Director of Music

Reports to: Pastor

Status: Three-Quarter Time, Non-Exempt (Approximately 30 hours per week) Salary: $32,448.00 Effective: Fall 2026

Job Summary: Faith Lutheran Church (FLC) seeks a collaborative, creative, and skilled musician to lead our congregation’s music ministry. The Director of Music provides musical leadership for worship, directs volunteer voice and bell choirs, collaborates with staff and volunteers in worship planning, and fosters a vibrant music ministry that encourages congregational participation and spiritual growth. This position combines artistic excellence with a deep awareness of music’s role in the spiritual and communal life of the congregation, and understands that music ministry is a ministry of belonging and care, recognizing that for many volunteers, choir is where they process grief, find friendship, and feel seen.

About Us: We are an active, welcoming Lutheran (ELCA) congregation in Okemos committed to faith formation, community engagement, and inclusive ministry (Reconciling in Christ - RIC). Our congregation values collaboration, hospitality, and building meaningful relationships across generations. Ministries currently include a vibrant volunteer music program, youth activities, a food pantry, and advocacy outreach. Learn more about our congregation and ministries at our website (https://faithlutheranokemos.org). A successful candidate will support the mission and ministry of our church and work respectfully within the theology and practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Core Functions 1. Worship Leadership Serve as the primary organist and pianist for weekly worship services and special services throughout the church year. Select, prepare, and perform preludes, postludes, offertories, service music, hymns, and other musical selections appropriate to the liturgical season in collaboration with the pastor and worship leaders. Collaborate with the pastor and worship leaders to plan contemporary and traditional music that complements the themes and readings for worship. Work collaboratively with volunteer vocalists, instrumentalists, guest musicians, and the accompanist to support meaningful worship experiences. Coordinate musical leadership for weddings, funerals, and other special services in consultation with families and church staff. 2. Choir & Music Ministry Recruit, direct, and encourage members of the vocal and bell choirs – treating the choirs as a front door for radical welcome and inclusivity Plan and lead weekly rehearsals and prepare the choirs for regular and seasonal worship services. Select choir repertoire that reflects the church’s theology, liturgical seasons, and musical abilities of participants. Mentor volunteer musicians and encourage participation from people of all ages, including youth, and musical backgrounds both in and outside the congregation. Coordinate substitute musicians when needed. 3. Music Program Administration Prepare annual budget request and submit it to the worship committee Maintain the church’s music library, organize music resources, oversee compliant music licensing requirements, and purchase new music in accordance with the music budget. Coordinate the care, tuning, and maintenance of the church organ, pianos, and other musical instruments using qualified technicians. Ensure music ministry resources, rehearsal spaces, robes, and materials are organized and well maintained. Promote music ministry opportunities through church communications. 4. Collaboration & Professional Development Participate as a member of the church staff, attending regular staff and worship committee meetings and contributing to worship planning. Maintain positive relationships and inclusive spaces with volunteers, congregation members, and guest musicians regardless of age, ability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural/musical background. Pursue continuing education and professional development in sacred music, conducting, organ, piano, or worship leadership. Instruments & Facilities Faith Lutheran Church’s organ, pianos, bells and percussion instruments are valuable resources entrusted to the congregation. This position serves as steward of these instruments by helping coordinate their care, maintenance, and appropriate use. The instruments are regularly used for congregational worship, rehearsals, weddings, funerals, and by approved community groups and guest musicians who share our commitment to respectful use of church property.

Qualifications: Demonstrated proficiency in organ and/or piano performance. Ability to play contemporary and traditional style Strong sight reading and coaching skills Experience directing volunteer choirs and leading congregational singing Working knowledge of handbells and praise band instrumentation (guitar, bass, percussion) Familiarity with Lutheran liturgy and worship traditions, or willingness to learn. Basic audio/sound system competency (mixing board, mics, streaming/livestream support increasingly common) Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with flexibility across a genuinely wide job scope (performer, administrator, recruiter, caring presence, and liturgical planner all at once) Ability to work collaboratively with church staff, volunteers, and guest musicians. Bachelor’s degree in music, church music, or a related field preferred, or equivalent education and experience. Successful completion of a background check is required prior to employment.

Street Address: 4515 Dobie Rd

Zip Code/Postal Code: 48864

Phone: 517-349-0620