Pastor/Director of Worship

Evangelical Covenant

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 185

Meet First Covenant Church of Willmar

First Covenant Church of Willmar is a faithful, multi-generational congregation located in West Central Minnesota, where the lakes begin, just two hours west of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Willmar serves as a hub for a diverse and dynamic community of over 21,000 residents, embracing people from various backgrounds and cultures.

First Covenant Church of Willmar’s mission and purpose is to “Know Jesus and make him known.”  How they live this out is reflected in their statement: “We follow Jesus by loving and serving so that we meet the needs of our church and community.” They believe that God wants to bring complete life-change to a person, and that God has provided a way for this transformation to happen through his Son Jesus Christ. Their hope is to be a congregation where people seeking hope and healing, or people feeling distant from God can find connection and community.   

First Covenant Church was started in 1883 and values its history and the Kingdom impact they’ve been able to make for over a century.  At First Covenant Church, they value life-transformation. They share God’s grace and acceptance, and want to be used by God to give back what he’s freely given. As they respond to God’s amazing grace, they participate with God in the renewing of their minds and their personal transformation. 

About the Pastor/Director of Worship Arts:

The Pastor/Director of Worship Arts role at First Covenant Church of Willmar is a key position focused on leading and developing the church’s worship ministry. This role involves leading worship services that blend hymns and contemporary music, working collaboratively with volunteers in the choir and worship team, and fostering an attitude of deep appreciation for the full range of worship language. The Pastor/Director of Worship Arts will report to the Senior Pastor and is expected to be a team player, a relational leader, and an engaging initiator. While strong musical skills are essential, the role also has pastoral aspects, requiring someone who can love and shepherd the worship team. The success of this role will be measured by the individual’s ability to let Jesus shine through them, use their gifts naturally in worship, foster a fulfilled and prepared music ministry team, and create seamless worship services. 

The Pastor/Director of Worship Arts’ responsibilities include:

• Coordinate and lead worship experiences for Sunday services and special events
• Select music that aligns with the overall vision and values of the church
• Recruit, mentor, and train volunteer worship team members
• Collaborate with the Senior Pastor and other ministry leaders to integrate worship into the overall church ministry
• Stay current with trends in worship music and technology
• Encouraged to pursue other areas of ministry as directed and agreed on by the Senior Pastor
  • As a full-time member of the staff, we recognize this individual will also be encouraged to lead in other areas of ministry as deemed appropriate and necessary.  This could include areas such as, Outreach and Evangelism, Adult Discipleship, Marketing and Communication, etc.  We desire to see our staff serving in areas that align with their passion, skills, and giftedness.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Pastor/Diretor of Worship Arts:

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Worship Ministry, or a related field is preferred
• 3 or more years of relevant experience in a church or ministry setting   

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Proficiency as a vocalist and musician, with expertise in piano and/or guitar
• Experience leading various styles of worship
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Must effectively lead blended worship (hymns and modern songs)
• Needs to lead and develop worship volunteers
• Must be able to plan meaningful and formative worship services
• Should work well with the Senior Pastor, staff, and volunteers
• Needs to be able to create a positive team environment
• Should take initiative to improve and grow the worship ministry
• Ability to direct/conduct a choir and/or collaborate with choral directors

Personal characteristics and qualifications

• Must be committed to a lifestyle consistent with biblical principles and values of First Covenant Church
• Needs to be an initiator or at least comfortable in that role
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively
• Should be attentive to and led by the Holy Spirit
• Must be a good communicator and a good listener
• Must be a team player
• Needs to be a connector and relationship builder

What it’s like to live in Willmar, MN

Life in Willmar, Minnesota offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and convenient access to essential amenities, creating a truly positive living experience. The strong sense of community is immediately apparent, where friendly neighbors foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Residents enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, allowing for genuine connections and a greater appreciation for the simple pleasures. The affordability of living in Willmar is a significant advantage, enabling individuals and families to achieve financial well-being and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the pressures often found in larger, more expensive urban areas.

Willmar boasts a picturesque setting with numerous parks and close proximity to beautiful lakes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature. Whether it’s a peaceful walk in the park, a refreshing swim on a summer day, or simply taking in the scenic beauty, residents have easy access to activities that promote a healthy and active lifestyle. The city also serves as a regional center, offering a variety of local shops, restaurants, and essential services, ensuring convenience without sacrificing the close-knit feel of a smaller community. Local events and festivals further enhance the vibrant social scene, providing opportunities for residents to come together and celebrate their shared community spirit.

Ultimately, Willmar offers a high quality of life characterized by its strong community bonds, affordable living, and access to both natural beauty and essential conveniences. It’s a place where you can feel a genuine sense of belonging, enjoy a more balanced and less stressful lifestyle, and build meaningful connections with those around you. For those seeking a positive and fulfilling place to call home, Willmar, Minnesota, presents a truly attractive option.

For a more information about our community, visit these two websites: https://www.willmarareachamber.com/

https://www.willmarlakesarea.com/