The organist will provide high-quality sacred music for worship services, accompany choirs and soloists, collaborate with clergy and music ministry staff, and help lead the congregation in meaningful musical participation.

Position Summary

The Church Organist serves as a key member of the worship and music ministry team. This position is responsible for providing organ and keyboard music for regular worship services, special services, rehearsals, weddings, funerals, and other church events as requested. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent musicianship, a strong understanding of sacred music and liturgical worship, and a collaborative spirit.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide organ music for weekly worship services, including preludes, postludes, hymns, service music, offertories, and other musical selections.

• Accompany choirs, soloists, ensembles, and congregational singing during services and rehearsals.

• Collaborate with clergy, the choir director, worship leaders, and staff to plan music appropriate to worship themes, liturgical seasons, and special services.

• Select, prepare, and rehearse music in advance to ensure excellence and consistency in worship leadership.

• Provide music for special services such as Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Easter, weddings, funerals, memorial services, and other congregational events as needed.

• Support and encourage congregational singing through confident accompaniment and sensitive musical leadership.

• Monitor the condition of the organ and related instruments, reporting maintenance or repair needs to the appropriate staff or committee.

• Participate in staff meetings, worship planning meetings, and music ministry activities as requested.

• Represent the church’s mission and values through professionalism, reliability, hospitality, and respect for the sacred nature of worship.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency on the organ; piano proficiency is strongly preferred.

• Experience playing for worship services in a church or liturgical setting.

• Strong knowledge of hymnody, sacred music, music theory, sight-reading, and accompaniment.

• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, choir members, musicians, volunteers, and congregation members.

• Excellent preparation, communication, punctuality, and organizational skills.

• Ability to play a variety of musical styles appropriate to the worship tradition of the congregation.

• Commitment to supporting the worship, mission, and ministry of the church.

• Willingness to complete any required background check, safeguarding training, or church employment requirements.

Schedule and Expectations

The regular schedule includes two Sunday worship services, weekly choir rehearsals from September though May, worship planning, preparation time, staff or ministry meetings, and special services throughout the church year. Evening, weekend, holiday, wedding, and funeral availability may be required. Specific hours, paid time off, and expectations will be discussed during the hiring process.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Benefits may include paid time off, professional development support, and other benefits as determined by church policy. Final salary and benefits will be discussed with qualified candidates.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, and references. Please send application materials to the Personnel Committee at sjlchurch@carrollsweb.com or 302 South 7^th Street, Salina, KS  67401. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

About St. John’s Lutheran Church

St. John’s Lutheran Church is a welcoming congregation committed to worship, service, discipleship, and community. Our music ministry is an important part of our worship life, helping people encounter faith through beauty, reverence, joy, and participation.

St. John’s Lutheran Church is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants who can support the mission and ministry of the church. sjlchurch.com