Position: Music Minister

Denomination: United Church of Canada

Job Description:

West Vancouver United Church in West Vancouver, British Columbia invites applications for the position of Music Minister.  In this position, you will lead a celebrated music ministry program at one of the fastest growing United churches in Canada, including leading a nearly 40-member SATB choir with approximately 10 professional soloists and music students and playing a spectacular Martin Pasi mechanical-action tracker pipe organ and Bösendorfer grand piano.  You will collaborate closely with the Lead Minister to shape and enhance worship through wide-ranging sacred music repertoire.

Salary & Hours:

This is a part-time continuous position of 20 total hours a week.  The position salary will be within the range of $50,000 - $60,000 plus pension and benefits, based on music experience and qualifications and consistent with RCCO guidelines.  There are additional remuneration opportunities for work such as wedding, funerals, and extraordinary services. 

Key Responsibilities

Worship Planning & Leadership

Leading worship music from selection to performance — conducting the choir, playing organ and piano, and working closely with the Lead Minister to ensure every service sings with intention and excellence.

·         Plan and select a diverse and wide-ranging repertoire of music, including preludes, postludes, hymns, choir and soloist pieces for regular 10 am Sunday services and regular special services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Christmas Eve.

·         Collaborate with the Lead Minister to ensure music is tightly integrated with the theme and message of each service.

·         Set and maintain outstanding standards for music quality at West Van United.

·         Conduct the choir in weekly rehearsals and during services for 10 months of the year.

·         Plan and coordinate guest soloists and musicians, including repertoire selection.

·         Lead music from the organ and/or piano.

Pastoral & Ministry Functions

Creating space where music draws people in — from Sunday worship to life's most meaningful moments, coordinating with families for weddings and memorials with care and intention.

·         Create an inclusive worship environment that fosters participation and spiritual encounter through music.

·         Ensure music supports and is cohesive with the whole worship gathering.

·         Liaise with families for memorial services and weddings to thoughtfully select, coordinate and perform music.

Administration & Operations

Managing the full operational life of the music program — budget, library, instruments, talent pipeline, and the Sunday service details that make every gathering run seamlessly.

·         Manage the music ministry budget, including section leader and soloist hiring and compensation.

·         Develop and nurture a pipeline of emerging musical talent for soloists, choir members, and instrumentalists as appropriate.

·         Manage the acquisition of new music and maintain the music library

·         Prepare all music slides for Sunday service PowerPoint presentations; as necessary, add lyrics for anthems and melody-only scores for hymns.

·         Contribute to the weekly bulletin as needed (music listings, credits, etc.).

·         Manage the maintenance and care of the mechanical-action tracker Martin Pasi pipe organ, Bösendorfer grand piano and other instruments owned by the church

·         Set up and manage sound equipment as required.

·         Attend staff meetings and participate in collaborative ministry planning.

• Interface with church systems and technology as required.

Desired Qualities & Attributes

We are seeking someone who:

• Is a collaborative partner to the Lead Minister and Executive Director.
• Leads out of their Christian faith, and is aligned with the theological ethos, vision, and ministry of West Van United.
• Fosters authentic community amongst a diverse group of singers in a way that upholds West Van United’s theological commitment to creating space for all people to know and be known by God.
• Understands the heart of worship and understands the way music functions as a ministry.
• Is Spirit-led and responsive to the theological and emotional tone of a service.
• Maintains a high musical calibre while remaining pastorally and spiritually grounded.
• Values creativity, curiosity, and thoughtful innovation.
• Can engage and gently challenge the congregation musically, while honoring its traditions.
• Demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills as a coach and mentor to a diverse group of choir members and musicians.
• Is comfortable working with basic worship technology and production systems.
• Has built a proven track record of directing high quality choral performances

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a music-related field, ideally with training consistent with the standards of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO)
• A minimum of five years choral conducting experience 
• Prior experience conducting, playing piano or organ, or singing in a church setting

Application Instructions

This is an opportunity to be part of shaping and energizing the worship life of a large and growing community of faith eager for both depth and creativity. The right candidate will help foster a culture where music serves as a conduit for spiritual encounter, communal participation, and theological reflection.

Application: Please submit a resume and cover letter to musicsearchteam@wvuc.bc.ca by August 15, 2026. Applications will be handled in strictest confidence by the search team. Applicants are encouraged to include links to video recordings of conducting, and performance, if available. Applicants who are shortlisted will be asked for references and will be required to complete a police information check, including vulnerable sector.

For more information about West Vancouver United Church can visit our website: www.wvuc.bc.ca