Lipscomb Academy - Head of Spiritual Life

Lipscomb University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Lipscomb Academy seeks a Head of Spiritual Life with deep theological training and experience who will work collaboratively with other members of the Academy’s senior leadership team to ensure full alignment of the Academy’s Christ-centered mission across all policies, practices, programs, curriculum and culture. Lipscomb Academy’s Christian identity is foundational to who we are, shaping not only what we believe but how we live, learn and lead together. Lipscomb’s Statements of Centering Core, Faith and Heritage (attached) clearly articulate the University’s and the Academy’s theological commitments, and the Head of Spiritual Life position will ensure the intentional and daily embodiment of these beliefs. The Head of Spiritual Life of the Academy will strive to ensure coherence between belief and practice by helping faith move from written statements to lived experiences across classrooms, athletics, chapels, relationships and service. This role will seek to provide clarity, consistency and vision so spiritual formation is thoughtfully woven into the life of the school. The Head of Spiritual Life will support the formation of the whole student by creating environments where faith is modeled, explored and lived with integrity and humility. Through pastoral presence, coordination of spiritual programming and support for faculty and staff, this role strengthens a culture of empathy, belonging and Christian witness. In a diverse and changing world, dedicated spiritual leadership equips students to integrate faith with intellect, character, and service, ensuring Lipscomb Academy graduates are not only academically prepared, but deeply and authentically formed.

Requirements

Have deep theological training and experience.
Doctorate degree preferred, but a ministry or theology master’s degree expected.
Experience in Christian education, ministry, chaplaincy, or spiritual formation with youth and/or young adults, including work with/in Christian schools or related youth programming or churches (3 - 5 years preferred).
Capable teacher and mentor to young people.
Strong relational skills and ability to connect with students, faculty, and families.
Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational abilities.
Demonstrated ability to lead with wisdom, empathy, and spiritual maturity.
Be politically neutral, reflecting the 135-year commitment of the Academy to not be aligned with any political party or ideology, right or left; and capable of relating respectfully to families and students from many different demographic, socioeconomic and spiritual backgrounds.
Be proudly Christian, adhering soundly to Biblical beliefs and practices while remaining focused on the goal of being a unified and hope-filled community, grounding students in a shared identity in Christ.
Preferably be an active member of the churches of Christ, respecting the Academy’s century-plus affiliation with churches of Christ.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for the spiritual life of the Academy in alignment with Lipscomb Academy’s mission, core values, and faith commitments.
Maximize alignment of the Academy’s academic objectives with its spiritual goals.
Ensure primacy of the spiritual soul of the Academy without diminishing its classrooms, sports and other components. Spiritual focus, while complementary to other Academy functions and objectives, is the Academy’s lead distinction and must be the driving force.
Help articulate and model a compelling vision for Christian formation that supports students at every stage of development.
Serve as a visible spiritual leader who fosters trust, humility, and authentic faith, and Heritage as clear baselines for spiritual life at the Academy.
Oversee and coordinate spiritual programming for students, including chapels, retreats, service opportunities, small groups, and faith-based initiatives.
Collaborate with division leaders to ensure programming is age-appropriate and responsive to student needs.
Support students in exploring faith, asking meaningful questions, and developing personal spiritual practices.
Provide leadership and coordination for chapel experiences, ensuring they are engaging, Christ-centered, and aligned with the Academy’s theological commitments.
Work with speakers, worship leaders, students, and faculty to plan meaningful worship and reflection experiences.
Partner with faculty and staff to integrate faith into teaching, mentoring, and daily interactions.
Provide resources, encouragement, and opportunities for faculty and staff to grow spiritually.
Support new faculty orientation and ongoing professional development related to the Academy’s faith mission.
Offer pastoral presence and care to students, faculty, and families as appropriate.
Support students during times of personal challenge, loss, or transition, in collaboration with counselors and administrators.
Foster a culture of belonging, grace, and respect grounded in Christian love.
Encourage and support service-learning opportunities that connect faith to action.
Partner with local and global organizations to help students live out Christian service and leadership.
Serve as a member of the Academy’s leadership team and collaborate closely with the Head of School and divisional leaders.
Lead, identify, and collaborate with fellow Academy leaders to pursue adoption and implementation of initiatives relative to employment, enrollment, curriculum, Church of Christ affiliation, chapel schedule, chapel programming, and other Academy standards and activities.
Support the Academy’s commitment to unity, theological humility, and respectful dialogue.
Work in partnership with Lipscomb University and related ministries where appropriate.