Employment
Minister of Worship & The Arts
Posted December 28, 2024
White Rock United Methodist Church
1450 Old Gate Lane
Dallas, TX 75218
wrumc.org
214-324-3661
Position: Full-Time Minister of Worship and The Arts
Reports to: Senior Pastor
Direct Reports: Keyboardist, Worship Technical Director, and AV team
Position Summary:
White Rock United Methodist Church is seeking a skilled and dedicated Minister of Worship and The Arts to form disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world during and outside of worship. The ideal candidate will do this by facilitating connection and community, fostering congregational singing, and enlivening worship with inclusive and eclectic music. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in music and theology, with ample experience in leading and curating various musical styles, including traditional and contemporary hymns, organ music, church choir, handbells, folk music, global song, and children's music. The candidate should possess a deep understanding of the theological and liturgical aspects of worship and have a desire to participate in continuing education opportunities. Congregants at White Rock UMC desire formation as individuals and as a community through meaningful eclecticism in worship that emphasizes connection, intergenerational community, and inclusivity in language, message, and relationship (which includes mission).
Worship:
Administrative:
Creative:
Church Profile:
We are a vibrant and theologically progressive congregation and a proud member of Reconciling Ministries Network, working for LGBTQ+ justice and full inclusion in the life and leadership of The United Methodist Church. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming space for all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and are committed to fostering a spirit of love, acceptance, and understanding. We are an intergenerational community rooted in our Wesleyan identity, which emphasizes the work of grace throughout our lives and the atoning work of Jesus Christ that draws us toward God and one another in love. Our core values state: through our use and understanding of Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience, we will faithfully share the values of Christ. We will love Compassion, Humility/Helpfulness, Relationships, Inclusion, Social Justice/Equity, and Thankfulness. To get a sense of what we mean by meaningful eclecticism, we encourage you to view these two services: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZLohyAz0wA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTGjvWQvcZc&t=1460s.
Candidate Profile:
First and foremost, this person should have a passion for creating a justice-based world where all people know they are loved, accepted, and called. As the curator of worship, the Minister of Worship and the Arts communicates this inclusive story to people through meaningful eclecticism and intentional connection. We desire a person who can listen to, nurture, and adapt to what is already happening in this community and take us where the Spirit is leading us to grow and change. We are looking for a curious person who is comfortable singing, speaking, and leading congregational song, and who is committed to learning and continuing to develop their skillset. As with any church position, this person will need to be flexible and adaptable to change and have a strong sense of interpersonal awareness. We also seek a person committed to collaboration, collegiality, and relationship building with staff, lay leadership, volunteers, and congregants.
What we are offering:
The annual salary for this full-time position is $55,000 with 2 weeks paid time off. Health/Dental Insurance for employee only is paid by employer. 403b account matched up to 3% of salary per year. Other benefits include $750 to put toward continuing education and professional memberships.
What to expect in the process:
Step one: All submissions will be reviewed and the initial candidate pool will be formed. Not all submissions will make it into the candidate pool. Once the pool of candidates is established, White Rock UMC will set up a brief initial conversation. After those conversations the candidate pool will be reduced and candidates will be notified of their status.
Step two: Remaining candidates will take part in an interview via zoom with the Hiring Committee. After this interview, the candidate pool will be reduced to finalists.
Step three: Finalists will lead a Wednesday 7:00 pm rehearsal with the Chancel Choir and Folk Band. This rehearsal will be compensated.
Step four: Selection and placement of the final candidate. Placement for this position is anticipated to occur in spring 2025.
To Apply:
If you wish to explore this position, submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references addressed to Rev. Kerry Smith at ksmith@wrumc.org. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by February 1, 2025. Please include "Worship Arts Application" in the subject line.
White Rock United Methodist Church
1450 Old Gate Lane
Dallas, TX 75218
wrumc.org
214-324-3661
Position: Full-Time Minister of Worship and The Arts
Reports to: Senior Pastor
Direct Reports: Keyboardist, Worship Technical Director, and AV team
Position Summary:
White Rock United Methodist Church is seeking a skilled and dedicated Minister of Worship and The Arts to form disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world during and outside of worship. The ideal candidate will do this by facilitating connection and community, fostering congregational singing, and enlivening worship with inclusive and eclectic music. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in music and theology, with ample experience in leading and curating various musical styles, including traditional and contemporary hymns, organ music, church choir, handbells, folk music, global song, and children's music. The candidate should possess a deep understanding of the theological and liturgical aspects of worship and have a desire to participate in continuing education opportunities. Congregants at White Rock UMC desire formation as individuals and as a community through meaningful eclecticism in worship that emphasizes connection, intergenerational community, and inclusivity in language, message, and relationship (which includes mission).
Worship:
- Worship Planning: Select hymns, anthems, and other music thematically for worship, incorporating diverse musical styles and elements that resonate with our congregation. Participate in weekly worship meetings (currently Tuesdays at 10 am). Assist in writing and/or selecting elements of the weekly liturgy. Plan approximately 6+ weeks ahead in collaboration with worship staff and worship themes.
- Worship Services: Guide pre-service tech rehearsal, lead congregational singing, conduct Chancel Choir (and other ensembles when applicable), assist in leading elements of the liturgy, as assigned.
- Music Direction: Coordinate all music ministry programs, alongside volunteer leaders, including the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Folk Music ensemble, and Children’s Music programs. Select music to coordinate with worship themes. Conduct the Chancel Choir, including regular Wednesday evening rehearsals.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with pastors, musicians, and volunteers to coordinate music and worship elements, ensuring seamless integration with the overall worship experience.
- Rehearsals: Prepare for and lead regular Wednesday evening and occasional weekend rehearsals at director’s discretion for Chancel Choir and other ensembles as determined in consultation with the senior pastor and volunteer leadership, providing guidance, support, and encouragement to enhance their musical abilities.
- Special Events: Organize and participate in special worship events, concerts, and seasonal programs throughout the year, including but not limited to Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
Administrative:
- Planning: Plan, budget, and maintain materials, equipment, instruments, and subscriptions related to music and worship arts.
- Supervises the Worship Technical Director and AV team (who are responsible for audio visual needs for in-person and livestream worship), as well as Keyboardist,
- Oversee, produce, and proof bulletins and slides for worship.
- Maintains up-to-date copyright reporting and all copyright license subscriptions.
- Develops and maintains effective communication channels with all volunteers in the worship arts ministry.
- Experience with Google suites, Wirecast, ProPresenter, Subsplash, Canva and monday.com for worship planning.
Creative:
- Visuals: Work with worship committee volunteers to arrange altars for worship services.
- Pastoral Care: Provide pastoral care and support to choir members and other volunteers, fostering a sense of community within the music ministry.
- Congregational Engagement: Encourage congregational participation within the worship life of the church and help grow our volunteer ensembles through relationships and creative recruitment.
Church Profile:
We are a vibrant and theologically progressive congregation and a proud member of Reconciling Ministries Network, working for LGBTQ+ justice and full inclusion in the life and leadership of The United Methodist Church. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming space for all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and are committed to fostering a spirit of love, acceptance, and understanding. We are an intergenerational community rooted in our Wesleyan identity, which emphasizes the work of grace throughout our lives and the atoning work of Jesus Christ that draws us toward God and one another in love. Our core values state: through our use and understanding of Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience, we will faithfully share the values of Christ. We will love Compassion, Humility/Helpfulness, Relationships, Inclusion, Social Justice/Equity, and Thankfulness. To get a sense of what we mean by meaningful eclecticism, we encourage you to view these two services: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZLohyAz0wA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTGjvWQvcZc&t=1460s.
Candidate Profile:
First and foremost, this person should have a passion for creating a justice-based world where all people know they are loved, accepted, and called. As the curator of worship, the Minister of Worship and the Arts communicates this inclusive story to people through meaningful eclecticism and intentional connection. We desire a person who can listen to, nurture, and adapt to what is already happening in this community and take us where the Spirit is leading us to grow and change. We are looking for a curious person who is comfortable singing, speaking, and leading congregational song, and who is committed to learning and continuing to develop their skillset. As with any church position, this person will need to be flexible and adaptable to change and have a strong sense of interpersonal awareness. We also seek a person committed to collaboration, collegiality, and relationship building with staff, lay leadership, volunteers, and congregants.
What we are offering:
The annual salary for this full-time position is $55,000 with 2 weeks paid time off. Health/Dental Insurance for employee only is paid by employer. 403b account matched up to 3% of salary per year. Other benefits include $750 to put toward continuing education and professional memberships.
What to expect in the process:
Step one: All submissions will be reviewed and the initial candidate pool will be formed. Not all submissions will make it into the candidate pool. Once the pool of candidates is established, White Rock UMC will set up a brief initial conversation. After those conversations the candidate pool will be reduced and candidates will be notified of their status.
Step two: Remaining candidates will take part in an interview via zoom with the Hiring Committee. After this interview, the candidate pool will be reduced to finalists.
Step three: Finalists will lead a Wednesday 7:00 pm rehearsal with the Chancel Choir and Folk Band. This rehearsal will be compensated.
Step four: Selection and placement of the final candidate. Placement for this position is anticipated to occur in spring 2025.
To Apply:
If you wish to explore this position, submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references addressed to Rev. Kerry Smith at ksmith@wrumc.org. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by February 1, 2025. Please include "Worship Arts Application" in the subject line.