Sunday worship 10:00am – In Person/Zoom/YouTube
Complex world. Thoughtful church.

Job Opportunities

University Lutheran Church of Hope
Complex world. Thoughtful church.

Minister of Worship and Music
601 13th Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-331-5988 www.ulch.org
July 2024

About the position: The Minister of Worship and Music is responsible for leading the musical expression of the congregation and contributing to the vision and planning of the worship experience at University Lutheran Church of Hope (ULCH). We encourage people to apply who generate new ideas, take risks, ask for help, and engage the ULCH community in our expression of God’s love for all.

Description: University Lutheran Church of Hope (ULCH) is seeking a .75 (30 hours/week) Minister of Worship and Music to lead music both during worship and outside of it. This position provides benefits through Portico Benefit Services, including health, HSA, retirement, disability, survivor contribution and is FLSA exempt. This position reports to the lead pastor at ULCH. University Lutheran Church of Hope seeks a diverse pool of candidates.
Salary Range: $43,000 – $51,000

About the congregation: University Lutheran Church of Hope (ULCH) is a vibrant congregation on the edge of the University of Minnesota campus in the Dinkytown area of Minneapolis. We are a progressive community of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, valuing in a lively expression of the Lutheran tradition. Our worship is grounded in love, justice, and God’s radical grace which shapes our lives.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Direct the choir
  • Play organ and piano as needed for worship, and/or direct other guest organists/pianists
  • Select music and hymns aligned to seasonal themes and the weekly lectionary. Draw on a wide variety of music from many cultures and ethnic backgrounds
  • Plan worship services with an understanding of the Lutheran tradition, respect for the heritage of the church catholic, an understanding of expansive images and language for God, knowledge of current trends and developments in worship, and awareness of the needs/desires of the congregation
  • Collaborate with the pastoral staff, the Worship Planning Team, and our tech facilitators to plan worship services
  • Create and format bulletin and visuals for virtual and in-person worship
  • Provide leadership for all lay worship participants
  • Provide musical leadership for weddings, funerals and occasional concerts.
  • Participate fully as a member of the staff, including, but not limited to, attending weekly staff meetings, and being a member of the worship planning team
  • Supervise the Worship Tech position

Secondary Responsibilities:

  • Develop and direct choral and instrumental groups
  • Offer workshops or short-commitment musical opportunities to strengthen skills and create music
  • Provide leadership and collaborate to create an annual musical event, that may include the community
  • Seek opportunities to further creatively enhance the worship experience
  • Serve as a contact person for community members looking for musical opportunities
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Competencies:  

  • Demonstrated skill as organist/pianist
  • Demonstrated skill as a choral conductor
  • Experience in music/worship leadership
  • Knowledge of the church’s (ELCA) theology, history and tradition
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with
    • ULCH Leadership Team
    • ULCH congregation, lay leaders, volunteers, first time musicians…
  • Reasonable flexibility and adaptability suited to a vibrant, varied work environment

To apply: Send a cover letter detailing your interest and your resume to employment@ulch.org.
In the subject line please write your name and Minister of Worship and Music application.
Review of applications begins on August 21st, 2024. Start date is anticipated to be early to mid-fall.