ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT APPLYING FOR A JOB IN MUSIC/WORSHIP MINISTRY? IF SO, HERE ARE 5 RECOMMENDATIONS.

by Dr. Tony McNeill

@drtonymac  | drtonymcneill.com | drtonymcneill.com/jobs | info@drtonymcneill.com

Affiliate Professor of Worship & Seminary Musician Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA

Adjunct Professor, Master of Black Sacred Music, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

With the dawn of a new year comes the opportunity to reflect on how and where one would like to spend the year. It could mean moving to a new city and/or applying for a new position. Before you hit #send on the e-mail for your next position in church music or worship, consider these five (5) recommendations to strengthen your application and leave a distinct impression on those reviewing your materials:

#1. READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION!

• Re-read the job description. Then, read it again. Read it one more time! Do your due diligence and research the employing congregation. If you are not qualified, admit it and seek something else. Do not waste your time (or the church's time) trying to force a square peg into a circle because you are desperate.

• Not all music and worship positions are created equal. Note “green flags” (positive aspects) and “red flags” (questionable/challenging aspects) of the job description. Start a list of questions to ask should you be granted an interview or audition.

• Follow directions provided to apply. Plan to beat (not meet) the deadline for submitting materials. #FollowDirections

#2. UPDATE & PROOFREAD YOUR COVER LETTER & RESUME.

• Customize for the position. Avoid non-specific, stock letters and resumes. #Customize. Get a mentor or trusted colleague(s) to proofread your written materials before you submit them.

• Limit cover letter to one (1) page. #Customize the letter for the position.

• Adjust resume for access, readability, and overall presentation. Honor page limits, if applicable. #Customize as needed. Push all of your applicable experience, education, qualifications, etc. toward the top!

#3. CRAFT A PHILOSOPHY OF WORSHIP STATEMENT - Min. of Music/Worship Pastors & Leaders

• Craft a well-written document (2-4 pages, double spaced) that answers the following questions: What is worship? , Why do we worship?, and What is the role of music and the arts in worship?

• Be prepared to talk about what informed what you wrote and what informs your leadership.

• Be ready to articulate (in writing or in conversation) your Call Story to music/worship ministry: “How/Why did you get in this work?” , "Who/What shaped you as a music/worship leader?", "Why do you feel led to serve THIS church/faith community?" These are questions you should be clear and eager to answer.

#4. CREATE & UPDATE YOUR DIGITAL PORTFOLIO

• Create a digital space to house current videos, audio files, print media, etc.

• Rehearsal videos of you leading, preparing, and collaborating are as essential as performance videos.

• Share the link. Avoid sending large files as attachments. #SendLinksNotFiles

#5. CREATE A DEFINITIVE REPRETOIRE LIST

• Have a solid list of 20-25+ congregational traditional hymns, songs, praise and worship choruses you are able to teach/lead effectively in the absence of a choir or praise team.

• Have a solid list of 20-25+ presentational songs, anthems, spirituals, gospel songs you are able to teach/lead effectively with a choir or praise team.

• Be ready to describe/articulate your process of selecting and introducing/teaching new music to choirs and instrumentalists.

These recommendations are shared for you to present your best self (in writing and in person) to a church or faith community. Part of the task of applying for any position is to create a mark of distinction that brings attention to your unique gifts and qualifications. The quality of your materials will get your further than the quantity of materials. Some of the above recommendations may require additional reflection and time on your part. Invest in what you think you need in order to present yourself as a worthy candidate for a desired music/worship position. WHAT OTHER SUGGESTIONS WOULD YOU ADD TO THIS LIST? Place your response(s) in the comments of this blog post.

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CONSULTING & ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING APPOINTMENTS:

If you are interested in setting up a mentoring/consulting appointment, send an e-mail to drtony@drtonymcneill.com. Be sure to sign up for THE CALL 2 WORSHIP NEWSLETTER by clicking here.

Music Ministry and Worship job postings can be found at www.drtonymcneill.com/jobs. Be sure to bookmark the page and check back for updates.

CHURCHES/SEARCH COMMITTEES SEEKING TO HIRE:

If your church (or if you know of a church that) is currently seeking a Minister of Music/Worship, Choir Director, Musician, or any worship arts-related position, contact me at jobs@drtonymcneill.com to learn how to have the position(s) posted to the job board. Consulting services are also available for search committees needing help discerning appropriate processes and candidates for music and worship arts positions. Let us help you!

CANDIDATES SEEKING JOBS:

If you are looking for a full-time or part-time position in music and worship arts ministry, send your resume to jobs@drtonymcneill.com to be added to the database of available candidates. Please include your most current contact information in the body of your e-mail: first and last name, telephone number, e-mail address, website, and social media handles; and of course, your attached resume/CV.