Employment

Are you interested in working at Bethesda?  Check out our job listing below:

Director of Worship & Music

Part-time, 20 hours per week
Position Summary

Bethesda Lutheran Church (ELCA) of Eugene, OR is seeking a qualified Director of Worship & Music for 20 hours per week. Primary responsibilities include: Sunday worship (hymn & praise music leadership using organ and piano, ensemble direction), weekly rehearsals (choir accompanist, praise team), and worship planning. This also includes being available for weddings and funerals, for which there will be additional compensation. The compensation is $25 an hour, which amounts to ~$26,000 annually. There is potential for this position to grow over time. This position is intended to be filled by Sept. 7, 2025.
Our application deadline is July 1, 2025.

Current Snapshot of Worship

Since COVID, Bethesda has combined the traditional and contemporary-leaning services together into a blended format at 9:30am. While this approach has its trade-offs, we value multi-generational community over strict musical or liturgical preferences. We seek to cherish our Lutheran heritage with special attention to hospitality for newcomers or new-to- Lutheran guests. We refer applicants to the “Sundays” page of our website for further detail: https://bethesdalutheranchurch.com/community-worship/

Duties and Responsibilities

I. Music Ministries – 8 hours

A. Choir – 2 hours

B. Praise Team – 1 hour

C. Personal Practice – 5 hours

II. Worship Ministries

A. Worship Planning – 2 hours

1. Meet with pastor to plan worship, music selection, liturgies

2. In partnership with choir director, plan special music offerings, ensembles

B. Youth and Families in Worship – 2 hours

1. Christmas and Easter performances

C. Sunday Morning – 3 hours

1. Schedule and support assisting ministers and readers 

2. Rehearse musicians as necessary

3. Lead worship for one service, including prelude and postlude music

III. Other Music Responsibilities – 5 hours

A. Maintain and Organize Music Library – 1 hour

B. Audio-Visual Support – 1 hour

1. Assist pastor in maintenance of A-V and livestream equipment, including lights, sound systems, and projection systems. Arrange for repair and maintenance of equipment as needed.

2. Assist pastor in supervision and training of paid and volunteer A-V techs

C. Miscellaneous – 3 hours

1. Worship Committee meetings (currently 6 times/year)

2. Special events

3. Communications: Phone calls, emails, scheduling, networking, etc

4. Monthly newsletter updates and announcements

5. Oversee maintenance of musical instruments

Skills and Qualifications

I. Bachelor’s degree in music, church music, or other related degree preferred

II. Must be a practicing Christian who will support the mission and vision of Bethesda

III. Demonstrated knowledge of Lutheran or general Protestant theology, liturgical practice and use of music in worship

IV. Demonstrated skill and competency at piano; skill and competency at organ, or the capacity to grow into its skillful use; working knowledge of other instruments

V. Experience and competency playing a variety of musical styles, and in working with ensembles or bands in worship contexts.

VI. Ability to work well with others and participate collegially with staff members, pastor, and congregational leaders

VII. Basic computer operating skills for music library database and worship planning

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

Interested applicants please send cover letter and resume by July 1, 2025 to:

Bethesda Lutheran Church
Attn: Pastor Tom Welch
4445 Royal Ave
Eugene, OR 97402
541.688.9085
Or by email: tom@bethesdalutheranchurch.com