Update: Minister of Music Search

While you have not heard much regarding our plans and preparation following Alex's departure, I assure you that we have been working behind the scenes to ensure this period of transition is smooth. These past few weeks we focused on Alex and Rolyn, celebrating the ministry gifts they have shared with us. I am grateful for the many ways you celebrated them and showed your appreciation. And we continue to hold them in our prayers as Alex gets a short break before beginning in a new congregation!

I know the questions are starting, what next? What will music in worship look like in the next few months? How will we find someone to fill this role?

Here is our current plan and where we are in terms of process:

What are we doing for music?

Through August, we will have a variety of musical offerings in worship. Alex has organized a small ensemble to lead us in worship on July 27. We have arranged a supply pianist/organist for August 3. I will play guitar on August 10. The remainder of August will be a combination of all of these. Starting in September, we are working on arranging an interim supply pianist/organist. We may extend that interim into October as needed. I will be speaking with the bell choir and our vocal choir about the possibilities of coming together for occasional offertory anthems plus inviting others who have musical talents in our congregation to share those gifts in this same way. It is my hope that our current musical offerings will continue just in a less regular way, while opening the door for other possibilities during this time of transition.

Where are we at in the search for a new Minister of Music?

A job description is currently being worked on by the council and vetted with other professional church musicians. At the same time, we are preparing to ask 4-5 members to be a part of the search team that will do initial interviews of candidates. It is my hope that in the next 2-3 weeks a team will be formed and the job description will be posted. We will conduct interviews as people apply. As soon as we post the job description, we will share it with the congregation.

Where will you post the job description?

I have obtained multiple recommended sources to post the job from other church musicians and clergy. We will post in all of the local organ and church musician guilds, within our synod and other nearby synods, local seminaries, local colleges, and in ministry Facebook groups. I have connections with multiple music teachers in Fairfax and Loudon counties who have offered to share the job in their circles. If you have a recommendation of other job boards we can post to, please send me an email at PastorKenny@ChristServes.org.

When will we have someone hired?

As someone who likes to plan, I wish I had an answer to this question! Church musician jobs can be challenging to fill. There are currently not many openings in our area which plays in our favor. I also believe our congregation is unique in the way you all care for your leaders and the flexibility we have in our ministry, which is incredible! I believe the position we are building is going to stand out and be exciting for anyone who loves music, loves the church, and loves people. So, I am hopeful that this process will not take too long. BUT I also want to be clear that finding the right fit and right person for the role is the priority. The search team and council are not going to rush into hiring someone. We will surround the process with prayer and thoughtful discernment, taking our time to find the one whom God is calling.

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As we enter this time of transition, I ask that you all keep an open mind and be filled with grace. There will be change. There will be things that don't go smoothly. There will be mistakes. There will be things you might not like. But I also believe there will be pleasant and joyful surprises. There will be life-giving moments. There will be beautiful music. There will be opportunities to learn and grow. And, most definitely, God will be praised and present to us as we worship and continue to build this community!

We will continue to keep you posted as new developments happen. In the mean time, please pray for your leadership and the search team. Pray for the person God is already preparing for us. Pray for this church and pray with a confidence that if God can raise the dead, God can and will most certainly guide us through this transition and to a beautiful and new holy place!

In Mission with You,

Pastor Kenny