Music Director & Organist Job at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Devo

Who We Are

St. John’s Presbyterian Church is a vibrant community of approximately 180 members, located just off of Route 30 in Devon, PA. While we are a smaller church, that is actually our strength! In an area of large churches, our congregants express that they can get to know people here in a way that they can’t elsewhere. That is a big part of our mission: in an isolated and individualistic culture, we want to connect people with God and each other. We welcome and love all people, recognizing that a diversity of people brings a diversity of gifts.

What We Do

Committed to nurturing spiritual growth and a welcoming environment, our congregation has a deep appreciation for a wide range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary. We have a choir, multiple bell choirs, a brass ensemble, and a contemporary band featuring guitars, keyboards, drums, and sometimes an accordion! Regardless of the style, we value excellence in music and recognize its ability to build community and help us experience God.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a Director of Music who can work with the musicians that we already have, as well as leading us to new musical expressions that enhance our life and worship together. Our ideal candidate has a knowledge and love of sacred music, both traditional and contemporary. You would know how to play both the pipe organ and piano well, but there is also room for any other musical abilities that you possess. We aren’t just looking for someone to “perform” in worship. We want someone who can work with our pastors and musicians to create an experience of worship. And we aren’t just looking for someone to “do a job.” We want someone who will form relationships with church members and be a part of our life together.

The following traits and skills would make you a great fit for this position:

• Outgoing and Inclusive – You are able to engage and relate to a wide range of people. You aren’t afraid to ask people to jump in and use their gifts.
• Creative – You can use your imagination and think outside the box.
• Sense of humor – The music ministry of a church should be meaningful, but it should also be fun!
• Leadership and Collaboration – You can bring people together and motivate them to achieve a common goal, but you can also work side-by-side with us to set those goals.
• Organized – You can plan in advance, maintain a budget and music library, and coordinate with other individuals/groups in the church.
• Communication – You can effectively teach others; you are comfortable speaking in front of the congregation; and you can clearly articulate the vision of the music program.
• Tech savvy – You are comfortable working with sound systems, a/v equipment, music software, and other relevant digital tools.
• Experience – You have demonstrated experience leading a music ministry in another religious or community setting.
• Reformed – While we are open to a wide range of people and perspectives, it is important to us that you are in basic alignment with the values and beliefs of St. John’s Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
• Education – While a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music or a related field is preferred, we value experience and ability over credentials. We aren’t just looking for someone who has an education, but someone who wants to keep learning and growing.

The work of the Director of Music takes about 20 hours each week, but some of that involves getting to know people and building relationships with the congregation. The specific, day-to-day responsibilities of this position include:

Worship

• Work with the pastors to select music for worship services.
• Play organ and piano for all regular and special worship services, including Christmas Eve (4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) and Maundy Thursday (7:00 p.m.).
• When there is a wedding or memorial service, the Director of Music is the “first call” to provide music. If you are unable to play, you help the pastors find a capable substitute.
• Select music, rehearse, and direct the choir on a weekly basis from September through June. The summer months are spent planning ahead.
• Actively recruit new members for the choir and encourage church members (including children) who are musicians to contribute their talents to the Sunday worship services.
• With the assistance of the pastors and the Worship & Music Committee, coordinate the schedule of performances during worship for the handbell choirs, brass ensemble, Joy Messengers, and other musical groups.
• Work cooperatively with other musical groups to coordinate rehearsal times on Sunday mornings.
• Cultivate a sacred space by straightening the choir area after worship each Sunday.
• Organize special Sunday morning music during summer months when the choir is not in session.

Administration

• Attend regular planning meetings with the pastors and other members of the music program to coordinate the music schedule.
• Hire section leaders for the choir and other guest musicians as necessary, within the allotted budget.
• Order music and supplies for the music ministry.
• Maintain the music library and a data base of the sheet music that St. John’s owns to ensure effective, efficient, and diverse selection of music.
• Maintain a regular tuning schedule with reputable tuners for the organ and piano. The organ is an original 1920’s Mohler pipe organ, rebuilt with the addition of Rodgers 950B console with 11 ranks and a MIDI recording system. The piano is a Cunningham 6-foot grand piano.
• Work with the Worship & Music Committee and Treasurer to ensure that expenditures do not exceed what has been budgeted for the annually approved music budget.

We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with training and experience, with four paid Sundays of vacation per year.

Application Process

St. John’s Presbyterian Church is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. To apply for the position of Director of Music at St. John’s, please submit a resume with references, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio materials to Music@stjohnsdevon.com