What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substitute Organist position at First Baptist Church Lufkin?
About Us:
The mission and vision of First Baptist Church Lufkin is to lead all people to discover the light of Christ through dynamic worship, creative evangelism, life-changing discipleship, heartfelt ministry, and meaningful fellowship. We take pride in our diverse congregation, variety of musical tastes and preferences, and the quality of our musical offerings.
First Baptist Lufkin takes great pride in its recently refurbished, four manual, 55 register, 1967 M.P. Möller pipe organ –valued at over 2.5 million dollars; with hundreds of levels of programmable memory, record and playback functions, and with state-of-the art remote tuning, remote expression/shades control, and remote record and playback abilities.
Job Description:
The organist is responsible to the Interim Pastor / Music Coordinator and to the church for providing worship leadership from the organ for congregational services and for accompanying performing groups as assigned. As of January 1, 2025 the current worship service and rehearsal schedule is as follows:
Sunday Morning Warm-up: 8:30–9:30 am
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30–11:30 am
Wednesday Evening Orchestra Rehearsal: 4:30–5:30 pm
Wednesday Evening Choir Rehearsal: 6:15–7:30 pm
(**All dates are subject to change based on the needs of the church. Sufficient and respectful communication will be given prior to any changes).
Responsibilities:
- Regularly meet with the Music Coordinator, church pianist, or others to coordinate, prepare, and plan worship services.
- Play the organ for all regularly scheduled worship services.
- Plan and use appropriate repertoire for preludes, applicable offertories, and postludes.
- Rehearse regularly with choral and instrumental groups as assigned by the Music Coordinator.
- Rehearse with, and accompany, soloists as needed for worship services.
- Play for special services, meetings, and concerts including but not limited to Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and other significant events in the life of the church.
- Allow adequate practice time each week for thorough preparation of rehearsal and service music.
- Maintain a regular practice schedule for the development of skills at the organ, including special studies, reading, and self-improvement.
- Assist the Music Coordinator in the selection of music and worship planning when requested.
- Assist, as needed, with special projects of the music ministry.
Qualifications:
- Ability to read music is required,
- Competency in organ performance is required (basic understanding of organ technique, registration, hymnody, et c.),
- A jovial, collegial, and cooperative personality, enthusiastically working for the betterment of the music ministry and the church is strongly encouraged,
- A diverse knowledge of traditional and contemporary organ repertoire and solo hymn arrangements for preludes and postludes is strongly encouraged,
- Prior experience working in collaborative musical settings (i.e. with other musicians, accompanying choral ensembles, following a conductor) is preferred,
- Familiarity with Baptist worship preferred (ability to lead traditional hymns as well accompany contemporary worship songs
Benefits:
As compensation for all services provided, the substitute organist shall be paid at the rate of $13,500 annually for locally-based organists able to attend all bi-weekly services and rehearsals, or $300 per service and 70 cents per mile for applicants unable to attend all bi-weekly rehearsals and where significant travel is required. These fees are negotiable based on experience. Such payments shall be subject to such normal statutory deductions by the employer. For out-of-town applicants, required dates and scheduling will be negotiated between the Interim Pastor, Music Coordinator, and prospective employee well in advance of any required rehearsals and services.
Contact:
For questions, comments, concerns, or to submit your resume, please contact the Music Coordinator using the contact information below.
Tate Ashby
Music Coordinator
Email:
Office: (936) 634-9906
Job Types: Part-time, Contract
Pay: $13,500.00 per year
Expected hours: No more than 5 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Relocation assistance
Supplemental Pay:
- Bonus opportunities
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Collaboration: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Lufkin, TX 75901 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $13,500