What are the responsibilities and job description for the Minister of Music position at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church?
Minister(s) of Music: Praise Band Leader and Choir Director, or you may apply for the Joint Position
Reports to: Senior Pastor
Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Church Description:
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is located near California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. We are a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American, in the Southwest California Synod. We strive to love diversly and deeply, seeking to create a faithful community that shares the love of God and embraces the diversity of God's creation.
Position Overview:
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is seeking a passionate and collaborative music leader (or leaders) to help shape vibrant, inclusive worship experiences through music. We are currently hiring for two roles:
- Praise Band Minister of Music for our 9:30 AM contemporary worship service (10 hours/week), and
- Choral Minister of Music for our 11:00 AM traditional worship service (10 hours/week)
- Or we are open to hiring one individual to serve in both roles as a Minister of Music (Joint Position) for 20 hours/week.
This position works closely with clergy, staff, and volunteers to foster meaningful worship through a variety of musical styles grounded in the Lutheran (ELCA) tradition.
Compensation and Schedule for Joint Position:
- $30-$35/hour, depending on experience
- For the joint position: 20 hours/week during program year (42 weeks) & 10 hours/week during summer (10 weeks)
- 4 weeks unpaid time off
For Individual Positions
- $30-$35/hour, depending on experience
- 10 hours/week
- 4 weeks unpaid time off
Schedules
- Sunday morning worship leadership
- Thursday evening choir rehearsals (Choir Director/Joint role)
- Weekly planning and preparation time
- Seasonal services (Advent, Christmas Eve, Lent, Holy Week, etc.)
- Occasional staff meetings (typically monthly)
Key Responsibilities for both roles and joint position
- Collaborate with clergy and staff to plan engaging, theologically grounded worship
- Provide leadership that fosters a welcoming, spiritually nurturing environment
- Recruit, encourage, and develop volunteer musicians
- Coordinate music selections, ensuring timely communication with church office
- Support congregational singing across worship styles
- Model servant leadership and teamwork
Praise Band Leader (9:30am Service)
- Lead and rehearse a contemporary praise band
- Coordinate vocalists, instrumentalists, and tech volunteers
- Select and arrange music appropriate to the service style
- Assist with informal worship services and special events as needed
Choir Director (11am Service)
- Direct adult choir in weekly rehearsals and worship
- Prepare choir for seasonal and special services
- Supervise section leaders and accompanists
- Maintain and develop choral repertoire
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain music library and manage budgeted purchases
- Track hours and submit reports as required
- Participate in staff meetings
- Coordinate scheduling with church office
- Ensure proper copyright compliance
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required (additional training preferred)
- Minimum of 3 years of music leadership experience
- Ability to lead both traditional choral music and/or contemporary worship music (depending on role)
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Experience (or willingness to learn) AV and worship technology
- Familiarity with Google Workspace or similar tools
- Ability to work within the theology and worship life of an ELCA Lutheran congregation
- Must pass criminal background/fingerprint clearance
Core Competencies
- Mission Alignment: Embraces and models the church’s values and vision
- Creativity: Curates meaningful and engaging worship experiences
- Leadership: Inspires participation and growth among musicians of all skill levels
- Collaboration: Works effectively with clergy, staff, and volunteers
Work Environment
- Hybrid role (planning from home if you prefer; rehearsals and worship in-person)
- Physical ability to perform typical music and office-related tasks
Please submit:
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Email: pastoremily@htlcto.org
We warmly welcome applicants interested in either individual roles or the combined position, and we celebrate a diversity of musical gifts and leadership styles. Join us in building a vibrant and inclusive music ministry!
Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $30 - $35