Director for Music and Worship Arts (Madison, Wisconsin)

Christ Presbyterian Church seeks a Director for Music and Worship Arts who delights in leading congregational worship, shares our vision and values, and finds joy in both the rhythms and rituals of church life - and - opportunities to respond creatively in our ever-changing world. This person will lead a dynamic, healthy, and vital ministry of music and the arts in service to the worship and spiritual life of the congregation. The ideal candidate is passionate about a variety of worship styles and musical genres with expertise in classical, contemporary, and contemplative; have 5-7 years of experience leading worship; and be a person of maturity and faith, who is excited to engage collaboratively in creative processes with staff, congregants, and members of the greater Madison community.

●      Collaborative spirit, flexibility, and a love for the creative process

●      Passion for recruiting, nurturing, and leading musicians and artists

●      Commitment to beauty and excellence reflective of the divine life

●      Commitment to diversity and inclusion of many ages, cultures, theologies, and abilities

●      Appreciation for arts other than music and an ability to empower other artists to contribute in meaningful ways to a congregation’s worship life

●      Demonstrated ability to supervise others, including paid staff, contractors and volunteers

●      Proficiency in technologies that support worship music

●      A desire to continue to learn and a willingness to take the feedback of others

●      Spiritual maturity, social-emotional health, and a desire to learn and grow in faith

●      5-7 years of experience leading worship music

●      Classical music training

●      Experience playing and/or leading in contemporary, pop, and/or rock bands

●      Accomplished pianist, guitarist, and/or organist

●      Proficient conductor/director of bands and/or choirs

●      Ability to build healthy and supportive spiritual communities of musicians and artists

●      Conversancy with a wide range of music styles (classical, contemporary, contemplative, gospel, folk, pop, etc.)

●      Education and/or experience in reformed theological traditions

●      A commitment to the long-term health, vitality, and witness of the church

●      Has primary responsibility for planning, composing, arranging, rehearsing, and leading music and arts in classical, contemporary, and contemplative worship services.

●      Works closely with the Pastor, key staff, and congregational leaders to plan appropriately for a worship life that includes the contributions of many, remaining flexible and willing to respond in real time to the changing needs of the community.

●      Participates in weekly worship planning and monthly Worship Commission meetings.

●      Leads ensembles and/or provides for their leadership (choir, worship band, bell choir).

●      Creates opportunities for people of a wide range of ages, cultures, and abilities to serve and lead occasionally in music and worship arts.

●      Identifies key needs for employing other musicians to provide for the range of worship life (Ex: PT contemporary worship leader proficient in guitar; PT accompanist, etc.)

●      Takes responsibility for the experience of the congregation in weekly worship, selecting music and arts that will engage and form people in faith; equipping people in real time to participate in music and liturgy; and leading worship in a responsive and interactive way.

●      Engages the visual world and integrates visual arts proactively into worship planning.

●      Engages in the care of people, particularly those engaged in music and arts ministries.

●      Engages in occasional education opportunities for the congregation.

●      Becomes a friend and colleague in the Madison music and arts community.

●      Creates opportunities to engage the wider community in music and the arts.

We understand that this is a unique role and you may bring skills and experience to match some, but not all of our expectations. We encourage you to apply and use your cover letter to begin a conversation with us.

The Lead Pastor and the Director for Music and Worship Arts will enjoy a strong, healthy, collaborative, and generative relationship. In our tradition, the Pastor brings theological and pastoral training. So, she carries primary responsibility for crafting and directing congregational worship. In our congregation, a Director for Music and Worship Arts brings giftedness, experience, and expertise to the selection, composition, rehearsal, and performance of music and the arts in worship. We welcome and celebrate the creative contributions of our staff and volunteer artists and musicians. To that end, the Pastor and Director will meet weekly to nurture their vital relationship.

Christ Presbyterian Church is committed to values of diversity and inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from LGBTQIA+ candidates and candidates of color.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, links to videos representing your recent worship leadership, and references to musicsearch@cpcmadison.org. Applicants will be considered and engaged on an immediate and ongoing basis beginning as soon as July 10, 2023.

Christ Presbyterian Church is over 170 years old. Originally located a block off of the Capitol Square, CPC recently celebrated 60 years in its third facility overlooking Lake Mendota. CPC is committed to being centered in Christ, rooted in the Presbyterian and Reformed traditions, and worshiping as an ecumenical fellowship of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

The current Lead Pastor joined the CPC community in the fall of 2021 and began the continued journey of guiding the congregation through a global pandemic and reimagining what it means to be a community of Christ followers in our present reality. CPC is committed to being an intergenerational church that invests in building a more just world through both our local and global communities.

On Sundays, CPC holds a 9am Contemporary Service and a 10:30 Classical Service. Average attendance for the Contemporary service is 136 and the Classical service is 100. When services are combined, average attendance is 164. Our current total Sunday average attendance is 222.

Music & Arts at CPC have always been central to the makeup of the community, with a passion for excellence and inclusion. Reflective of Madison’s rich history of creative arts is the prominent presence of the visual and performing arts within the church. CPC hosts a variety of musical guests and ensembles each year, welcoming the community into our beautiful lakeside sanctuary. Guest musicians and ensembles from within the community join in the musical support of worship various times throughout the year. Coordinating multiple art installations each year, the walls of the church are home to a variety of methods and mediums for the visual arts. In 2001, a Contemporary service was added to the worshiping life of CPC, broadening the scope of musical offerings.

Music Ministry Overview - CPC has historically been home to a part time choir director, part time organist, part time handbell director, and part time contemporary music director.

Additionally, the Chancel Choir employs four section leaders. Recently, church leadership approved funding for a part time contemporary assistant music director.

Both services are heavily dependent on volunteer vocalists and musicians as we strive to be a worshiping congregation that is reflective of the community represented within. The Classical service features Organ and Choir on a weekly basis. On certain Sundays volunteer and/or paid musicians will supplement musical offerings through brass and strings. The Contemporary service features guitars, piano/keys, bass, drums and is supplemented by volunteer and/or paid musicians to include brass and strings. Funds for guest musicians and substitute music leadership are included in the annual worship budget.

CPC’s Worship Commission is composed of lay leaders, pastoral staff and music staff. This group works creatively and collaboratively to oversee the worship and creative arts at CPC. Meeting monthly, the commission oversees budgeting, contributes to conversations regarding staffing needs, and thinks critically about what will best serve the congregation now and in the future.

Sanctuary - The Sanctuary at CPC seats approximately 225 people with a balcony that houses the organ and choir loft. The chancel is a two level platform that allows for multiple configurations and uses of the space. CPC livestreams worship services weekly with a PTZ system, Blackmagic switcher and OBS. Our presentation software is ProPresenter and our digital audio console is an Allen & Heath SQ5. The Leviton lighting system provides moderate lighting control and is currently under review for an upgrade and transition to a full DMX controlled configuration.

In addition to the organ, the Sanctuary is also home to a harpsichord, baby grand piano, and acoustic drum set. There is also a remote, MIDI controlled organ console on the chancel level. Both the organ console and drums are on casters and easily added or subtracted from the chancel.

Chapel - Overlooking Lake Mendota, the Chapel seats approximately 90 people and has an organ and baby grand piano. There is also a simple sound system for voice amplification.

Fellowship Hall - The Fellowship Hall can hold up to 200 people depending on the configuration. The space has a simple sound system for voice amplification.

Vision - Christ Presbyterian Church envisions a world that is loving and inclusive. We unite with God to be a worshiping community without barriers, a sanctuary for all. We seek to follow Jesus by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.