EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Contemporary Worship Leader

Church of the Palms | Sarasota, Florida

Position Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week
Reports To: Family Life Pastor

About Church of the Palms

Church of the Palms is a vibrant Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation in Sarasota, Florida, grounded in our mission to Love God, Love Neighbor. We seek to be a welcoming, Christ-centered community where people grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and put God’s love into action.

We offer both traditional and contemporary worship experiences, creating opportunities for people of different generations and backgrounds to connect with God and one another. We believe music is an important part of that connection, helping people encounter God, express their faith, and find a sense of belonging.

About the Position

Church of the Palms is seeking a gifted, collaborative Contemporary Worship Leader to lead music for our weekly contemporary worship service. This person will bring musical talent, creativity, spiritual maturity, and a heart for ministry to help create meaningful, engaging worship experiences.

The ideal candidate is a confident vocalist or instrumentalist who can work collaboratively with other musicians, lead and encourage a team, and thoughtfully select music that supports worship and the message. We are looking for someone who values both musical excellence and authentic community, and who enjoys helping people connect with God through music.

Key Responsibilities

Worship Leadership and Planning

• Lead music during the weekly contemporary worship service and additional special services as requested.

• Collaborate with the Family Life Pastor and other worship leaders to plan music that supports the Scripture, sermon, and overall worship experience.

• Select and arrange a thoughtful mix of contemporary Christian music, familiar congregational favorites, and other appropriate musical selections.

• Prepare music, coordinate service details, and ensure musicians and vocalists are equipped for each service.

• Lead rehearsals and provide clear musical direction to support a cohesive, engaging worship experience.

• Encourage active congregational participation through accessible song choices, thoughtful transitions, and an engaging leadership style.

• Help troubleshoot musical or technical challenges and adapt as needed.

Team Building and Volunteer Development

• Recruit, encourage, and develop a team of volunteer musicians and vocalists.

• Create a welcoming, supportive environment where team members can grow musically and spiritually.

• Coordinate schedules, communicate expectations, and organize rehearsals and team gatherings as needed.

• Foster a spirit of collaboration, humility, and shared ministry among worship team members.

Communication and Administration

• Maintain clear, timely communication with staff, musicians, and vocalists.

• Complete scheduling, planning, and other administrative responsibilities related to contemporary worship.

• Use Church of the Palms’ standard technology and communication tools, including Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and One Church Software.

• Support the broader worship and ministry life of the congregation through flexibility, collaboration, and other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Musical Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated experience leading contemporary Christian worship in a church or similar setting; five or more years of related experience is preferred.

• Strong vocal or instrumental ability, with proficiency in at least one primary area. Guitar or keyboard proficiency is desirable.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with other vocalists and instrumentalists to lead a cohesive worship experience.

• Ability to engage a congregation and encourage meaningful participation in worship.

• Familiarity with a variety of contemporary Christian musical styles and the ability to select music that is accessible, appropriate, and theologically thoughtful.

• Ability to prepare music, lead rehearsals, and work effectively with musicians of varying experience levels.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen, offer direction, and receive feedback.

• Ability to recruit, mentor, and encourage volunteers while building a unified worship team.

• Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective time management.

• Flexibility, creativity, initiative, and the ability to respond calmly when plans or technical needs change.

• Comfort with routine administrative tasks and willingness to learn the church’s technology and systems.

• A collaborative approach to ministry and a desire to contribute positively to the life of a church community.

Spiritual and Ministry Expectations

• A growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a desire to help others grow in faith through worship.

• Christian character marked by humility, integrity, generosity, and a spirit of service.

• A commitment to the mission of Church of the Palms: Love God, Love Neighbor.

• Willingness to uphold the church’s Staff Covenant, follow applicable staff policies, and participate in a healthy, collaborative staff culture.

Schedule and Work Environment

This position averages approximately 15 hours per week. Hours include Sunday mornings for contemporary worship, weekday preparation and rehearsals, coordination with the worship team, and occasional additional services or events.

Some flexibility in scheduling is expected to meet the needs of worship planning and team coordination.

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

We would love to hear from you!

Please submit the following:

1. Résumé outlining your relevant musical experience, worship leadership, and related qualifications.
2. Audio or video recordings demonstrating your musical abilities and worship leadership. Whenever possible, please include at least one recording of you leading live congregational worship. We welcome recordings that show you leading a congregation in song, working with a worship team, singing, or playing an instrument. Links to existing recordings are welcome.

We are especially interested in seeing how you engage a congregation, collaborate with other musicians, and help create an inviting, participatory worship experience. Professional production quality is not required; we want to see and hear your gifts in action.

Please also include a brief introduction sharing what draws you to contemporary worship leadership and why you are interested in serving at Church of the Palms.

Submit your application to Rev. Conor Peters at cpeters@churchofthepalms.org.
Please ensure all recording links are accessible to the hiring team.

Church of the Palms is committed to a respectful, collaborative workplace and to serving our congregation and community through the love of Christ.