Senior Researcher

Overview

Full Time — Grand Rapids, MI, US

Empower Ministry Through Research – One Insight at a Time

Do you have a passion for understanding how people engage with Scripture and a desire to use research to advance discipleship worldwide? At Our Daily Bread Ministries’ Center for Bible Engagement (CBE), we’re committed to making the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all. As a Senior Researcher, you’ll play a vital role in that mission by leading empirical research initiatives that deepen the Church’s understanding of Bible engagement and spiritual formation.

From designing and executing studies to guiding a research team and presenting actionable insights, your work will directly inform ministry strategy and help transform lives through God’s Word.

• Lead with Expertise:
  Design, implement, and analyze quantitative and qualitative research studies focused on Bible engagement, discipleship, and spiritual growth.
• Guide and Oversee:
  Supervise researchers and analysts to ensure timely, high-quality project execution and deliverables.
• Manage the Process:
  Direct all phases of the research workflow—instrument creation, sampling, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Collaborate for Impact:
  Work with internal ministry leaders and external partners to align research with organizational strategy; familiarity with the 4DX model is a plus.
• Communicate Clearly:
  Present findings in written reports, academic papers, presentations, and ministry-friendly formats for diverse audiences.
• Ensure Biblical Integrity:
  Maintain theological consistency and biblical fidelity across all research outputs.
• Advance the Mission:
  Support grant writing and fundraising efforts related to research initiatives.

• Education:
  
  Ph.D. or terminal degree in psychology, sociology, religious studies, or a related discipline emphasizing research methods.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum 5 years of conducting empirical research, preferably in ministry or faith-based contexts; demonstrated success managing research teams and timelines.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Strong skills in survey development, statistical analysis tools (SPSS, R, etc.), and data visualization platforms such as Tableau.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Excellent written and oral communication with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for both scholarly and ministry audiences.
• Spiritual Alignment:
  Familiarity with faith-based audiences, sensitivity to evangelical Christian values, and a life consistent with biblical principles, demonstrating ongoing spiritual growth.
• Theological Foundation:
  Theological education (M.Div., M.A. in Theology) or equivalent ministry experience preferred.

• Mission-Focused Work:
  Every study you lead informs strategies that help people engage deeply with God’s Word.
• Christ-Centered Culture:
  Join a team that serves, prays, and grows together—with weekly chapel, spiritual encouragement, and shared commitment to the Gospel.
• Opportunity to Grow:
  Build your research, leadership, and communication skills in a supportive and collaborative environment that values excellence and spiritual impact.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  Competitive health coverage, 401(k) with employer match, tuition scholarships, summer schedule adjustments, chaplain services, and more.

If you’re ready to use your research expertise and your heart for ministry to help advance God’s Kingdom through data-driven insight, we’d love to hear from you.