According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Musicians, singers, and related workers are employed in a variety of settings. Of those who earn a wage or salary, almost two-thirds were employed by religious organizations..." and "Most new wage and salary jobs for musicians will arise in religious organizations." If you've decided to enter music ministry, then you've chosen the best segment of the music industry in which to work, and not only financially. As a minister of music, you'll have the tremendous satisfaction of fostering both the love of music and the love of God in your work. But there's more than just playing music in the typical job description for a minister of music.
Long gone are the days when the Minister of Music was the choir director, working on his or her own to draw beautiful music from the voices of the congregation. Today's job description for minister of music is as likely to include supervising a full team of music directors and leaders as it is to have you standing before the choir yourself. More and more, the job description of a minister of music puts a high premium on understanding the use of the newest technology in planning and presenting music as part of worship services. As a member of the music ministry, you may direct choirs, sit on the planning ministry to help steer worship goals and objectives, produce and direct lavish performances on a world class scale. Your job duties may include any or all of the following:
-Direct church choirs of varying sizes and commitments from kindergarteners to professional singers
-Provide and schedule music for all church services
-Select or help select the hymns for church services
-Prepare choirs and bands for competition
-Offer special music classes to parishioners
-Arrange and direct special music retreats for choir, band and chorus members
-Oversee other musical staff such as directors of choirs, organists and other musicians, worship leaders and accompanists
In some smaller churches, you may be the only music minister, and be responsible for developing and directing all church music. In a larger church, there may be many music ministers all working together under one director of music services.
If you're considering a career in the music ministry, you'll find that foremost under the job qualifications in a job description for minister of music are a deep commitment to the faith and a call to the ministry. Most churches require that you uphold the standards and beliefs of the religion as well as have excellent musical and teaching skills.
If you are drawn to a career in music ministry, your path may begin as a part time choir director or paid accompanist. As you demonstrate your abilities in leadership and music, you will find more and more doors opening to you. A career in the music ministry is deeply and richly rewarding. If it's the path to which you've been called, you'll find that there are many opportunities for you to share your love of music with others who feel the same way that you do.
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Rita Henry is a contributing editor for Jobs In Music, the leading job and resource site for the Music Industry. Interested in receiving only the hottest Music job listings weekly for free? To learn more visit Jobs In Music.
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