A Religious Leader or Professional leads religious services and provides spiritual guidance or counseling. Presents knowledge and interpretation of theological texts. May work in a non-denominational setting like a prison or hospital, or work for specific faith-based congregation or denomination and follow the practices of that faith.
The Director of Modern Worship plans, coordinates, and leads the modern worship service of First United Methodist Church, creating worship that is musically excellent, theologically grounded, and centered on Jesus Christ. The Director builds and equips a team of musicians, vocalists, and worship volunteers; shapes the creative flow of each service; and works under the supervision of the Senior Pastor to ensure that modern worship reflects the overall mission and vision of First United Methodist Church.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Worship Planning and Leadership Lead all aspects of planning, coordinating, rehearsing, and leading the modern worship service. Collaborate with the Senior Pastor to select worship elements and songs that support the sermon theme and the season of the Christian year. Develop the weekly worship order, including song selection and flow, offering and stewardship segments, and moments of engagement, experience, and response. Maintain a regular personal rehearsal and practice schedule to sustain ongoing musical excellence in worship. Team Development and Volunteer Leadership Recruit, train, equip, and schedule praise team musicians, vocalists, worship leaders, and other worship ministry volunteers. Lead weekly rehearsals that are well prepared, efficient, and spiritually formative. Encourage the spiritual growth of the worship team through prayer, devotion, and personal support. Build a culture where volunteers feel valued, confident, and equipped to serve. Church Integration and Staff Collaboration Participate in the life of the church and support the overall worship ministry as appropriate. Coordinate with the pastoral staff, traditional worship leadership, and the audiovisual team so that services run smoothly and reflect a unified vision. Communicate rehearsal schedules, song lists, and service plans to staff and volunteers in a timely manner. Attend staff meetings as able and as directed by the Senior Pastor. Administrative Oversight Maintain accurate records for CCLI licensing, song libraries, charts, and media files. Assist with planning the modern worship budget and with purchasing music, equipment, and ministry resources. Ensure that worship ministry activities follow church policies, including Safe Sanctuary requirements when serving alongside minors.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
The Director will plan and lead worship for key services throughout the year, including but not limited to: Advent and Christmas Eve services. Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Easter services. Special youth and children's worship events. Special worship nights, concerts, and community outreach events. Church-wide events requiring worship leadership as scheduled.
QUALIFICATIONS A
devoted follower of Jesus Christ with an active and growing faith. Bachelor's degree preferred (or equivalent experience in worship ministry). Working knowledge of the Bible and an understanding of worship consistent with the teachings of the United Methodist Church. Proficiency in vocal and/or instrumental worship leadership (guitar, keyboard, or comparable). Familiarity with modern worship repertoire, worship presentation software, and basic sound reinforcement. Ability to recruit, train, and encourage volunteers. Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Organizing Gathers and organizes people, funding, materials, and support to accomplish goals; orchestrates multiple activities at once and uses resources effectively and efficiently. Planning and Follow-Through Sets objectives and goals, breaks work into steps and schedules, anticipates difficulties, sees projects through to completion, and evaluates results. Volunteer Development Identifies, recruits, and trains capable people into positions of responsibility; provides meaningful ministry opportunities; encourages and builds people up. Managing Conflict Deals with problems promptly and directly; listens well, finds common ground, and settles disputes collaboratively in a Christ-like, loving, and sensitive way. Interpersonal Relationships Relates well to people inside and outside the congregation; builds rapport and constructive relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; is regarded as a team player. Trust and Integrity Is widely trusted, direct, and truthful; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; adheres to core values in good times and bad; practices healthy and careful boundaries at all times.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Participate in staff meetings and ministry planning under the direction of the Senior Pastor. Complete additional duties as requested by the Senior Pastor.
