Careers

Overview

The Director of Discipleship & Outreach at St. John’s Lutheran Church will be a ministry partner to the pastor and help strengthen the congregation’s mission of sharing God’s love through revitalization, community, and outreach. This position will focus on building meaningful relationships with young people and their families, coordinating faith formation opportunities, and expanding St. John’s presence in the wider community.

Primary responsibilities

Youth, Children & Young Adult Ministry

• Build healthy, Christ-centered relationships with children, youth, and young adults, both within the congregation
  and the community.
• Establish, facilitate, support, and evaluate Youth Faith Formation programs in collaboration with the Pastor,
  Youth Committee, and Christian Education Committee.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and execution of children’s, youth, and young adult programming
  throughout the church year.
• Engage youth in congregational ministries and equip them as leaders according to their gifts.
• Coordinate and support adult volunteers to work toward a shared vision for Youth Faith Formation.
• Develop a plan to connect with youth by attending their activities (games, concerts, competitions, etc.).

Community & Outreach

• In partnership with the Pastor, develop and execute strategies for engagement with:
  • 1) St. John’s Preschool
  • 2) St. John’s Community Center (Softball field, pickleball courts, Sonshine Backpacks)
  • 3) Mt. Pleasant-area schools
  • 4) Ministries of the NC Synod
• Foster partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and synodical ministries to deepen St. John’s outreach.
• Communicate with the congregation a clear vision for Community, Outreach, and Youth Faith Formation, highlighting opportunities for involvement and sharing stories of discipleship.

Administrative Leadership

• Attend to administrative responsibilities, including but not limited to:
  • 1) Staff meetings
  • 2) Budget planning and oversight
  • 3) Youth fundraisers
  • 4) Monthly written report to Congregation Council
• Ensure all programming and resources are grounded in Lutheran theology and practice.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the Christian faith and the mission of St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA).
• Strong relational skills, with a passion for working with children, youth, young adults, and families.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead programs collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
• Familiarity with Lutheran theology and tradition; experience in a Lutheran context preferred.
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and digital).
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as ministry requires.

Hours

3/4 Time (32 hours/week) with flexible schedule (some evenings/weekends), paid time off, and a small
continuing education budget ($500–750/year), participation in Annual ELCA Extravaganza Youth Leader event, and various NC Synod trainings/gatherings.

Role could eventually become full-time depending on growth.

Open to ELCA Word & Service Call with NC Synod Guidelines.

Reports to

Pastor

Overview

The Director of Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church serves as a ministry partner to the Pastor and helps strengthen the congregation’s mission of sharing God’s love through revitalization, community, and outreach.

This position provides leadership for the music ministry of St. John’s, supporting vibrant Lutheran worship through congregational singing, choral leadership, and thoughtful musical planning in collaboration with the Pastor.

Primary Responsibilities

Worship & Music Leadership

• Collaborate with the Pastor to plan music for weekly worship services and festival celebrations according to the church year.
• Lead and accompany congregational singing that supports active participation in worship.
• Serve as primary organist and pianist for Sunday worship and special services.
• Select hymns, liturgical music, and musical settings consistent with Lutheran theology and worship practice.
• Coordinate music for special services including Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Christmas Eve, funerals, weddings, and other congregational observances.

Choir & Volunteer Leadership

• Direct the St. John’s Choir, including weekly rehearsals at an agreed-upon time.
• Recruit, encourage, and grow participation in the choir and music ministry.
• Equip singers and musicians of varying skill levels to share their gifts in worship.
• Identify and coordinate additional musicians for festival Sundays and special services (instrumentalists, soloists, guest accompanists, etc.).
• Foster a welcoming and spiritually meaningful rehearsal environment.

Music Ministry Development & Growth

• Work collaboratively with the Pastor to strengthen and expand the role of music in congregational life.
• Introduce appropriate musical variety while honoring St. John’s Lutheran heritage and traditions, including new liturgical settings from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, All Creation Sings, and other sources.
• Support intergenerational participation in music ministry where possible, particularly through engagement with St. John’s Preschool chapel services.
• Help cultivate future musicians and leaders within the congregation.

Administration

• Participate in weekly staff meetings and seasonal worship planning conversations.
• Maintain music library, choir resources, and music-related equipment.
• Assist with budgeting and planning related to music ministry needs.
• Provide a monthly written report to Congregation Council.
• Serve as ex-officio member of the Worship & Music Committee.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the Christian faith and the mission of St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA).
• Organ proficiency.
• Experience directing choirs or ensembles.
• Knowledge of Lutheran liturgical worship and hymnody.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to encourage participation and build community through music.

Hours

• Part-time position (typically 10–15 hours per week), including Sunday mornings, weekly rehearsal, worship planning, and seasonal services.
• Flexible schedule with additional hours during major church festivals.
• Continuing education opportunities encouraged.

Reports To

Pastor