Assistant Chaplain Faith Formation

Position: Assistant Chaplain for Faith Formation
Location : St. Davids
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1089
Department: Office of Faith & Practice
Opening Date: 04/02/2026

Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university's main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern's core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.
Position Description

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.
Position Responsibilities
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
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.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university…