Florida-Bahamas Synod ELCA

3838 W. Cypress St
Tampa, FL 33607
813-876-7660
813-870-0826 fax

Sample Job Description:

Organist

PERSONNEL POLICIES STATEMENT: The employees of this church, in all of their services—both within the congregation and in the fulfillment of the Church's mission in the world—shall carry out the duties to which they are assigned in faithfulness to the faith and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

TITLE: Organist

REPORTS TO: Music Director, Pastor

POSITION SUMMARY

Leads the congregation's singing at various liturgies in accord with the principles of the Lutheran tradition. Facility with traditional and contemporary music is essential.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Accompanies weekly rehearsals of parish choir(s); also accompanies extra rehearsals of choir(s) in preparation for Easter (up to three) and Christmas (up to three).

2. Accompanies the Handbell Choir when it ministers at liturgies.

3. Provides prelude music, beginning five minutes before liturgies (ten minutes before if there is to be a rehearsal with the congregation beforehand.)

4. Is present five minutes before prelude for consultation.

5. Assists Director of Music in securing instrumentalists when needed.

6. Assists Director of Music in the maintenance of parish instruments, especially the organ.

7. Continuously updates professional and liturgical education through reading, workshops, conferences, private study, etc.

8. Is available for ministry at weddings, if so desired. Stipend to be established by Director of Music in consultation with the Organist.

9. Is available for wedding consultation meeting with engaged couples and/or soloists(s) if requested. Stipend to be established by Director of Music in consultation with Organist.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Active member of a Lutheran congregation. (Sometimes this requirement may be satisfied by a person who has knowledge of and is compatible with the mission of the Lutheran Church.)

2. Basic qualifications include:

a. ability to play at sight.

b. understanding of basic music theory.

c. keyboard ability.

d. ability to sing with accurate pitch and rhythm.

3. Enthusiastic willingness to work with people.

4. Knowledge of Lutheran liturgy including music resources and familiarity with lectionary.

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NOTE: This is only a sample of a generic position description. The Congregation Council or Staff Support Committee should tailor the position description to fit the specific needs of the congregation.

Regarding the qualifications, there are many organists across the church serving faithfully and capably without degrees. This higher standard of qualifications is given with the idea that it is easier to scale down a position description from a sample than to add responsibilities or qualifications.

When the position is to be filled by an Associate in Ministry, the language of the position description should specifically reflect the called nature of the ministry of music.