Job Postings
Christian Theological Seminary - Director and Professor of United Methodist Studies
Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) invites applications and nominations for an opening in United Methodist Studies. The position will be full-time, tenure-track or tenured, with faculty rank open to negotiation.
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, CTS is a theologically progressive, ecumenical seminary with historic and ongoing ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The seminary’s mission is to form disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership to serve God’s transforming of the world. Most recently, the new strategic plan reinforces the support of this mission through its intentional focus on student-centeredness, embracing diversity, racial equity, interfaith collaboration, technological mindfulness, and more. Financial health, active Board of Trustees, visionary leadership, talented faculty, and committed staff all position CTS well in continuing its mission.
Position Title: Director and Professor of United Methodist Studies
Department: Academic Affairs/School of Theology
Reports to: Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean
Classification: Faculty
Start Date: July 1, 2024
Position Summary:
The Director of United Methodist Studies is a member of the faculty who oversees the education and preparation of students affiliated with The United Methodist Church and works with the Dean and faculty of the seminary to develop programs, experiences, and resources that accord with the document: A Wesleyan Vision for Theological Education and Leadership Formation in the 21st Century. In addition to teaching students as a faculty member in the School of Theology, the Director will provide theological support to UMC pastors in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Teaching:
As Professor of United Methodist Studies, the professor will teach the required courses in UMC Polity, Theology, and History in accordance with University Senate regulations. In conversation with the VPAA/Dean of the Faculty, the professor may teach other courses in the curriculum that accord with their theological discipline and curriculum needs.
The professor will be given a course reduction so that they can provide direct, theological support to UM pastors at the Annual Conference. That support could come in the form of a pastor-specific course, an ongoing theological conversation with pastors, or some other offering designed by the professor and the pastors.
Program Development & Ethos Cultivation:
As Director of United Methodist Studies, they will coordinate programs beyond the regular curriculum that will help build a strong United Methodist ethos on campus. Such programs might include recruitment events, worship and fellowship opportunities, visits to campus by United Methodist leaders, participation by students in regional and national UMC events, covenant groups, etc. They will monitor United Methodist resources available in the Seminary library and elsewhere on campus, identifying new resources and books essential to UMC students and faculty on campus.
The Director will coordinate efforts and programming with UM faculty, trustees, and adjunct faculty. They will monitor student learning outcomes related to UM theology, history, and polity, and respective district ordination requirements, to assure that UM students are prepared for ordination exams and UM ministry. The Director will meet with each UM student at a minimum each semester, providing encouragement, support, and guidance regarding preparation for ministry within UM contexts. They will keep UM students informed regarding financial and other resources available through the denomination and its Annual Conferences. They will forward important denominational information to UM students. They will also facilitate group meetings among UM students.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: The successful candidate will have:
• A terminal degree (PhD or ThD) in Church History, Theology, or another theological discipline approved by The UMC University Senate
• A thorough knowledge of United Methodist history, theology, and polity and documented approval by The UMC University Senate to teach UM history, theology, and polity.
• A record of or promise for scholarly activity and service to a graduate educational institution; Pastoral and/or seminary teaching experience are highly valued.
• Evidence of a strong commitment to congregational ministry (including possible service as a pastor of congregations) and preparing leaders for the Church.
• Active membership in a United Methodist congregation required.
• Knowledge of current program and emphases within The United Methodist Church, both denominationally and within this North Central jurisdiction
• Ability to organize and implement programs.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
For more information, visit the CTS website at www.cts.edu.
To receive full consideration, application materials must include (1) a letter of interest, (2) a current curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Application materials (in MS Word or PDF format) should be sent via e-mail attachment to humanresources@cts.edu or apply online via our career site at https://cts.isolvedhire.com/jobs/. CTS will not contact references without notifying applicants beforehand.
Review of applications will begin by November 1, 2023, and an appointment will be made no later than July 1, 2024. Applications will be welcomed until the position is filled.
Christian Theological Seminary is an inclusive community of teaching and learning and will carefully review materials submitted by all applicants.
CTS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with respect to recruitment, hiring, or any other status of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other category protected by law.
Date Expires: July 1, 2024
University of Chicago - Assistant Instructional Professor in the Divinity School
The Divinity School at the University of Chicago is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Instructional Professor. Appointments at this rank are for a term of up to three years with the possibility of renewal following a successful review. The start date of the appointment is September 1, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Responsibilities include both teaching and service duties. Teaching consists of section(s) of the undergraduate Social Science Core sequence, “Religion: Cosmos, Conscience, and Community” and course(s) on the Bible, the Bible and American Politics, or other related topics in undergraduate or graduate studies in the Divinity School, for a total of six quarter-length courses across three quarters each academic year. In addition to teaching, the instructor will contribute to the ongoing development of the Core’s curriculum. Responsibilities include preparing and teaching courses, holding regularly scheduled office hours, preparing and grading assignments, and attending staffing meetings. Service duties may include assistance with student placement, programmatic assessment, independent studies, advising BA or MA theses, or other program-specific duties. Instructional Professors of all ranks are required to engage in regular professional development.
The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union. This position is contingent on final budgetary approval.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a social sciences or humanities area relevant to the curriculum. Evidence of successful teaching at the university or four-year college level is required. Experience with theorization of religion is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of relevant languages (especially Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) is preferred.
Application Instructions
To be considered for the position you must submit your application through the University of Chicago Academic Job Opportunities site: http://apply.interfolio.com/144442
Each application must include 1) a curriculum vitae; 2) a cover letter (no longer than 3 pages) describing your academic interests, teaching background, and teaching qualifications; 3) a teaching statement (not to exceed 500 words), 4) syllabi for courses previously taught and/or designed by the candidate or sample syllabi of proposed courses; 5) names and contact information for three references whose letters will be solicited by the Divinity School if the candidate becomes a finalist; and 6) evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as teaching evaluations (not older than three years) or performance reviews.
All materials from each applicant must be received by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 11, 2024. Only complete applications will be considered. Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials following initial review.
If you have any questions, contact Sara Bigger at sfbigger@uchicago.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
Date Listing Expires: May 11, 2024