Worship Artist in Residence

The Worship Artist in Residence position is part of the Richmond Worship Arts Fellowship (RWAF), a unique vocational and Christian discipleship program for artists, as well as a coaching and training program for churches who want to better utilize artists. Over 9-months (September – May), artists are placed as artists-in-residence with host churches in the Richmond, VA area. The Fellowship consists of:

1.  Internship as a worship artists in residence (24-hrs a week; monthly stipend of $1000)

2. Graduate courses in partnership with Leland Seminary (an 18-credit graduate certificate in worship arts is gained free of charge through completion of the program)

3. Retreats, Learning Communities, and Conferences

4. Mentoring

5. Leadership and community service opportunities

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This particular position is with East End Fellowship, a multi-ethnic, economically diverse worshipping community in the east end of Richmond (and a CCDA member church). EEF is a network of house churches who gather together on Sundays for public worship. Their mission is to see that every person in the east end of Richmond has multiple opportunities to become part of Jesus’ spiritual family. They are committed to the witness of the gospel in their context, specifically called to racial healing, biblical justice, and proclaiming the radical and counter-cultural ways of God’s Kingdom here on earth.

Their values are:

• Holy Spirit Power
• Biblical Discipleship
• Biblical Justice and Mercy
• Spiritual Family
• Intentional Evangelism

East End Fellowship has a long history of appreciating the value that the arts, broadly construed, bring to liturgical spaces and practices. They remain committed to fostering spaces for creative expression that deepen communal discipleship and strengthen our collective witness to the world. The Worship Artist in Residence will further this commitment by both building on current congregational assets and bringing their own gifts, passions, and skill sets to forward God’s mission in the east end of Richmond.

Relationships & Supervision: The Worship Artist in Residence reports directly to the Creative Director and meets weekly for supervision and support. The Worship Artist in Residence may also work closely with the Co-Lead Pastor, Worship Director, and Director of Family Ministries.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Execute creative projects as determined in collaboration with their supervisor and relevant staff
• Participate in Sunday worship services as a member of the A/V staff and Worship Team (vocalist or drummer)
• Work with Creative Director and Communications Committee to manage and execute social media posting schedule
• Assist Director of Family Ministries in creative activities for kids during monthly “Family Sunday”
• Assist Director of Family Ministries in organizing creative activities for weekday Youth Group participants
• Meet weekly with supervisor
• Attend staff meeting at least twice a month

Sunday Service Collaboration: Work collaboratively with Creative Director, Worship Director, Co-Lead Pastor, and other staff members and volunteers to integrate artistic elements seamlessly into Sunday worship service, helping to craft a cohesive, creative, and meaningful worship service every Sunday morning. Work with Director of Family Ministries to organize artistic activities for children during monthly Family Sunday services.

Weekday Resourcing: Work collaboratively with the Co-Lead Pastor to develop meaningful artistic activities for house churches that can engage youth as well as adults. Work with Creative Director to curate, edit, and publish social media content. Work with Creative Director and Communications Committee on social media engagement schedule.

Training and Workshops: Provide guidance and training to youth within the congregation who are interested in incorporating their artistic talents into the life of the church, fostering a culture of creativity and inclusion. Assist Ruakh Arts in developing and facilitating a church workshop that discusses the role of the arts in Christian discipleship.

Stewardship of Artistic Resources: Conduct an inventory assessment of digital media archive. Organize, categorize, and edit video content.

Community Engagement: Facilitate opportunities for the congregation to express their creativity and talents, fostering a sense of community through artistic expression. Support Director of Operations with organizing the annual Variety Show and annual Art Gallery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Artistic Proficiency: Ability to contribute to a worship team vocally and/or musically
• Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work collaboratively with the Creative Director, Worship Director, Director of Family Ministries, and Co-Lead Pastor to integrate artistic elements into the worship service and church culture seamlessly.
• Innovative Thinking: Creative and innovative thinking with a passion for exploring new ways to engage the congregation through artistic expressions.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to the dynamic nature of church ministry, including occasional evening or weekend commitments for special events.
• Passion for Worship: A passion for worship and a desire to create meaningful, formative, and spiritually enriching experiences for the congregation.
• Compatibility: Agree to the core values and goals of East End Fellowship, have basic familiarity with the Bible and Christian Doctrine, and be intentional in pursuing God through their own personal spiritual growth.

Hours and Duration: This position is in tandem with Ruakh Art’s Richmond Worship Arts Fellowship (RWAF) which is a 9-month residential program that spans from late August/early September to late May. The Worship Artist in Residence will work part-time, 24 hours each week. The rest of their time is spent participating in other RWAF programming.

Compensation: The Worship Artist in Residence will be provided a $1000 monthly stipend, adding up to $9000 overall. They will have free housing through a host family as well as free seminary level courses, RWAF retreats, mentorship, conference attendance for Calvin Symposium of Worship and The Breath & The Clay, weekly roundtable dinners, and more.