Director of Music and Arts

About the Role

St. James Missionary Baptist Church seeks a spiritually mature, Christ-centered leader to cultivate authentic, engaging, and intergenerational worship through music and the arts. The Director will plan and lead worship music, develop vocalists and musicians, integrate creative arts, and collaborate across ministries to support the church’s mission.

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Job Summary

The Director of Worship and Arts at Historic St. James Missionary Baptist Church is a spiritually mature, Christ-centered leader responsible for cultivating and facilitating authentic, engaging, and spirit-filled worship experiences that support the overall mission of the church. This role involves prayerfully and creatively leading the congregation into the presence of God through music, arts, and diverse worship expressions that honor the Christian faith, embrace cultural diversity, and foster intergenerational engagement. The Director oversees all aspects of the church’s music and arts ministry—including planning, coordinating, and directing music for worship services and special events; leading choirs, praise teams, and musicians; and integrating the arts into the life of the church. This part-time position requires a theologically grounded, musically gifted leader who can collaborate across ministries and develop a vibrant, Christ-centered worship experience.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate all music and arts ministry activities, including adult choirs, youth choirs, praise/dance teams, musicians, and special arts programs.

• Lead regular rehearsals and prepare music for weekly worship services, holidays, and special events.

• Collaborate with the Senior Pastor, worship leaders, and other ministries to develop cohesive and impactful worship services. • Recruit, train, and support volunteers, musicians, and vocalists.

• Coordinate with the Musician Director, media/AV ministry for sound, livestreaming, and multimedia worship needs. • Manage the music, arts and drama ministry budget and maintain music and instrument inventory.

• Ensure spiritual development within the ministry through prayer, discipleship, and mentorship. • Be available for funerals, weddings, and other pastoral or congregational services as needed.

• Represent the ministry at community events and church associations while actively supporting the overall mission of the church through engagement, leadership, and participation in ministry planning and execution.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of traditional, contemporary, gospel, and sacred music genres.

• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proficient in vocal coaching, choral direction, and instrumental arrangements.

• Ability direct live performances.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and rehearsals.

• Effective communicator who can engage with various age groups and diverse congregations.

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, Worship Arts, Theology, or a related field

• At least 5 years of experience leading a church music department with demonstrated results in worship leadership.

• Must be a professing Christian with a lifestyle and character aligned with biblical principles.

• Willingness to join The Historic St. James Missionary Baptist Church within 60 days of hire.

• Demonstrated experience leading choirs, praise teams, and instrumentalists.

• Proficiency in music theory, vocal coaching, choral direction, and instrumental accompaniment.

• Strong organizational, leadership, and verbal/written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal theological training or coursework in worship leadership or ministry.

• Familiarity with Baptist worship traditions and multicultural worship practices.

• Proficiency in piano, organ, keyboard or other instruments.

Working Conditions

• This position requires 15–20 hours per week, including Sundays, Tuesday evening rehearsal Wednesday evenings, and occasional rehearsals, special events, or holiday services. Some flexibility in the schedule is necessary based on the church calendar.

• On-site presence required •

Meet one-to-one with immediate supervisor (Senior Pastor) on at least a monthly basis.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit following information to HRTeam@stjbc.org

A cover letter, résumé, and three references, along with a link to a video demonstrating your ability to direct a church choir rehearsal and lead music during worship services.

In the subject line of the email, add “Director of Music & Arts Application – [Your Name]” Application received by Sunday, November 30th will receive full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.

Mission Statement

At St. James, we will develop and enable people to grow into complete followers of Christ through the teaching of God’s Word, authentic worship and wholesome fellowship.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

St. James Missionary Baptist Church is committed to employment opportunities for qualified employees and fair treatment of all employees and prospective employees without regard to race, color, age, national origin, sex, citizenship, veteran status, or disability, or any other characteristic protected by laws as it applies to the Church. The Church does discriminate on the basis of religion.