Director of Traditional Worship and The Arts

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

At St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, we are an open community of Christians helping people find and give hope through Jesus Christ. We are committed to our community on the northside of Indianapolis and have seen our reach grow regionally and beyond through our digital presence. With a membership of over 6,000, we are the largest United Methodist Church (UMC) in Indiana and one of the largest in the U.S.

People are attracted to St. Luke’s for our values: Our commitment to live the mission of the UMC, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” and living the Christian faith in a way that is open to everyone - regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, or socioeconomic background. As a church, we are working to ensure that our congregation and its leadership represent the diversity of the community in which we are located. We are dedicated to including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ as staff and in positions of leadership and decision making.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Traditional Worship and the Arts is responsible for all aspects of a multi-faceted music and worship ministry.  The director will work closely with the Executive Director of Worship, Senior Leadership, Worship Staff and committees and teams to oversee all aspects of the traditional worship life of the church.  The director’s work will be guided by the goals of increasing worship attendance and participation in music and worship ministries.  This person will direct the Chancel Choir while supervising and supporting both paid staff and volunteer directors of instrumental and vocal ensembles.  This position reports to the Executive Director of Worship and works closely with the Worship Staff and Senior Pastor in the planning of worship.

RESPONSIBILITIES

 Performance

• Demonstrates exceptional musical knowledge and skill in selecting and preparing music. Has deep knowledge of Choral, Sacred Classical Music and Diverse Musical Styles.
• Proactively identifies and implements creative strategies to enhance worship experiences.
• Coordinates the worship planning process for weekly traditional worship, Taize Contemplative service, church-wide worship events, and provides support needed to other ministries planning special worship opportunities.
• Understands the importance of helping the choir to grow musically by providing music that will challenge them.
• Directs the ministry of the Chancel Choir providing spiritual leadership to participants in the ministry and helps to interpret musical meaning and depth to musicians and congregation.
• Inspires and motivates choir participants to achieve excellence and use their musical gifts for ministry.
• Leads recruiting efforts for all choirs, handbells, children’s choirs, instrumentalists, ensembles, and guests’ musicians.
• Plans, prepares, and implements the music for all traditional and many special services of worship in consultation with the Executive Director of Worship, Worship Staff and Senior Pastor incorporating a diversity of genres, styles, and instrumentation into worship services.

Outreach

• Plans and conducts at least one major musical production/performance/concert annually along with a Christmas musical event, with the focus of creating “invitational opportunities” to share our gifts with the broader community.
• Develops additional funding sources for special musical programs as needed.
• Networks with other colleagues, established and emerging composers, local musicians, and colleges in the community and regularly incorporates outside groups into the worship services.
• Cultivates strong relationships with external partners, leading to regular and meaningful collaborations within worship services and community events.
• Schedules rehearsals, retreats, and continuing education as appropriate for each choir/ensemble.
• Develops a program to continually grow and improve the music ministry including reaching and recruiting younger participants.

Administrative

• Serves as administrator (with the help of a shared full-time paid administrative specialist) for the music and worship arts programs including budget development and oversight, personnel management and supervision, and maintenance of musical instruments.
• Provides staff support for boards and committees related to the music and arts ministries of the congregation and collaborates on integrative projects with other boards and ministries.
• Actively participates in weekly staff meetings and provides appropriate schedules of weekly music activities.
• Organizes and expands the music library and ensures all copyright permissions are in place.
• Develops future music programs inclusive of, but not limited to: additional choirs, youth choir, in-house ensembles, and various concerts.
• Works independently and as part of the Church Staff and lay leadership “teams” to accomplish both routine tasks and special projects/events; supports St. Luke’s mission and vision; and performs tasks in a manner consistent with standards of professional practice (including but not limited to) confidentiality, strong work ethic, self-directed work activities, conflict management, and good communication.

Leadership

• Serves as a visionary leader who encourages, inspires, and motivates others with a shared passion for music and ministry.
• Should have the ability as a leader to know when to selectively utilize various leadership styles when appropriate, including but not limited to Collaborative, Authoritative, Nurturing and Inspirational.
• Empowers and equips others to take ownership and contribute their talents.
• Builds a strong and cohesive team environment, fostering open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.
• Takes initiative and proactively pursues growth of worship experience both in terms of quantity as it relates to attendance and quality as it relates to programming.
• This leader should naturally know how to engage with choir members personally and make every effort to relationally connect.

Professionalism

• Exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, serving as a role model for others.
• Consistently demonstrates a positive and solution-oriented attitude.
• Proactively seeks feedback and continuously strives for improvement.

Alignment with St. Luke’s Mission and Vision

• Champions St. Luke's mission and vision with passion and enthusiasm.
• Serves as a spiritual leader and role model, fostering a welcoming and inclusive worship environment that reflects the church's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrate passion about the Christian faith, actively seek to grow in personal relationship with God, and be committed to the mission and purpose of St. Luke’s.

• Advanced degree in music or related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Preferred 5 years of experience with choral conduction in a large church setting.
• Orchestral conduction experience preferred.
• Ability to vocally demonstrate proper vocal techniques required.
• Experience in church music that encompasses diverse cultures, faith traditions, and musical styles.
• Proficiency and experience in playing both organ and piano accompaniment preferred.
• Proficiency and experience in composition and arranging preferred.
• An overall understanding and appreciation of the Fine Arts.
• Demonstrated understanding of membership/volunteer organization structure and operation.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize duties.
• Has a clear call to ministry, theological alignment with St. Luke’s vision, and a desire to carry out the mission of St. Luke’s UMC.
• Outgoing, friendly personality with a sense of humor.
• Strong written and verbal communication; good “customer service.”

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.