St. John’s United Methodist Church in Aiken, South Carolina, is seeking applicants for Director of Traditional Music Ministries. Founded in 1856, St. John’s has and continues to be a beacon of the light of Christ in our community and throughout the world. We are a church that stands on a long tradition of God’s truth and not just being church, but doing church to the glory of God and to making disciples of Jesus Christ. Our Sunday worship services include three services. An 8:30 a.m. traditional service, a 9:02 a.m. contemporary service and an 11:00 a.m. traditional service. St. John’s is a vibrant and growing congregation that is warm and welcoming to all. Our community, Aiken, South Carolina, is a place that offers a perfect balance between the charm and grace of yesterday and the promise of tomorrow. Aiken was voted by Southern Living Magazine as one of the South’s best small towns ten years consecutively.
Job Description
The Choir/Music Director provides overall direction for traditional music ministries at St. John’s United Methodist Church. To this end, the person in this role shall provide and oversee performances of appropriate instrumental, choral, and congregational music at designated services and other functions, and shall encourage and develop opportunities for congregational participation in the area of music ministry. The intent of this position is to lead, enable, and support all worshippers in a closer Christian and spiritual relationship through his/her involvement with music.
1) Supervision of the Sanctuary/Traditional Music Program of St. John’s
Have oversight of the entire musical program of St. John’s, excluding the 9:02 Band and Service. This oversight includes the Chancel Choir for both 8:30 and 11am services, as well as the musical programs for the children, youth, adults, and senior adults. Supervision also includes special music programs of the liturgical year, and community events such as “Under the Steeple” programs, and funeral and wedding services.
2) Provide and Oversee Appropriate Instrumental, Choral, and Congregational Music
Working cooperatively with the pastoral staff and the Music Subcommittee of the Worship Committee, the Choir/Music Director shall plan appropriate instrumental, choral, and congregational music for the 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday morning worship services, Christmas Eve and Holy Week services, and other occasional liturgical services and events as required. This person shall oversee the performances of such music by coordinating instrumentalists (primarily the Church Organist, but others as may be willing, available, and appropriate) and choral musicians (primarily the Chancel Choir, but others as may be willing, available, and appropriate). The Church Organist should be provided copies of any new music at least one week in advance.
3) Encourage and Develop Opportunities for Congregational Participation
The Choir/Music Director shall encourage and develop opportunities for members to use music as a means of worship and as a tool of evangelism. In particular, he/she shall:
- Invite and encourage members of the congregation to participate in the singing of worship music, to participate in choirs, and to share instrumental and vocal talents as appropriate.
- Direct an adult Chancel choir at a weekly rehearsal, at the 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday morning worship services, and at other occasional liturgical services as required.
- Produce and direct two to three special programs each year featuring combined elements of the music ministry organization for community.
- Collaborate with pastors to plan music for services.
- Direct, or provide oversight for, at least one hand bell choir with appropriate rehearsal and occasional performances.
- Supervise total music program of the church, which includes oversight of bell choirs, children’s, youth, young adult, adult, and senior adult choirs, organist, and other musicians.
- Distribute schedule of all choir performances at least 2 months in advance.
- Provide technical assistance to other music ministries, if requested.
- Attend staff meetings and other meetings pertaining to music program.
- Coordinate with volunteers in musical leadership positions.
Administrative Oversight
Weddings and Funerals – ensure sound support is available for these services, ensure that music in these services is appropriate and provided in a professional manner.
Organist – Oversee and support the Organist in the sanctuary music ministry of St. John’s in a collaborative manner.
Technical Director – Oversee duties of the technical director as set forth in that job description.
Maintain a positive culture and team spirit among the St. John’s staff by modeling the core values of the staff and support of the Senior Minister’s vision for the church.
Compensation and Benefits
- We offer a competitive salary ($55k-$75k) depending on experience and education.
- Generous health care benefits and pension
- Relocation Expenses
- The opportunity to be a part of a vibrant and committed ministry team
- A welcoming and supportive congregation eager to have music as an integral part of their lives
Application
Please submit your resume, coupled with three professional references, as follows:
E-mail to both gblackwell@stjaiken.org and rob@btcarolinalaw.com. If you have questions, please call Reverend Grayson “Butch” Blackwell at (803) 648-6891.
