Chaplain Resident and Coordinator of Community Engagement at Westminster College

Chaplain Resident and Coordinator of Community Engagement at Westminster College

Reports to: Chaplain and Director of the Center for Faith & Service

Westminster College is seeking outstanding candidates for the position of Chaplain Resident and Coordinator of Community Engagement. Westminster is a small liberal arts college in mid-Missouri of approximately 700 students. Our mission is to create “leaders of success, significance, and service…” through our “distinctive liberal arts curriculum and dynamic developmental experiences” (From the Westminster College Mission Statement).

The Center for Faith & Service is a relatively new initiative on the Westminster campus, created in the summer of 2016 through the merging of the Office of Spiritual Life, the Office of Community Engagement, and the Office of Intercultural Engagement. It serves as a radically inclusive, justice‑oriented hub for campus involvement and connection with the local community. Our next Chaplain Resident will assist in the implementation of our mission, creative response to our evolving campus context, and discernment of long‑term goals.

Westminster’s Chaplain Residency Program seeks to support recent divinity school or seminary graduates who feel called to college chaplaincy. This position is designed as a learning opportunity to provide hands‑on experience and mentorship in the context of a small liberal arts college.

The Chaplain Resident will serve as a member of the Center for Faith & Service staff, offering a ministry of pastoral care and spiritual support for students, faculty, and staff. In addition, they will oversee community engagement initiatives and other areas of focus determined in conversation with the Chaplain and Director of the Center for Faith & Service. The Chaplain Resident will also serve on the faculty, teaching at least two undergraduate courses during their tenure  ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to creating meaningful encounters for students of multiple worldviews and identities, a deeply rooted commitment to their own spirituality, a passion for mentoring and journeying alongside traditional college students, and a robust understanding of ethical service.

Because this position works closely with the Office of Intercultural Engagement, we seek someone with a welcoming, inclusive theological paradigm who thrives in an multi‑faith environment. The ideal candidate demonstrates an enthusiastic interest in exploring ministry within the ever‑shifting context of higher education.

• Serving as part of the Center for Faith & Service staff (~50% of the resident’s weekly time)
  • Crafting programs and initiatives with other Offices of the Center for Faith & Service (religious/spirituality programming, service opportunities, educational programs, diversity‑related programming, etc.)
  • Meeting with and providing pastoral care to students
  • Other initiatives determined in collaboration with the Director of the Center for Faith & Service based on candidate interests and emerging campus need
• Teaching one academic course per semester (~25% of the resident’s weekly time), based on the expertise of the candidate and institutional need (e.g., Religious Studies, Westminster Seminar, Leadership Studies, etc.).
• Coordinating the Office of Community Engagement (~25% of the resident’s weekly time)
  • Creating and coordinating opportunities for student involvement in communities beyond the Westminster College campus including annual programs such as Alternative Spring Break, regular blood drives, and other volunteer opportunities.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with community partners

All candidates must have earned a graduate degree in theological education, including, but not limited to an MDIV, MTS, or similar degree and have graduated in Fall 2019, Spring/Summer 2020, or have earned their degree from an accredited institution within the last 12 months. While ordination is not required, the candidate must demonstrate a commitment to a spiritual tradition or community of faith and be rooted within a meaningful spiritual paradigm.

Experience in any service‑oriented…