Bridges to Belonging Program Associate

What We Are Looking For

Baylor University is seeking a Program Associate for Bridges to Belonging, a grant‑funded project focused on equipping churches to welcome and embrace youth and young adults (ages 13-25) who experience disabilities, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses. This is funded through the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Thriving Congregations Initiative. We are guiding churches in assessing and adapting their ministries in ways that respond to the deep and growing needs of young people impacted by disability in a post‑pandemic and ever‑changing world.

This position will contribute to the coaching and support of our partner churches, the creation of resources to equip churches for accessible ministry, the development and teaching of a new Spiritual Direction training program focused on emerging adults, and the implementation and dissemination of research studies and program evaluation. It is a full‑time position at 30‑40 hours per week for up to two years contingent on available funding.

A bachelor's degree and three years of relevant work experience are required. Spiritual Direction Certification required. A doctoral degree and five years of relevant work experience are preferred. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

• Prior experience in qualitative or mixed‑method research and academic writing
• Desire to see faith communities increase their accessibility and hospitality
• Strong communication skills
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to engage effectively across diverse congregational, theological, and cultural contexts
• Proficiency in conveying research findings in an approachable format for non‑academic and ministerial audiences

The Bridges to Belonging project is equipping churches to pursue and embrace young people (aged 13‑25) with disabilities, including mental health challenges and chronic illnesses, and their families in new ways that lead to spiritual growth, holistic well‑being, belonging, and mutual thriving through accessible Christian practices. This interdisciplinary project is a collaboration of George W. Truett Theological Seminary, the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing (BCDF), and the Center for Church and Community Impact (C3I).

We are funded through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Thriving Congregations Initiative. The principal investigators leading the project include Drs. Angela Reed, Gaynor Yancey, and Erik Carter.

• Support and coach churches engaged in the Bridges to Belonging cohort
• Attend and support the facilitation of large group gatherings at Baylor, conduct site visits, facilitate small group gatherings among church teams, provide ongoing coaching and support through Zoom and in‑person check‑ins, and identify and share relevant resources and organizational connections
• Contribute to the development of curriculum for a new spiritual direction training program focused on emerging adults and mental health
• Serve as a teacher in the new spiritual direction training program
• Supervise and/or provide guidance to students in the Spiritual Direction Training Program
• Collect and write‑up evaluation findings from cohort activities for both scholarly and lay audiences
• Contribute to ongoing qualitative and mixed‑method research studies
• Present project findings at state and national conferences
• Contribute to the writing and development of resources for ministerial and lay audiences related to accessible ministry for youth and young adults, including tips sheets, a toolkit for congregations, and online webinars or courses
• Translate research findings into accessible resources for ministerial audiences
• Collaborate with other team members on all aspects of this project
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with university policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

• Cover letter detailing your research interests, personal connections, and prior experiences related to this position and our Bridges to Belonging project
• Resume or CV
• Contact information for three people who can speak to your interests and potential contributions to this work
• Optional:
  Up to two writing samples (e.g., book chapter, dissertation chapter, journal article, work under review, work in progress)

For questions about the position, please contact Elyse McMullen,

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.