and organist who can lead people in music and worship in a full-time position with the church.
The Worship and Music Director is the primary facilitator of the creative and planning process for the worship experience, while also directing all areas of music. This person leads the worship team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, meaningful worship services for the congregation. With a focus on inclusion and diversity of styles, the Worship and Music Director works with a team of paid and volunteer staff and musicians to ensure our weekly services are well-planned and well-organized.
The congregation has been growing in recent years with a weekly attendance of nearly 500 across the two worship services and virtually each Sunday. The church has a passion for making a difference in the community and the world and welcomes all with open hearts, minds and doors. The church’s organ is a 3 manual, 44 rank Schantz pipe organ installed in 1967. Included in a 2007 renovation of the instrument was the addition of digital 32′ stops in the pedal and a Peterson memory capture system with 88 levels of memory and 10 general pistons.
Worship Responsibilities
- Shepherd, support, and supervise entire worship team including the Worship, Music and Arts Assistant Director, Audio Engineer, and AV Team
- Responsible to craft all elements of worship services and serve as point of accountability
- Call and lead regular worship planning meetings
- Lead Sunday morning worship huddle prior to 9 and 11 am services
- Work with Lead Pastor on long range seasonal planning
- Generate and administer annual budget for worship and all music ensembles
- Generate a master music and worship schedule that includes all music ensembles and volunteer musicians
- Build volunteer teams by proactively getting to know the church community, discerning where volunteers are called to serve, and inviting them into the ministry
Music Responsibilities
- Lead the adult Sanctus Choir through directing and accompanying, which rehearses Thursday nights and leads music at the 11 am service
- Provide skilled and meaningful organ music at the 11 am service
- Serve as a resource and accompaniment/support to the House Band which rehearses on Wednesday nights and leads 9 am service
- Lead the Carillon Ringers Handbell choir, which rehearses on Wednesdays and typically plays every few weeks at a Sunday service
- Serve as a resource and support to the staff leading children’s and youth music programs, including the week-long summer camp
- Provide musical leadership for special services, including weddings and funerals (right of first refusal)
- Maintain all church instruments, including arranging for tuning and repairs
Required Experience, Skills and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in music, music performance, church music, or music education preferred, including study of choral conducting
- Skilled organist and pianist
- Proven experience as a director of a church music program with leadership and administrative responsibility for choirs and minimum 5 years of experience in conducting
- Experience in and appreciation of both traditional and contemporary worship styles
- Knowledge and understanding of modern worship, including emerging music styles and functions of a band leading worship
- Familiarity with the United Methodist Church and hymnals
- Experience with working with paid staff and volunteers
- Familiarity with sound systems and associated technology
- Strong relational, communication, and collaboration skills
Preferred Skills
- Ability to compose and arrange
- Interest and experience in expanding the creative arts ministry
- Experience using Planning Center software
- Handbell playing and conducting
- Supervisory experience
- Proficiency on additional instruments
Ministry Competencies
- Discipleship and Equipping – Develops meaningful relationships with volunteers that contribute to their personal growth and development, both spiritually and musically
- Networking – Builds relationships with other musicians and worship leaders in the metro area for connection, support, and idea sharing
- Administration – Possesses strong organizational skills, is dependable, and demonstrates good follow-through
- Personal Evangelism – Invites others to get involved in our church and looks for opportunities to share the hope of Christ
- Team Orientation – Demonstrates interest, skill, and success in team environments and promotes group goals ahead of personal agendas
Compensation
Royal Oak provides compensation commensurate with other churches with similar positions. Some benefits provided. At this time, we are seeking local candidates and are not offering relocation benefits.
Note: We understand that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you possess a strong combination of the skills and experience required for this role, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to considering a wide range of candidates.
Application Details
Submit resume and cover letter to jobs@rofum.org by July 19, 2024.
Include employment history, education, church ministry experience, and three references.
Describe your philosophy of the role of music in worship and why God might be leading you to Royal Oak First.
Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Target start date is no later than September 3, 2024.
Royal Oak First is an equal opportunity employer, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
Royal Oak First United Methodist Church
320 W. Seventh Street, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-4100
www.rofum.org