About Broadway United Methodist Church
Located in the vibrant Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Broadway United Methodist Church (BUMC) is an open, welcoming, and affirming congregation dedicated to spiritual growth, inclusivity, and community service. We are a diverse, loving, extremely friendly faith community that believes music is a powerful vessel for worship, justice, and connection. Our music ministry draws from a rich tapestry of traditions, and we are seeking a passionate, dedicated leader to inspire our congregation, elevate our small but talented worship ensemble, and bring joy to others through the gift of music.
Position Summary
The Minister of Music / Director of Music is a part-time role (8 to 10 hour/week) for a visionary musician who is spiritual, loves people, and possesses the vocal, technical, and leadership skills to weave music into the very fabric of our weekly worship experience. Working in close collaboration with the Pastor, this individual will help shape the church's musical vision, lead weekly worship ensemble rehearsals and Sunday worship services, and provide piano accompaniment for Sunday services.
Key Responsibilities
Worship Leadership, Instrumentation, & Vocals
- Serve as the primary pianist and key vocal leader for Sunday morning worship services, playing a diverse selection of traditional hymns and contemporary pieces.
- Lead the congregation in singing, utilizing strong vocal cueing and presence to encourage active participation from the pews.
- Collaborate with the Pastor to intentionally craft and curate the weekly service, ensuring music seamlessly aligns with the liturgy and sermon.
- Coordinate and perform occasional piano/organ duets for preludes and postludes with the church organist.
- Demonstrate versatility, vocal control, and soul across a wide array of musical styles, including gospel, spirituals, traditional hymns, praise & worship, worldly, and contemporary Christian music.
Worship Ensemble Direction
- Plan and lead weekly rehearsals, creating an encouraging environment that fosters musical confidence, spiritual growth, and joyful participation.
- Demonstrate and teach vocal parts, melodies, and harmonies to choir members with varying levels of musical experience.
- Actively inspire, nurture, and grow our small but highly dedicated and talented group of singers.
Administration & Collaboration
- Maintain open, dependable, and professional communication with the Pastor, staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers.
- Organize rehearsal schedules and ensure all music ministry participants are fully prepared and confident for worship services.
- Maintain and organize the church’s music library.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in church music/worship leadership and/or as a lead church musician.
- Confident singing voice with the ability to lead worship vocally while playing, teaching parts by ear or sight while maintaining excellent pitch and projection.
- Strong, demonstrated ability to sing and play the piano. Ability to read music, sight-read efficiently, and comfortably transpose keys on occasion.
- Deep familiarity with traditional gospel hymns, choral arrangements, and modern worship settings.
- Exceptional communication and teaching abilities with a patient, encouraging, and collaborative spirit.
- Highly dependable attendance for all scheduled rehearsals, meetings, and Sunday services.
- A respectful understanding of and enthusiastic alignment with BUMC’s open, affirming, and inclusive community values.
Join us as our Music Director / Minister of Music to lead our congregation’s spiritual journey through inspiring music. Bring your talent, leadership skills, and passion for music and worship to create memorable worship experiences that uplift spirits and deepen faith.
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60657
