Pea Ridge United Methodist Church

PEA RIDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

JOB DESCRIPTION

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES AND ORGANIST

INTRODUCTION

The staff position of Director of Music Ministries for the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church is a position requiring a special dedication to the church and its members. Furthermore, the Choir Director must possess the talent to work with other volunteer staff and instruct the choir in providing our church with a meaningful and inspirational experience in Christian worship which will complement the liturgy, the preaching and the spirit of the people.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serves as Director of Music Ministries, working with other volunteer leaders of music ministry to coordinate all music programs.

1. Serves as a member of the Worship Committee where the specific purpose is to work with the minister toward making the Sunday morning worship services and special services meaningful and effective through the use of anthems, solos, responses, etc., presented by the choir or its individual members.

1. Directs the choir as it contributes to the Sunday morning worship services and special worship services.

1. Prepares a schedule of choir music, always planning two or three months in the future, keeping in mind the following when making selections:

1. Church seasons and special days
2. National days (patriotic, Thanksgiving, etc.)
3. Musical capabilities of all the persons involved in choral presentations.
4. Minister and congregation input.
5. Suggestions of organist, choir members, minister, and congregation.
6. Providing minister with the tentative schedule of forthcoming music

1. Directs the chancel choir in rehearsal one night a week, reviewing old anthems and hymns and learning new ones.

1. Available when needed by soloists, choir section, or the entire choir in rehearsals over and above the usual time.

1. Encourages choir members to practice a continuous program of recruitment and enlisting of new members.

1. Keeps in mind the worship committee budget and purchases new music accordingly.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Director shall be directly responsible to the Pastor and Staff-Parish Relations Committee. The Director shall dress appropriately for all worship experiences.

COMPENSATION AND EVALUATION

The Choir Director shall be evaluated annually by the pastor and Staff-Parish Relations Committeein the anniversary month of hire, and a recommendation for continuance and compensation shall be presented to the Church Council for approval. Compensation shall be paid monthly.

VACATION

As the position of Director of Music Ministries for the Pea Ridge United Church is a part-time position, there is no scheduled vacation time. The Choir Director will receive two Sundays annually (includes two weekly rehearsal) as scheduled absence in lieu of vacation and will commence after one year of service and three Sundays annually after eight years of serviceand may not be accumulated. All absences shall be scheduled in advance with the pastor/staff parish committee and must not come at the time of Cantanas, Easter, Christmas. In addition, the Director must obtain a competent replacement for the period of absence.

SICK DAYS

The Director will receive two Sundays and two weekly rehearsals annually for sick time. In no event shall the sick days be accumulated or used for maternity leave. Temporary leaves of absence must be requested of the pastor and Staff-Parish Relations Committee at least two weeks in advance and approved by the Church Council.

TERMINATION

This is an at-will contract. In the event the Director fails to fulfill the responsibilities of this position, a joint recommendation of the pastor and Staff-Parish Relations Committee will be presented to the Church Council for approval. Upon approval of the Church Council the individual will be relieved of all duties and severance pay will be up to the discretion of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. The amount of severance pay, up to but no more than two weeks, will be determined by the Church Council,

In the event the individual filling the position requests termination of their employment, a minimum of four weeks should be given to the pastor/staff parish committee.

Updated:July 7, 2016