Worship and Arts Director

Role and Responsibilities

Role Overview-

• The Worship Arts Director will oversee the music and arts program of the Arch Street United Methodist Church (ASUMC), a Justice-Seeking and Reconciling (LGBTQIA+ affirming) Congregation.
• The director reports directly to the pastor, is part of the ministry team and works closely with the worship planning team.
• This role will coordinate music and other worship arts for up to three Sunday worship services and provide leadership and expertise to produce virtual and in-person worship experiences.
• The director will lead and mentor those who serve the congregation through the arts ministry.
• A formal background in theology is not required; however, the worship and arts director should demonstrate familiarity with the Christian doctrine and have knowledge of how music can enhance worship in the United Methodist Church.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

1. A graduate degree in choral conducting (or equivalent) is preferred.
2. Experience directing choirs and leading worship through music.
3. Familiarity of religious, classical, contemporary, choral, organ, and piano repertory.
4. Knowledge, proficiency, performance and accompaniment ability with pipe organ and piano.
5. Technology skills to support online worship.

Preferred abilities and skills:

• Accomplished musician and choral conductor.
• Knowledge of the liturgical church year.
• Eclectic interest in music as ministry, appreciation of musicians, and ability to train volunteers.
• Supervise and train the choir and support volunteers with interest in the performing and fine arts.
• Incorporate and leverage the arts to support ASUMC’s social justice mission.
• Integrate “the arts” into the worship experience and encourage/support creative expression of ASUMC community members. Integration may include accessing visual and fine arts, dance, drama, spoken word, and other forms of artistic expression.

·     Develop and maintain relationships with the region’s cultural institutions and local artists.

Responsibilities

1. Administer the worship arts program, including oversight of ASUMC music library and budget.
2. Rehearse and direct the voice choir(s) and oversee music staff to prepare for worship.
3. Select worship service music and hymns to enhance liturgy.
4. Hire and schedule substitutes and guests performing or other artists.
5. Play for or direct music for worship services, special services, and community events.
6. Collaborate with worship and ministry teams, committees, including activities beyond regular worship and working with ministry team to develop relations with area arts programs.
7. Order music, music supplies and arrange for instrumental repair.
8. Promote the creative arts program to the ASUMC community.
9. Maintain active, collaborative relations with organizations, i.e. colleges, regional and performing artists.
10. Have right of first refusal for all weddings and funeral/memorial services requiring organ music.

Additional Notes

• Arch Street United Methodist Church (ASUMC) is a reconciling, spirit-filled community in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, PA.
• The church’s Stanbridge pipe organ was built in 1870-71 and boasts 52 registers and 2,322 pipes.
• The Worship and Arts Director position is expected to be filled prior to or no later than July 1, 2021.