Employment Opportunities at Sparta First

Worship Director (Part-Time, 15–30 Hours/Week)
Sparta First United Methodist Church

600 West University Ave

Sparta, IL 62286

618-443-3714

www.spartafumc.org

Sparta First United Methodist Church is seeking a passionate and skilled Worship Director to help lead and shape meaningful, Christ-centered worship. This position will be established at 15–30 hours per week, with the final scope and schedule determined by the strengths, experience, availability, and gifts of the right candidate.

We are looking for the right person first. The role will then be tailored to match that person’s abilities in worship leadership, planning, and team development, as well as their availability.

We are a mission-focused church that exists to follow Jesus and share his love. We are committed to vibrant worship, strong community and outreach, and reaching new people in our area.

About the Role
The Worship Director will lead congregational worship, develop volunteer teams, and work closely with the Pastor to create engaging, well-prepared worship experiences. All candidates will provide strong musical leadership, with expanded responsibilities available for those who bring additional strengths in worship planning, technical leadership, and ministry development.

Core Responsibilities (All Candidates)
• Lead worship for weekend services (Saturday and Sunday)
• Lead and rehearse a worship band and choir
• Play an instrument while leading worship
• Recruit and develop volunteer musicians and vocalists
• Collaborate weekly with the Pastor
• Coordinate with sound, media, and livestream volunteers for smooth services
• Assist in planning seasonal services (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter)
• Steward the worship ministry budget in collaboration with the Pastor

Expanded Responsibilities (Based on Role Scope Up to 30 Hours)
• Create and manage all worship slides and media
• Provide leadership for A/V, media, and livestream teams
• Coordinate and oversee worship environment (décor, weekly setup, seasonal and holiday design)
• Lead and develop front-of-house hospitality teams (greeters, welcome team)
• Provide leadership and development for all worship-related volunteer teams
• Plan and lead quarterly worship events (worship nights, special gatherings)
• Oversee technical preparation of all services to ensure consistency and quality

What We’re Looking For
• Demonstrated experience leading worship in a church setting
• Ability to lead congregational singing with confidence and spiritual leadership
• Proficiency in a musical instrument suitable for worship leadership
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to recruit, lead, and develop volunteers
• A heart for helping people encounter God through worship

What Success Looks Like
• Worship that is engaging, organized, and spiritually meaningful
• Music and service elements prepared in advance
• Strong, supported, and growing volunteer teams
• Clear communication and smooth worship flow across all services
• A culture of preparation, excellence, and collaboration in worship ministry

Compensation
Compensation commensurate with experience and agreed-upon hours (15–30 per week)

How to Apply
Submit the following materials to pastorleslie@spartafumc.org
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Video link to you leading worship in a congregational setting
• 2–3 references

Process

Candidates selected for interviews will participate in a conversation with the church interview team. Final candidates will also be invited to lead one worship service as part of the interview process.