Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
877 Street Rd., Southampton, PA 18966
gslconline.org
Organist (Part Time)
• Church Mission
o Our Mission Statement is: "Like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leading the way to share God's love with all peoples."
▪ The mission of the Good Shepherd congregation is to sustain and grow our current ministries and discern new
opportunities to love and serve one another, new members, and those living in and beyond our local community.
▪ We are sharing God’s word and love, our love for Jesus, and our spiritual gifts to build a church home where all feel
welcome and supported and can gather to worship our Lord, hear the gospel, find spiritual growth, experience
fellowship, and spread the Good News.
▪ We recognize that with God's help we will meet the challenges we face, both in our lives and as a congregation.
• Job Summary
o Good Shepherd is seeking an Organist / Accompanist who will support our well-developed music program.
o The Organist / Accompanist will collaborate with the Pastor(s) and our Director of Music to support the worship service
and the music program.
o This is a year-round salaried position, based on approximately 10 to 15 hours per week. The work hours and time are
determined by the duties, responsibilities and program needs outlined below.
• Major Duties and Responsibilities:
o The organist is responsible for providing all keyboard music in support of the church's music program. In addition to
performing and accompanying the choirs at regularly scheduled Sunday services and festival occasions (Lenten
services, Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, etc.), the organist will be required to accompany the adult choir at rehearsals
one evening per week. The organist will also be responsible for rehearsing with any soloists who will be providing music
during Sunday morning services.
o The organist is responsible for providing all keyboard music in support of the church’s worship services. In addition to
performing and accompanying the congregation at regularly scheduled Sunday services and festival occasions (Lenten
services, Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, etc.), the organist will be required to select keyboard music which is
appropriate for use in Lutheran liturgical service for the prelude and postlude for all services. The organist will also be
responsible for selecting keyboard music which is appropriate for use in Lutheran liturgical service for communion and
offering as needed for all services.
o The organist is responsible for preparing and practicing music in advance of services to ensure a high-quality
performance
o The organist's services may be utilized at weddings and funerals held within the church when requested.
o The organist is responsible for arranging for repair and tuning of organs and pianos as necessary.
o The organist is considered a member of the Worship & Music Team and therefore is responsible for attending the Worship
& Music team meetings. These meetings are currently held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The meetings currently utilize
Zoom.
o The organist could potentially lead an occasional choir rehearsal.
o The organist must comply with all church policies and procedures, and respect the sacred nature of the church
environment
o The organist will arrange for substitute organists / accompanists and provide the substitute with all music necessary
(liturgy, hymns, anthems, etc.).
• Qualifications:
o Proven experience as a Church Organist or similar role
o Excellent musical skills, including sight-reading and improvisation
o Skilled in playing both piano and organ, in accompanying a choir, and in leading the congregation in hymns.
o Proficient in a variety of musical styles, particularly those appropriate for worship
o A deep understanding of religious ceremonies and the role of music in worship. Has extensive knowledge of liturgical
music for the piano and organ.
o Ability to work collaboratively and maintain positive relationships with clergy, staff, congregational leaders and
volunteers.
o Strong communication and interpersonal skills
o A bachelor's degree in music or a related field.
o Formal training in organ performance is preferred
o Ability to play keyboard, three-manual Walker Technologies electronic organ, piano and to support others in
congregational singing.
o Be familiar with Lutheran musical liturgy and Lutheran hymnody or be willing to learn.
o Be familiar with Microsoft Office 365, including Teams and SharePoint, or be willing to learn. Be familiar with OneLicense
and CCLI or be willing to learn.
o Criminal background and child abuse clearances are required.
• Compensation
o Salary commensurate with experience.
o Special compensation is provided for weddings and funerals by the parties involved.
• Benefits:
o The organist shall be granted four (4) Sundays off annually, at full salary, no more than two of which will be taken during
the program year - September through mid- June. The organist must notify the Music Director at least thirty (30) days in
advance when requesting a Sunday off and is responsible for coordinating a replacement.
• Working Conditions
o The Organist / Accompanist works in a rehearsal space, and worship space environment. Portions of the job may be
performed remotely.
o The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential
functions of this job successfully.
o Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
o While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, use hands, fingers and feet to
operate a computer, piano and organ. The employee is frequently required to operate business machines, use the
telephone and reach with hands and arms. This position requires sitting for long periods of time as well as moving
throughout the building.
o The employee must frequently lift and/or move 5-10 lbs. And occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 lbs.
o Have the specific visual acuity required for this job including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Church Culture
o Good Shepherd is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and as such its values are rooted
in the Christian faith, Lutheran traditions, and the theological and social teachings of the ELCA (link). Its goal is to ensure
an inclusive work environment free of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, race, and
(dis)ability, and to employ, retain, and terminate employees and applicants for employment based on merit, qualifications,
and competence at their duties assigned.
o Music has always played a pivotal role at Good Shepherd. We are a congregation with a strong foundation in traditional
Lutheran worship with a selection of some contemporary musical offerings.
o Music ministry is vital to us and forms a centerpiece to our worship.
o We provide a space where people feel loved, valued, and heard. We want to be a light to spread God's love, justice, and
caring to all.
o Good Shepherd is an equal opportunity employer.
• Employment Type:
o Part-time – approximately 10-15 hours per week.
• If interested in this position
o Send a Cover Letter and Resume to:
Joe Haines
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
877 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966
Joe.haines@gslconline.org