Senior Researcher

Our Daily Bread Ministries • Grand Rapids, MI

2d

About The Position

Empower Ministry Through Research – One Insight at a Time

Do you have a passion for understanding how people engage with Scripture and a desire to use research to advance discipleship worldwide? At Our Daily Bread Ministries’ Center for Bible Engagement (CBE), we’re committed to making the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all. As a Senior Researcher, you’ll play a vital role in that mission by leading empirical research initiatives that deepen the Church’s understanding of Bible engagement and spiritual formation. From designing and executing studies to guiding a research team and presenting actionable insights, your work will directly inform ministry strategy and help transform lives through God’s Word.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in psychology, sociology, religious studies, or a related discipline emphasizing research methods.
• Minimum 5 years of conducting empirical research, preferably in ministry or faith-based contexts;demonstratedsuccess managing research teams and timelines.
• Strong skills in survey development, statistical analysis tools (SPSS, R, etc.), and data visualization platforms such as Tableau.
• Excellent written and oral communication with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for both scholarly and ministry audiences.
• Familiarity with faith-based audiences, sensitivity to evangelical Christian values, and a life consistent with biblical principles,demonstratingongoing spiritual growth.

Nice To Haves

• Theological education (M.Div., M.A. in Theology) or equivalent ministryexperiencepreferred.
• familiarity with the 4DX model

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and analyze quantitative and qualitative research studies focused on Bible engagement, discipleship, and spiritual growth.
• Supervise researchers and analysts to ensuretimely, high-quality project execution and deliverables.
• Direct all phases of the research workflow—instrument creation, sampling, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Work with internal ministry leaders and external partners to align research with organizational strategy; familiarity with the 4DX model is a plus.
• Present findings in written reports, academic papers, presentations, and ministry-friendly formats for diverse audiences.
• Maintaintheological consistency and biblical fidelity across all research outputs.
• Support grant writing and fundraising efforts related to research initiatives.

Benefits

• Mission-Focused Work:Every study you lead informs strategies that help people engage deeply with God’s Word.
• Christ-Centered Culture:Join a team that serves, prays, and grows together—with weekly chapel, spiritual encouragement, and shared commitment to the Gospel.
• Opportunity to Grow:Build your research, leadership, and communication skills in a supportive and collaborative environment that values excellence and spiritual impact.
• Comprehensive Benefits:Competitive health coverage, 401(k) with employer match, tuition scholarships, summer schedule adjustments, chaplain services, and more.

What This Job Offers

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