Tenure Track, Full Time Faculty Christian Ministry

PLNU 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 Gods 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.

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The Reuben Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University is seeking candidates for a full-time tenure-track teaching position as Assistant or Associate Professor of Christian Ministry with an emphasis in global Christianity intercultural studies compassionate ministries and spiritual formation and the ability to teach undergraduate General Education courses in Bible. The University is seeking candidates who are ordained (or in the process of licensure and ordination) in the Church of the Nazarene and capable of excellent teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels committed to significant involvement with students both within and outside of the classroom and interested in participating in the academic units service learning and/or undergraduate research programs.

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

Application Deadline: October 25 2025

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 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 pay scale based on experience and academic rank. Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $77357 to $133945. The actual salary will be based on the experience rank and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.

Job Description:

The Reuben Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University is seeking candidates for a full-time tenure-track teaching position as Assistant or Associate Professor of Christian Ministry with an emphasis in global Christianity intercultural studies compassionate ministries and spiritual formation and the ability to teach undergraduate General Education courses in Bible. The University is seeking candidates who are ordained (or in the process of licensure and ordination) in the Church of the Nazarene and capable of excellent teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels committed to significant involvement with students both within and outside of the classroom and interested in participating in the academic units service learning and/or undergraduate research programs.

TheReuben Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry has a strong commitment to quality teaching and passion for building Christian community with students a tradition of high-impact academic practices and experience in using skills for collaborative and interdisciplinary work.Responsibilities begin August 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Provide instruction including some general education and service courses.

• Successful candidates will work strategically with a broad group of 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

• Work with students who seek experience in intercultural and global Christian ministry and mentor students from a broad range of backgrounds and communities

• Collaborate with denominational programs in the Church of the Nazarene as it relates to work at the university.

• Contribute to culturally responsive ministry initiatives within the Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry

Qualifications:

• Education:Doctoral degree (completed or in-progress) with competency related to intercultural studies theology and Bible (with an emphasis in global Christianity mission and spiritual formation).

• Teaching Experience:Evidence of a commitment to excellence in (undergraduate/graduate) teaching at a Christian liberal arts university within the Wesleyan tradition. Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching students from a broad range of backgrounds is preferred.

• Professional Experience:Pastoral ministry work and experience with professional missions global Christian engagement and compassionate ministry.

• Philosophical:Thorough commitment to the concept of Christian liberal arts education and a desire to work in a Christian university in the Wesleyan tradition. Supportive of the religious and educational goals of the university and its sponsoring denomination.

• Personal:Evidence of Christian commitment and active church addition faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNUsCommunity Life Covenant.

• Professional:Evidence and promise of scholarly research and publication within Christian ministry specifically spiritual formation and discipleship and community care and engagement for a broad range of communities.

• Ordained or seeking licensure and ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.

• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants including those with criminal histories in a manner consistent with state and local Fair Chance laws.

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 select number will be chosen and advanced 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 including:

- Sharing your personal testimony or faith journey

• Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education including but not limited to:

  • Integration of your faith into coursework and learning

  • Modeling your Christian faith to students in an authentic way

  • Encouraging students in their own spiritual journey

• Provide names and contacts for 3 references at least one professional contact who can speak to your teaching potential and one person in leadership at your church who can speak to your Christian character and church involvement (references will only be contacted if you are advanced as a finalist candidate)

• Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed

If you have questions about items for the application please contact the Office of Human Resources at or the Search Committee chair (The Rev. Dr. Brad Kelle) at

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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 Gods 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.