Director of Music Ministry/Organist
Front Street UMC is looking for you
Front Street United Methodist Church is seeking a gifted and committed Director of Music Ministry/Organist to lead our music ministry with excellence and care. This role centers on traditional worship-including organ and piano leadership, adult and children’s choirs, and handbell ensembles. We are deeply committed to preserving and strengthening our traditional worship life and are looking for someone whose passion for music can be used to celebrate God and grow the Front Street music ministry. This position is available on June 1, 2025. This is a full-time position (benefits included) that reports to the Senior Pastor.
Mission Statement of the UMC:
Along with the responsibilities below, all ministry staff at Front Street regard their role in relationship to the mission of the church. The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our desire is to transform all people into passionate followers of Jesus Christ. This transformation happens as we experience community with God in worship, build community with one another in discipleship, and extend life-giving community to our world through missional living. Therefore, the primary role of every ministry staff of Front Street is discipling - through Godly relationships, modeling for others the love, grace, mercy, and generosity of our Lord
Primary Responsibilities:
Lead worship at our traditional worship service through organ and/or piano accompaniment and music direction.
Direct and rehearse the adult choir and handbells, preparing weekly anthems and seasonal music.
Support or lead children’s choir and handbell ministry (directly or through volunteers).
Secondary Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with worship planning team to coordinate music for special services (e.g. Advent, Holy Week, funerals, weddings, etc.).
• Provide assistance and support to our Aldersgate (contemporary service) worship leader where needed and available.
General Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with pastors and worship planning team to craft meaningful, liturgical worship experiences.
• Nurture a culture of joyful excellence, intergenerational engagement and theological depth through music.
• Recruit, mentor and inspire volunteers/church members/paid musicians and ensemble leaders.
• Engage, support and administrate all music ministry (library, licensing, budget, instruments, etc.).
• Provide programs for various church groups, the congregation and community, including facilitating programs featuring outside ensembles.
Qualifications:
- Strong proficiency in organ and piano preferred.
- Experience conducting choirs (adult and/or children) and working with handbells.
- Deep knowledge of sacred music and rhythms of the Christian liturgical year.
- Collaborative spirit and strong communication skills.
- Advanced degree in music or sacred music (or comparable experience) preferred.
Position Details:
- This is a full-time position; compensation is commensurate with experience.
- The position is currently open and the start date is flexible with a target of August, 2025.
- This role will work closely with the pastoral staff and other music personnel in support of the church’s mission to “Grow in Christ.”
About The Organs
At Front Street, we are blessed to have a variety of keyboard instruments to enhance our worship experience. The church houses two pipe organs.
The 2002 Harrison & Harrison organ in the sanctuary features 3,220 pipes across 60 ranks, divided among three manuals and pedals. It includes a combination action with 32 levels of memory, allowing for flexible use by multiple organists. A MIDI function is also installed, providing a playback feature for added versatility.
The 1988 Casavant Frères, Op. 3649 in the chapel is a mechanical action instrument that contains 4 ranks of pipes divided over two manuals and pedals.
We also have a 1962 Steinway and Sons Model L baby grand piano in the sanctuary and a 1980 Richard Kingston single-manual harpsichord. We have a five-octave set of Malmark handbells and a five-octave set of Malmark handchimes.
About Front Street UMC
Front Street UMC was founded in 1888 and has been a cornerstone church to downtown ever since. We have faithfully
served the community in just about every capacity over the years, and are continuously discerning where God is calling us to serve next. Through its history, Front Street has prided itself on having one of the best
traditional worship experiences in Burlington and the surrounding areas. While that attention remains true, we are always working to make room for the experiences of new people and since 2000 have installed a growing
contemporary service, Aldersgate, hosted in Aldersgate Hall. Our commitment is to continue growing both services with their respective practices, while finding ways to bring more people into this community of worship and praise of God.
About Burlington
Burlington is a growing city located between Greensboro and Durham, NC. Burlington is home to an early train depot that paved the way for its importance in the region, and it is still a focal point today. Just outside the city limits is Elon University, a thriving and growing school that brings life and opportunity to Burlington in a myriad of ways. While not related to the coat factory, Burlington is the home and epicenter of some major national industries like Chandler Concrete and LabCorp. The city planning commission continues to find new and fresh ways of exemplifying the arts and culture into the life of Burlington residents with concerts, shows, plays, and other experiences often just hosted two blocks from the church.
To Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume and contact information through the provided form. For any questions, please contact David Hoxie at fsumc@frontstreetumc.org.
