Assistant Chaplain Faith Formation

Position: Assistant Chaplain for Faith Formation
Location: Saint Davids

Eastern University is seeking a dedicated and visionary Assistant Chaplain for Faith Formation. Reporting directly to the University Chaplain in the Division of Student Development, this role is pivotal in fostering a vibrant, missional, and inclusive spiritual environment. The Assistant Chaplain will lead efforts in student discipleship, service, and area church partnerships, ensuring every student has a pathway for spiritual growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Spiritual Formation & Retreat Oversight

* Retreat Leadership:
Design and oversee faith formation retreats and missional immersion experiences (exploring the intersection of faith, reason, and justice).

* Program Execution:
Manage the retreat calendar, including one weekend in the fall and two in the spring at the Daylesford Abbey, serving students annually with a vision for growth.

* Departmental

Collaboration:

Partner with academic and administrative departments to integrate spiritual formation into the broader student experience.

2. Missional Service & Ministry Supervision

* Service Opportunities:
Oversee and develop missional service programs, including the YACHT Club, Prison Ministry, and International Justice Mission (IJM).

* Ministry Mentorship:
Provide direct supervision and leadership training for diverse student "ministries" such as the Newman Club, Wednesday Night Worship, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and the Interfaith Club.

* Prayer Advocacy:
Support the Un:

Ceasing Prayer Ministry and coordinate various prayer, Bible study, and monthly chapel opportunities.

3. Strategic Outreach & Digital Presence

* Online Strategy:
Develop and implement a missional online strategy to maintain a consistent spiritual presence in digital spaces.

* Church Liaison:
Act as a primary liaison to area churches, developing strategies to connect students with area congregations for long-term ecclesiastical health.

* Internal "Bridge" Building:
Serve as an intentional connection point for specialized campus groups

4. Pastoral Care & Administrative Support

* Student Support:
Provide consistent, empathetic pastoral support to students as needed.

* Annual Events:
Assist with the coordination and execution of the annual May Baccalaureate service.

Qualifications

* Ministerial Leadership: 3-5 years of experience in college chaplaincy, youth ministry, or pastoral leadership, with a proven track record of mentoring young adults.

* Retreat & Event Management:
Experience planning and executing multi-day retreats, including logistics, curriculum development, and student safety/risk management.

* Supervisory

Experience:

Ability to supervise and train student leaders for various campus ministries.

* A deep commitment to the Christian faith and the mission of Eastern University.

* Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage various projects simultaneously.

* Experience in mentorship and leadership development within a diverse, multi-denominational setting.

* Excellent communication skills, both in-person and through online platforms.

Requirements

* Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent: A graduate degree in theology, ministry, or a related field from an accredited seminary or university is standard.

* Theological Alignment:
Candidates should demonstrate an educational background that resonates with Eastern University's mission statement and its commitment to the intersection of faith, reason, and justice.

* Denominational Credentials:
Formal ordination or licensing within a recognized Christian denomination.

Preferred Qualifications & Certifications

* Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE):
Completion of at least one unit of CPE.

* Higher Education

Experience:

Coursework or a secondary degree in Higher Education Leadership or Student Affairs.