FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA)
Jackson, Mississippi
“First Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God by making disciples in our neighborhood, our communities, and the world”
Job Description for Organist/Music Associate
OVERVIEW AND MISSION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church of Jackson exists to glorify God by making disciples in our neighborhood, our communities, and the world. In His providence, God has placed us on the corner of North State and Pinehurst Streets, in midtown Jackson. We resolve to be good neighbors and gospel witnesses in the neighborhoods around our church campus. We draw members and visitors from the entire metro-Jackson area. We will continue to make disciples in our city by equipping believers to live for Christ in their homes, their workplaces, and in their neighborhoods across our region. For more information please visit our website, First Presbyterian Church.
JOB SUMMARY
First Presbyterian Church seeks a gifted and well-trained organist to partner with the Director of Music in leading the congregation in worship and supporting choirs and instrumental ensembles as they use their God-given gifts for His praise. The ideal candidate will be a skilled musician proficient in both organ and piano, a confessing Christian in full agreement with the church’s doctrinal positions, and one who models a faithful Christian life at home and in ministry within the church.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AS ORGANIST
- Lead Worship through Music – Provide organ and piano accompaniment for all worship services, preparing thoughtfully and prayerfully for each aspect of the music.
- Rehearse & Accompany – Play for Adult and Student Choir rehearsals (regular and special), as well as accompany soloists, ensembles, and instrumentalists for worship and church events.
- Practice & Growth – Commit to regular practice with the goal of strengthening keyboard skills, expanding repertoire, and continuing musical development.
- Special Services – Play for weddings and funerals as scheduled; arrange for qualified substitutes during approved absences.
- Instrument Care – Oversee maintenance and tuning of the church’s keyboard instruments, including the 65-rank Casavant (op. 3862) organ and the 1982 Thomas Pixton harpsichord.
- Staff Participation – Attend staff meetings and other planning meetings as required.
- Community Engagement – Occasionally present organ concerts for the church and community, sometimes in collaboration with other musicians.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AS MUSIC ASSOCIATE (Tailored to gifts and skills)
- Administrative & Communication Support – Assist the Director of Music with clerical, organizational, and communication needs for the entire music ministry.
- Student Choir Leadership – Provide organizational leadership for Student Choir programs, including curriculum development and volunteer recruitment/retention.
- Handbell Ministry – Help establish and direct handbell ensembles using the church’s three octaves of Schulmerich Handbells.
- Choir Sectionals – Lead sectional rehearsals for Adult and Student Choirs as needed.
- Children’s Choir Leadership – Support graded Children’s Choir programs, including curriculum, volunteer coordination, and program organization.
- Other Ministries – Assist with music for church ministries such as the Twin Lakes Fellowship when feasible.
- Worship Participation – Participate in the Sunday evening worship service and related rehearsals.
- Additional Duties – Carry out other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Music.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
- This is a full-time, year-round position.
- The schedule includes both fixed commitments and flexible hours for preparation, practice, and administrative work.
Required Commitments:
- Sundays: Rehearsals and services, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 4:30–7:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays: Staff meeting, 9:00–10:30 a.m.
- Wednesdays: Choir rehearsals, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- Special Events: Additional rehearsals, services, weddings, and funerals as scheduled.
- Music of Christmas: Rehearsals and services (typically the third weekend in December, Saturday and Sunday).
Additional Expectations:
- Flexibility is required to accommodate special events and seasonal demands.
- If the candidate assumes a larger portion of the administrative responsibilities, regular office hours may be established (e.g., Monday–Thursday or Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Organist/Music Associate is offered an annual salary, payable in 26 equal bi-weekly installments. FPC Jackson provides a comprehensive benefits package that supports their well-being and financial security. Benefits available to eligible full-time staff members include:
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
Life insurance
Retirement (after one year of service)
Paid time off
Opportunities for professional development
A summary of all available benefits will be available once a candidate begins to proceed in the interview process.
