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‘Not-That-Kind-of-Church’ Band Leader Search

‘It’s-Not-That-Kind-of-Church’ Band Leader/Worship Leader

Monthly Paid Gig

We’re a new church centred in God’s radical inclusion in the heart of Birmingham, and we’re looking for someone to help us make music together.

We are people – diverse in race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, age and background, HIV status, ability and disability, theological and political belief— called to explore and live the way of Jesus. We celebrate and affirm that diversity. We’re only a few months old and are still very much experimenting and figuring it all out. Currently we worship one Sunday afternoon a month in Birmingham city centre, just across from Moor Street Station. As we grow, we hope to worship more often.

We’re searching for a musician who plays, sings, and leads beautiful, singable music – sometimes churchy and often not-that-churchy. In our first three gatherings, we’ve sung music from the radio (Adele, U2, Bob Dylan, Eva Cassidy, Primal Scream, Mavis Staples, McFly), contemporary Christian music (think Hillsong, Rend Collective, The Brilliance, All Sons and Daughters), and old hymns, too. We love a mixed vibe that includes high-energy, sing-your-heart-out, and reflective/chill material.

We’re looking for someone with skills on guitar and/or keyboard, comfortable playing in a variety of styles, organized, fun to work with in a collaborative environment, and good at getting others involved (the job includes building a really good band from musicians in the city and church). We are not looking for a diva or superstar but for someone who enjoys leading people in worship and helping people discover the countercultural joy of singing *together*.

The band leader/worship leader is a monthly paid gig (at a rate above living wage) with a current commitment of 10-12 hours per month, on average.

Typical hours for this position include:

  • 4-5 hours one Sunday afternoon a month from 2:00-6:30p (set-up and rehearsal for worship, take-down after worship)
  • 2 hours a month choosing and preparing music
  • 3-4 hours a month developing and rehearsing band
  • 1 hour a month administrative/communication tasks
  • Must be available Sunday afternoons

In the future, as the church grows, we hope to expand to more gatherings per month and expect to expand this position

APPLYING/AUDITIONING

Check out our website (newinclusivechurch.org.uk), Facebook, Insta.

If you’re interested in exploring this position, email newchurchbirmingham@gmail.com with:

1) a description of yourself, style, repertoire, experience, and why you’re interested in us;

2) a short resume including a few references and their contact information; and

3) audio or video links to samples of your music/music leading.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Musicianship

  • Proficient in at least one instrument (including guitar or keyboard)
  • Reads music
  • Comfortable in multiple genres, including pop/rock
  • Able to teach songs to congregation and band

Monthly Worship Experience – Create a beautiful, meaningful, engaging worship experience through music by:

  • Choosing and planning (with other church organisers) music for monthly worship gatherings
  • Being well-practiced by Sunday rehearsal/warm-up
  • Leading one-hour rehearsal before worship with other musicians
  • Scheduling an additional rehearsal during the month with other musicians
  • Leading music during worship
  • Ensuring needed instruments/musicians/musical A/V supplies are available

Community-Building/Leadership Development – Build band/core group of musicians from city and church who will help lead weekly worship by:

  • Cultivating relationships with additional musicians/singers
  • Inviting musicians from beyond the congregation to join when appropriate
  • Creating atmosphere of significant participation

Administration

  • Take primary responsibility for relevant administrative tasks by:
  • Communicating with musicians/singers to arrange rehearsal, distribute music
  • Maintaining/updating contact info with current musicians/singers
  • Finding/creating appropriate arrangements, chord charts, lead sheets
  • Meeting once monthly with a church leader for big picture planning, vision, and feedback

TIMELINE

We’re committed to finding the right person, so will take as long as we need to. But we’d sure love it if we found that person sooner than later, so that she/he/they can help us continue to shape the cultures of this emerging church.

Again, to apply, email newchurchbirmingham@gmail.com with:

1) a description of yourself, style, repertoire, experience, and why you’re interested in us;

2) a short resume including a few references and their contact information; and

3) audio or video links to samples of your music/music leading.