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Form of workPLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God's kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship.
The School of Theology and Christian Ministry is seeking applicants for a three-year, full-time Visiting Assistant Professor beginning in Fall 2024. The position includes teaching undergraduate and graduate Christian Ministry courses, teaching general education courses, and academic advising and other school and committee responsibilities. This position also includes programmatic responsibilities in the Pilgrimage Innovation Hub research initiative. These responsibilities can include leading pilgrimages, training pilgrimage guides, and/or participating in the research. However, the specifics will be determined in light of the hired person's skills and interests.
The Pilgrimage Innovation Hub is a grant-funded research initiative that aims to make the practice of pilgrimage a more accessible and meaningful component of youth and young adult ministry for congregations and Christian organizations across North America. With an emphasis on justice and creative pedagogy, this project seeks to break through common stereotypes of pilgrimage and cultivate practices, experiences, and resources that connect well with young people's deepest questions.
Benefits:
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches and a robust wellness program.
Salary:
PLNU pays its faculty using a payscale based on experience and academic rank. Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $69,630 to $113,916. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.
Job Status:
Full time
Job Description:
PLNU is a vibrant Christian liberal arts university in the Wesleyan tradition with an undergraduate and graduate student body of around 4000, including over 40% students of color. PLNU seeks to attract an active, culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled in the practice of teaching and scholarship. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide quality educational and employment opportunities, PLNU actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education.
The School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University has a respected tradition of service to the University and the broader catholicity of the Church, with a particular connection to the Southwest Region of the Church of the Nazarene. The School consists of eleven full-time faculty who are actively engaged in research, teaching, and church ministry. The School provides general education courses and offers majors in Christian Studies, Philosophy, and Theology, Justice, & Peace with a variety of concentrations and minors for undergraduates. The School is committed to the educational preparation and development of women and men for ministry, including ordained ministry. The School also offers a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree.
Responsibilities:
- Provide instruction including some general education and service courses.
- Successful candidate will work strategically with diverse colleagues, students, parents and community members.
- Engage in personal scholarship and scholarship with students (where possible)
- Advise students academically, spiritually, and socially
- Participate in departmental activities and governance
- Serve on university faculty committees/working groups and perform other normal faculty duties
- Contribute in preparing students for their post graduate career and finding who they are called to be
Qualifications:
- Candidates possessing a Ph.D. or D.Min. in a theological or ministerial discipline are preferred, but consideration will be given to candidates with a Master of Divinity degree who are enrolled in an appropriate doctoral degree program or bring a unique depth of experience in justice-related pilgrimage work. Candidates should have broad ministry experiences and have pastoral leadership experience in multicultural contexts. Candidates must have the ability to interact with a wide range of faith communities and offer spiritual guidance to students.
- Candidates must exhibit a commitment to effective teaching, competency in leading and executing programs, and ability to work well in multicultural contexts. Along with fluency in English, it is preferred that candidates are also fluent in another language.
- The University and School require that all candidates approach theology from a Wesleyan theological perspective, be in agreement with the mission and doctrines of the Church of the Nazarene, and agree to live within the mission and vision of the University.
- Experience: Evidence of a commitment to excellence in (undergraduate/graduate) teaching. Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching students from diverse backgrounds is preferred.
- Philosophical: Thorough commitment to Christian liberal arts education and a desire to work in a Christian university. Supportive of the religious and educational goals of the university and its sponsoring denomination.
- Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU's Community Life Covenant.
- (Search Committee may expand here)
Selection Process:
Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:
- Phone/Zoom Interview
- Dialogue with students and faculty
- Lecture presented to faculty and student
- Evidence of successful teaching, if applicable
- Interview with the Academic unit leader
- Interview with the Dean of the Colleges
- Interview with the Provost
- Interview with the President of the University
Special Instructions:
When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Personal Faith
- Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education
- Provide names and contacts for 3 references, at least one professional contact who can speak to your teaching potential (references will only be contacted if you are advanced as a finalist candidate)
- Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed (Search Committee discretion)
If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu or Jessica Dunlop, Administrative Assistant
School of Theology & Christian Ministry
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, California 92106
619.849.2234 or email at JessicaDunlop@pointloma.edu
At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God's love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.
Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.
