Assistant/Associate Professor of Christian Ministry & Formation

MidAmerica Nazarene University invites applications for multiple full-time faculty positions in the Department of Christian Ministry and Formation. For each open position, the department seeks a faithful Christ-follower, gifted teacher, mentor, scholar, and ordained minister who will contribute to the intellectual, spiritual, and vocational formation of undergraduate students preparing to serve Christ, the church, and the world. Initial review of applicants will begin on December 1st, with interviews planned for January 2027. The intended start date for all positions is August 1, 2027.

Candidates with expertise in the following fields are encouraged to apply: biblical studies (including biblical language proficiency), theology, practical theology, Christian education, philosophy, and intercultural studies. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to teach broadly within the departments undergraduate curriculum and to support programs that prepare students for ministry, service, and ordination in the Church of the Nazarene and in the church universal.

The Department of Christian Ministry and Formation seeks to form students intellectually and spiritually through a Christlike, in-person learning community. The faculty in the department help majors grow to be rooted, mature, contemplative, and missional servants who participate in Gods redemptive work in a variety of ministry settings. The faculty also serve a vital role in the general student population through teaching courses in Christian scripture and tradition to all students. Successful candidates will embrace these commitments and be eager to invest in students through excellent teaching, advising, mentoring, scholarship, and participation in the life of the university and church.

Primary Responsibilities

The faculty member will be expected to:

- Teach undergraduate courses in Christian Ministry and Formation, with teaching assignments based on departmental need.

- Mentor and advise students as they discern and prepare for ministry, service, and vocation, including students pursuing ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.

- Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, and program improvement.

- Participate actively in departmental, college, and university service.

- Apply teaching, mentoring, and scholarly expertise in regular service to the Church of the Nazarene and its mission (local, district, regional, global).

- Maintain appropriate scholarly, professional, and/or ministry engagement in their field of study.

- Support the mission and values of MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have:

- A terminal degree in a field related to Christian Ministry and Formation (candidates nearing the completion of a terminal degree may also be considered).

- Ordination in the Church of the Nazarene and active, engaged membership in the Church of the Nazarene. (District-licensed ministers pursuing ordination may also be considered).

- Demonstrated commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching.

- Ability to teach broadly within the departments curriculum.

- Commitment to mentoring students in their intellectual, spiritual, and vocational formation.

- Commitment to the mission of Christian higher education in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.

- Willingness to participate in service to the department, university, and church.

- Ability to relate to and have meaningful conversations with young adults.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:

- Completed Ph.D. in a field related to Christian Ministry and Formation.

- Successful undergraduate teaching experience.

- Experience in pastoral, intercultural, or other ministry contexts.

- Ability to contribute to multiple areas of the departments curriculum.

- Experience advising or mentoring students preparing for ministry, ordination, and/or graduate studies.

- Evidence of scholarly, professional, and ecclesial engagement.

- Familiarity with the Course of Study requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.

- Appreciation for the broad Christian tradition represented in MNUs student population.

Application:

- Letter of application

- Current resume

- Names and contact information for three professional references

- Statement of faith, including personal faith history and vision for supporting a Christ-centered university community. (2 pages maximum)

Questions about the application process may be directed to the HR Generalist, Abigail Harris, at [email protected].

Statement of Faith: MidAmerica Nazarene University is an intentionally Christian Community and desires that all employees in positions of leadership reflect a foundational Christian position in word, attitude and action. While there is no predetermined length or format for the Personal Statement of Faith, the norm is a one or two page narrative document describing the applicant's central Christian beliefs, significant formative influences in the applicant's Christian experience (e.g., religious experiences of conversion or the affirmation of one's faith, one's family and/or home life, spiritual aspirations), and ways in which the applicant's faith is being demonstrated in daily patterns and practices.

MidAmerica is very much interested in reviewing applications from qualified members of traditionally underrepresented groups in America, including women and racial and ethnic minorities. MidAmerica Nazarene University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion,* age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected class in the recruitment and admission of students, in the hiring process, during employment, and in the operation of all university programs, activities, and services.

*Christian faith and employment at MidAmerica Nazarene University: MidAmerica Nazarene University is an expression of the Church of the Nazarene. It reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Section 702-703, U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964). Preferred candidates demonstrate a strong commitment to the Christian faith, active participation in a local church, and a philosophy of Christian higher education consistent with the Wesleyan tradition.

Read the university's full Non-Discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement at www.mnu.edu/employment.