Job Description
*Bethel Lutheran Church Worship Music Director: Job Description/Overview *
*Status:* Full-Time
*Accountable To*: Pastors, Elder Board*Salary:* $60,000-80,000 (salary and benefits commensurate with experience)
*Benefits:* Medical, Dental and Prescription Insurance
Term Life Insurance
Church-funded Pension
Access to a 403B Retirement Plan (employee funded)
Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage
Paid Time Off and Sick Days
*Location:* Bethel Lutheran Church; Morton, IL
*Application Closing Date*: November 30, 2025
*Job Summary*
Seeking a full-time director to lead our blended worship life of traditional and contemporary music, with creativity, spiritual depth, and administrative skill. This role unifies leadership of the choirs, bell choir, praise teams, organists, special music and tech support. You will work closely with the pastors, elders, and musicians to ensure the entire church congregation can _*connect to God through music*_ in both traditional and contemporary worship settings, driving the ministry forward. You will steward the musical gifts and vocal/instrumental talents within our congregation by providing leadership and structure across the entire music ministry, helping the church glorify God and draw closer to Him through worship.
*Primary Responsibilities*
_Broad Ministerial Duties:_
* Oversee, manage, coordinate, and support all facets of the music ministry including special music, organists, praise teams, and choirs (vocal and handbells), blending into cohesive worship services.
* Collaborate with the pastoral team to create comprehensive worship services that include both the selection of traditional hymns and contemporary songs that align and are in accordance with the readings and sermon topics planned. Choose music selections that are in accordance with Bethel’s theological stance and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
* Organize and oversee cohesive and large-scale worship services as deemed appropriate for Christmas, Easter, Reformation Sunday, etc.
* Actively participate in the worship service as a musician, according to gifts and abilities.
_Choral and Vocal Oversight:_
* Direct 2 adult choirs on a regular basis and work with Sunday school leadership to organize, direct, and plan children’s choirs for special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Reformation, etc.
* Adult choirs include a weekly rehearsal with both ensembles and 2-3 Sunday morning performances per month.
* Recruit and shepherd choir members; select and prepare songs appropriate for the church year and special occasions.
_Contemporary Worship:_
* Coordinate, mentor and spiritually disciple 4 praise teams, choosing weekly contemporary repertoire to align with sermon themes and scriptures.
* Regularly meet with leaders to handle logistics, provide leadership, provide musical training and spiritual growth, ensure consistency, continuity, and the pursuit of quality, assist in conflict resolution as needed.
* Recruit, audition, train, and oversee the onboarding of new members.
* Attend and oversee Tuesday night rehearsals with each team to assist in soundboard operation and provide general rehearsal/feedback.
_Additional Music Related Duties:_
* Coordinate, guide, and support lead organist, ensure proper resource levels are available for organ coverage, coach newer organists in musical needs of accompanying a congregation as needed.
* Support the director of the bell choir as needed.
* Recruit and schedule soloists and special ensembles from within the congregation throughout the year. Maintain an active list of musicians and help schedule and mentor willing participants to be successful in their musical offering.
_Technical/AV and Administrative Oversight:_
* Oversee all aspects of technical production and training for services including sound, lighting, projection and livestream. Willing and technologically savvy enough to learn all facets of soundboard, lighting, ProPresenter, etc. to a high degree. Manage the teams and their scheduling and train volunteers.
* Supervise contract musicians and technology staff.
_Staff & Volunteers:_
* Recruit, train, and appreciate all music and tech volunteers.
_Administration:_
* Maintain accurate records of all music performed at weekly services.
* Maintain a database of all choral and praise team music titles. Purchase and store both traditional and electronic sheet music.
* Attend staff meetings as required & keep regular office hours.
* Maintain music ministry equipment and manage copyright/licensing/CCLI compliance.
* Advocate for change when needed with the spiritual best interests of His people at the forefront of all decisions. Bring new ideas and new music selections that honor both traditional and contemporary worship genres.
*Qualifications*
* Bachelor’s degree in Music, Worship, Music Ministry, Music Education, or a related field preferred; however, candidates with demonstrated experience in choral directing, voice proficiency and other skills in the disciplines listed will be considered.
* Experience in leading both traditional and contemporary church music ministry, including choir and team leadership.
* Formal training in choral conducting or strong equivalent experience with a passion and appreciation for both traditional and contemporary worship music.
* Familiarity with soundboard & livestream technology and/or the ability and desire to learn.
* Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and team-building skills.
* Ability to inspire and develop volunteers of all ages, grow participation, and support a culture of spiritual excellence and collaboration. Has the ability to build and manage teams while establishing strong working relationships and collaborative team members.
* Deep Christian faith with a heart of service who desires to help both the congregation and church musicians grow and deepen their connection to God. Could serve as a spiritual leader and mentor when called upon to do so. Has the desire and skillset to spiritually mentor and shepherd those musicians entrusted to their care.
*Preferred *
* Experience in Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
* 1-3 years experience
* The desire to grow the ministry through other innovative projects.
* ProPresenter knowledge base.
*Religious Affiliation Statement*
Bethel Lutheran Church is a religious organization affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. As such, we reserve the right to prefer candidates who share our faith and theological beliefs in accordance with applicable law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Health insurance
* Retirement plan
Ability to Commute:
* Morton, IL 61550 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
* Morton, IL 61550: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Work at office, Relocation, Night shift, Day shift,