Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Gastonia is seeking a skilled, dependable, and collaborative Church Organist to provide musical leadership for our traditional worship services.
The Church Organist helps create worship that is reverent, participatory, Christ-centered, and rooted in the rich liturgical and musical traditions of the Lutheran Church. This position serves as part of the Music Ministry Team under the supervision of the Director of Music Ministries and works closely with the Lead Pastor, choir, worship leaders, and volunteer musicians.
Specific responsibilities:
- Provide organ leadership for assigned traditional worship services.
- Accompany congregational hymns, liturgical music, and service music.
- Prepare and perform preludes, postludes, and other music appropriate to the Church Year.
- Accompany choir anthems, rehearsals, and special musical offerings as assigned.
- Collaborate with the Director of Music Ministries regarding music selection, worship planning, and seasonal services.
- Practice and prepare independently between worship services.
- Arrive prepared and on time for assigned services and rehearsals.
- Communicate scheduling conflicts and anticipated absences as early as possible.
- Assist with identifying qualified substitute musicians when unavailable.
- Monitor the condition of the organ, pianos, and other assigned keyboard instruments and communicate maintenance needs.
- Maintain professional and collaborative relationships with clergy, staff, choir members, volunteers, and substitute musicians.
Typical schedule:
- Weekly Sunday Traditional Worship Service at 11:00 AM
- Choir rehearsals and musical preparation as scheduled
- Seasonal and festival worship services, including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, Reformation, and All Saints’ Sunday
- Selected Advent and Lenten midweek services
- Additional rehearsals may be scheduled in preparation for major worship services
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated proficiency in organ performance and congregational hymn accompaniment
- Experience accompanying choirs, vocalists, or musical ensembles
- Familiarity with liturgical Christian worship; Lutheran worship experience is preferred
- Ability to read traditional musical notation and prepare music independently
- Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills
- Dependable, punctual, and able to manage seasonal scheduling demands
- Professional conduct and a willingness to support the mission and worship ministry of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Company Description
A congregation of the North American Lutheran Church who are a people who are trying to be followers and disciples of Jesus Christ in all that we do. We gather on Sunday mornings to worship the one true God and be spiritually fed by his Word and Sacrament. From there, we are energized by the Holy Spirit to share God’s love and good news with the rest of the world in many different ways.