Director of Music Ministry
Nativity Lutheran Church, Bend, OR

About Nativity Lutheran Church

At Nativity, the heartbeat of our worship life is the music that lifts our prayers, helps to shape our faith, and carries the love of Jesus Christ into the world. Rooted in this song of grace, we reach out to our community with ministries that care for both body and spirit. Our shared harmonies extend beyond the sanctuary as we offer spiritual nourishment and tangible support through our food pantry, supplemental firewood program, and safe-parking transitional program for the unhoused. We also join our voices with partners in compassion, contributing to a community shower truck and supporting Bethlehem Inn through volunteers and congregational gifts. In every ministry, we seek to let Christ’s melody of hope be heard within our walls and throughout our neighborhood.

Hours, Pay, & Essential Details

• Part-time, 15-20 hours/week, a hybrid work schedule, as roughly half the time is required in church time, and the other half is prep time and administrative work that can be done from home.
• September through early June, 8 – 10 hours are spent in the church building for: 7:45 am Sunday morning band rehearsal, 9 am worship service, 10 am choir rehearsal, 11 am worship service,  Wednesday evening choir rehearsal, and a weekly 1-hour collaboration meeting with the pastors. The remaining 7 – 10 hours will be work from home on your preferred schedule.  Additional hours will be needed for Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.
• For mid-June through August, the required in-person hours will be on Sunday mornings for two services starting at 7:45 am for a pre-service rehearsal, 9 am service and 11 am service, or for a combined service at 10 am.
• Pay: $34 – $38/hour.
• Paid Sick time is accrued on a pro-rated basis after completion of the 90 day probationary period.
• Sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available for this position.

Position Overview

Are you eager to step into a mission-driven role where your passion for music can inspire a whole community both in person and online? As the Director of Music Ministry at Nativity Church you have the opportunity to shape the heartbeat of worship, ignite spiritual imagination, and lead a congregation in song. This role places you at the center of Nativity’s musical and liturgical life as an essential partner in ministry who helps our community experience God’s presence through vibrant, meaningful worship. The Director of Music Ministry fulfills the following key responsibilities:

• Plan music for all worship services, including special services based on direction from the pastors.
• Provide music leadership for two services. The 9 am service leans to a more contemporary vibe with a band. The 11 am service leans to a more traditional vibe with a piano and/or organ and the choir.
• Select a wide range of musical styles consistent with the Lutheran liturgy that is responsive to the varying musical preferences and abilities of the congregation.
• Direct and/or collaborate with others in directing the church choir and the church band.
• Lead regular rehearsals to ensure a high quality of musical performance.
• Teach and demonstrate music theory, technique, and interpretation to the choir and band.

Program Development

• Implement a vision for the music program that encourages growth and engages people of all ages.
• Provide opportunities and support for musicians of different instruments and skill levels.
• Plan and coordinate special musical events in collaboration with the pastors.

Administration and Resource Management