Assistant Professor of Lutheran Theology and History and Director of Assessment or Grants

Capital University • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in Lutheran Theology and History. This position includes a three-quarters teaching appointment and a one-quarter appointment directing the seminary's assessment process and portfolio or the seminary's grant applications and processes. The nine-month contract will begin in August 2026. Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University is one of the oldest seminaries of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and one of three ELCA seminaries embedded within a university. Trinity's mission is forming leaders for Christ's church at work in the world . The seminary boasts a long tradition of forming leaders who are both academically rigorous and grounded in practical ministry. The successful candidate will teach both introductory and advanced courses in Lutheran theology and history, including Lutheran Confessions and Reformation History. A secondary competence is highly desirable, especially in the areas of Christian education, mission, rural ministry, African American Studies, undergraduate religion classes, etc. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate engagement in scholarship and service that address both the academy and the needs of the church. The position also includes responsibilities in academic advising, scholarly contributions, ecclesial presentations, service at the seminary and university, and either the ongoing assessment of seminary student learning and institutional effectiveness or the ongoing directing of the seminary's grants. Teaching load is 12-14 credits annually distributed across Fall Term, January Term, and Spring Term. While the majority of the seminary curriculum is taught face-to-face, the successful candidate will be expected to teach some online, hybrid, and/or week-long intensive courses, as programmatic needs require. As Ohio's capital and most populated city, Columbus is rich in cultural diversity and the arts. Columbus serves as the center of the state's political activity, and it is home to several Fortune 500 companies. It is the fastest-growing major metropolitan area in the Midwest and the 14th largest city in the nation.

Requirements

• Preferred candidate will have earned a Ph.D. or Th.D. in Lutheran Systematic Theology or Church History. Exceptional ABD candidates may be considered.
• Secondary competence is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability or potential for excellent seminary-level teaching.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to meet expectations for scholarly activity and professional development.
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to develop expertise in programmatic and institutional assessment or directing grants and their applications
• Demonstrated ability or potential to engage in ecclesial presentations (e.g., synods, congregations, camping ministries, etc.)
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative, team-based work and to fostering a healthy, collegial, and supportive academic and work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Professional expertise in parish ministry or its equivalent is highly desired, with preference given to ELCA candidates (ELCA membership not required)

Responsibilities

• Teach both introductory and advanced courses in Lutheran theology and history, including Lutheran Confessions and Reformation History.
• Academic advising
• Scholarly contributions
• Ecclesial presentations
• Service at the seminary and university
• Ongoing assessment of seminary student learning and institutional effectiveness or the ongoing directing of the seminary's grants.

Benefits

• Capital University offers a rich benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, family education benefits, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and free parking.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree