Faculty Position - Theology (Pastoral Leadership)

Vanguard University

The School of Theology and Ministry

Our Mission: The School of Theology and Ministry is committed to educating students who, in becoming people like Jesus, will do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in a world being redeemed by God.

Our Approach: The School of Theology and Ministry focuses on the study of Scripture, theology, and servant leadership rooted in spiritual formation within the Pentecostal tradition. We prepare women and men to flourish in their callings and ministries through a relational journey with professors and students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs across multiple learning modalities.

Position Summary

The School of Theology and Ministry at Vanguard University of Southern California invites applications for a full-timefaculty position in Pastoral Theology and Leadership to begin Fall 2026. A well-qualified candidate will be able to teach online and on-campus at the undergraduate and graduate levels and will be effective in introductory and advanced courses. The candidate will be qualified to teach specialized courses in Christian formation, ministerial practice, and leadership.

The School of Theology and Ministry offers vibrant programs with a commitment to the development of students who will be successful both in scholarly research and ministry practice. We are seeking candidates who share this commitment and can demonstrate a high level of teaching effectiveness both in the classroom, online, and in mentoring relationships. Given the pastoral leadership and ministry training emphasis of this appointment, candidates must also be willing to cultivate partnerships with local churches and ministry organizations to create meaningful internship opportunities for students. Additionally, the candidate will mentor students in the process of vocational discernment, helping them explore their call to ministry and develop the practical skills necessary for effective Christian leadership.

Since Vanguard University is affiliated with the Assemblies of God and prepares ministers for Christian service, we are seeking candidates who are Pentecostal and Charismatic in practice and whose teaching will reflect the theological positions of the Assemblies of God. Applicants who wish to make progress in the selection process must show evidence that they are credentialed with the Assemblies of God.

Essential Functions

• Teach a standard faculty load of 24 units annually across School of Theology and Ministry programming and the university core curriculum, specifically in the areas of pastoral leadership, Christian ministry, and spiritual formation.
• Provide a transformational education and genuine care for students that will foster a Spirit-empowered life.
• Mentor students within the various Theology and Ministry programs, including the maintenance of regular on-campus and online office hours as prescribed by the university faculty handbook.
• Cultivate partnerships with the Assemblies of God, local churches, and ministry organizations to foster cooperation and to provide internship and ministry training opportunities.
• Lead initiatives as assigned by the School of Theology and Ministry.
• Participate in School of Theology and Ministry governance.
• Perform committee work as prescribed by the university faculty handbook.
• Serve the academic and wider community through:
• pursuing a research agenda (including publications and presentations),
• engaging in university activities and initiatives, and
• actively participating in a local church.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD in Pastoral Theology or DMin strongly preferred. Applicants in closely related fields are also encouraged to apply.
• Teaching experience in a university/college and online setting strongly preferred.
• Effective in-person classroom presence, online pedagogical experience, cross-cultural teaching experience, and the ability to engage students of all types, regardless of major.
• Strong evidence of a deep personal faith and a desire to nurture students as they grow in their faith and in their understanding of their personal calling.
• Evidence of a scholarly agenda with a plan for future scholarly work.
• Ministerial credentials and good standing with the Assemblies of God.
  
  

Salary

This is a full-time position. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Assistant Professor: $60,595 to $81,501
• Associate Professor: $70,676 to $95,190
• Professor: $82,031 to $113,974
  
  

Placement at appropriate rank (e.g., Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) and initial salary are dependent upon education, experience, and based on Vanguard's faculty compensation schedule.The upper range is reserved for candidates that demonstrate the highest level of proficiency within a particular rank. Vanguard University also offers a very competitive and generous benefits package.Vanguard offers both tenure track and term faculty contracts; the type of contract offered will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications at the time of hire.

Position open until filled. For priority consideration, apply by December 15, 2025.

Questions about this position may be directed to the Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry: renea.brathwaite@vanguard.edu.

Application Procedure

Please complete and submit the application along with the required documents via the online portal only. Do not send your documents directly to the dean.

STEP 1

All applicants must submit the following two items to initiate their applications.

• Cover Letter, specifying the role sought and summarizing reasons for application.
• Curriculum Vitae:
  
  

Be sure that your curriculum vitae includes all of the following:

• Colleges/universities attended, location, & degree or units earned.
• Majors or fields of study, undergrad & graduate majors, minors, & areas of concentration.
• With the most recent first, a chronological listing of teaching experience - include name and location of institutions, title/academic rank, full/part-time, dates of employment
• A specific listing of courses previously taught (include semester)
• Publications, presentations, honors, awards, and memberships in professional organizations
• With the most recent first, a list of non-faculty employment - include position/title, whether full/part-time, dates of employment
• Any other qualifying experience, paid or voluntary
• A list of references - Names, e-mail, and phone numbers of at least 3 people with whom you are not related and whom we may contact for an evaluation of your professional abilities.
• Personal Testimony of Relationship with Jesus Christ
  
  

Please provide a brief account of your experience of coming to faith in Christ and your understanding of the Pentecostal life. Include current church attendance, ministry, outreach and service involvement, and any experience you have had with the Assemblies of God or other Pentecostal churches.

STEP 2

Candidates who advance to the next round of the search will be asked to provide the following items.

• Additional Essays:
• Philosophy of Christian Education and Role of a Christian University
  
  

Explain what you believe to be the elements essential to the educational theory & practice of a Christian University.

• Integration of Faith, Teaching, and Scholarship
  
  

Explain how you integrate your faith with your discipline & in your teaching and scholarship.

• Pastoral Reference Letter
  
  

The letter should include a description of the nature and length of your relationship with the leader.

• Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process. However, validated and notarized transcripts are required prior to employment.
  
  

STEP 3

Candidates being considered as semi-finalists or finalists may be asked to supply additional materials, including a short video on a topic to be specified in future communication.

STEP 4

Finalists will be invited to campus for interviews, a public lecture/presentation, and introductions to key university leaders and personnel.

• The above requested attachments must be included in the appropriate sequence in order for action to be taken on the application. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled or until there are a sufficient number of applicants in the pool.
  
  

To apply, please visit: https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=7006424

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