Denver Seminary

by Lyman Smith | Jan 27, 2026 | Pastor Opportunities

Professor of Practice, or Assistant or Associate Professor of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

https://denverseminary.edu/professor-of-practice-assistant-or-associate-professor-of-chaplaincy-and-pastoral-care/

Application Process: Please send cover letter and CV to Facultysearch@denverseminary.edu

General Statement of Job Function

Faculty members in Denver Seminary’s Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care program form courageous, faithful, and discerning followers of Christ to bring resurrection hope into institutional spaces marked by suffering, death, and despair.

Specific teaching and administrative responsibilities of the faculty position are outlined in the annual teaching agreement. A standard full-time teaching load is 18 credit hours per academic year for tenure track or 24 hours for non-tenure track. Tenure-track faculty contribute to their academic discipline through scholarly contributions to the literature in their field and through service on at least one standing faculty committee each year.  Non tenure-track faculty are generally exempt from standing committee responsibilities and publishing expectations. In both tracks, faculty speak in academic, professional, and ministry settings to represent Denver Seminary, participate in their division and other seminary projects as assigned by the Academic Dean and attend all functions requiring faculty participation. All faculty help advance Denver Seminary’s globalization initiatives to equip students to work with diverse populations and in multicultural settings. The direct reporting relationship for this position and for all faculty is to the Academic Dean, who conducts annual performance reviews. This faculty member works under the direction of the program director, who determines course teaching assignments and program-related responsibilities, and provides input into annual performance reviews. 

Essential Functions

• Teaching priority will be in the areas of Chaplaincy, Pastoral Care and Counseling.
• Deliver high-impact teaching in graduate-level courses.
• Share administrative duties for the department, e.g., CPE site placement and identification of supervisors, recruitment and support of adjunct faculty, meeting with prospective students and support of enrolled students, etc.
• Mentor students holistically—academically, professionally, and spiritually—toward resurrection-animated courage for institutional ministry, theological wisdom for navigating institutional complexity, and the character to bear faithful witness in secular spaces.
• Integrate faith and professional practice in a way that prepares students for employment and real-world impact.
• Serve the Seminary community through committee work, accreditation support, and collaborative engagement in institutional renewal, participate in governance structures that support seminary-wide flourishing, and contribute to strategic positioning of Denver Seminary as a seminary of the future.
• Participate in Convocation, Commencement, monthly faculty meetings and forums, and other responsibilities and duties expected of all faculty members of Denver Seminary and as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
• If tenure-track, contribute to the body of literature and professional presentations for chaplaincy and pastoral care substantive, scholarly work appropriate for applied disciplines and as described in the Faculty Handbook.
• Other duties as assigned by the Academic Dean

Education/Training

• Relevant terminal degree required for Asst./Assoc. Professor role; desired but not required for Professor of Practice role.
  • Academic and/or Professional Military Education (i.e., SOS, Command and Staff/War College, Intermediate/Senior Chaplain Course)
  • Formal theological training at the Masters level
  • Military Chaplain Candidate experience desired
  • Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) desired

Qualifications

• Committed personal relationship with Jesus Christ required and a lifestyle consistent with the Seminary’s Community Values and Behavioral Commitments
• Agreement with Denver Seminary’s full Statement of Faith and Statement on Human Sexuality as personal conviction and professional commitment, with the understanding that theological conviction informs rather than impedes respectful, caring engagement with all people
• Agreement to abide by all policies set forth in the Faculty Handbook, as well as all other Seminary policies and procedures
• Endorsement held by a Department of Defense recognized endorsing body
• Ministry experience as an Active Duty/Reserve military chaplain
• Professional experience and certifications in chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and/or pastoral care
• Sees Pastoral Counseling as a spiritual, emotional, and embodied practice in areas such as marriage and family, military regulations and protocols, ethics and morality, and modalities such as brief, crisis, stabilization, and disaster counseling.
• Graduate level teaching experience in academic settings and/or within military institutional systems
• Demonstrated administrative capacity and experience
• Cross-cultural experience
• Active membership and participation in the Military Chaplains Association and Association of Professional Chaplains or other certification entity
• Demonstrate understanding of military and veterans’ organizations (e.g., VA, MOA, DAV, VFW, etc.). Membership in at least one of these organizations is desired.

Denver Seminary prepares men and women to engage the needs of the world with the redemptive power of the Gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. Through our educational programs and mentoring process, the Seminary challenges students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and professional in order to lead God’s people in the accomplishment of His mission in the world. The position of Assistant Professor or Professor of Practice/Associate Professor or Professor of Practice supports this mission by: 

Outcomes

• Graduates demonstrating gospel-anchored intellectual courage in pluralistic contexts, appropriate to those settings
• Chaplaincy placements in diverse institutional settings
• Published scholarship that advances theological understanding of institutional chaplaincy ministry (for tenure-track)
• Documented effectiveness in forming reflective practitioners
• Growing network of healthy connections with chaplaincy (especially military) organizations
• Growth in student enrollment in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy programs
• Meeting Student Learning Outcomes pertaining to courses
• Meeting ATS and HLC standards for required course readings, seat time, and all other class requirements for residential, on-line or modified courses.

Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Normal office working conditions including computer usage may require occasional standing, walking, long periods of sitting, climbing stairs, balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Denver Seminary is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence in all areas of ministry and operations. As a faith-based institution, Denver Seminary exercises its legal rights to prefer candidates who affirm and support our Statement of Faith and Community Values, consistent with applicable religious exemptions under federal law.

Application Process

Salary Range: $60,970-$84,655

Compensation: Competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Includes a full benefits package, including relocation/ housing assistance (if needed) and access to professional development support.

Application Process: Please send cover letter and CV to Facultysearch@denverseminary.edu

Folly Beach, SC Church (former United Methodist) is seeking a full-time pastor

by Lyman Smith | Nov 25, 2025 | Pastor Opportunities

Folly Beach, SC Church (former United Methodist) is seeking a full-time pastor.
The former United Methodist Church on Folly Beach, SC (just outside of Charleston, SC) is seeking a full-time pastor who is comfortable in a more formal, traditional form of worship; has the energy and desire to engage in a small, close-knit community; and assist in developing broad ministries within the congregation as it develops an independent, community, and non-denominational identity. The applicant must be comfortable with monthly communion and performing all three modes of baptism. The church follows the lectionary for guidance in its preaching and spiritual development.
Salary package is negotiable. A three-bedroom, 2 bath parsonage is available if desired.
Please send inquiries to current interim pastor, Chaplain (LTC) retired Karen Diefendorf at pastor@follybeachmethodistchurch.com or 217-735-1630 (c).

Buckingham Presbyterian Church is looking for a part-time pastor

by Lyman Smith | Nov 25, 2025 | Pastor Opportunities

My name is Patti Kay Warthen. I am a Ruling Elder with Buckingham Presbyterian Church. Our church is looking for a part-time pastor. Ed Brandt gave us your email address and suggested we ask if you could list us in your weekly email in the hopes there would be one or two who would be interested in applying for this position.

Should anyone be interested, please give them this website in which to post their application: https://clc.pcusa.org

First Christian Church, Everett, PA, is in search of our next Pastor

by Lyman Smith | Jul 7, 2025 | Pastor Opportunities

Qualifications and General Responsibilities:

The Pastor will be a man of established and true character, qualified to preach and teach the Word of God, as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.  The pastor is a (self-employed) employee position, and this person shall have the leadership of the spiritual welfare of the church with the assistance and approval of the Board of Deacons. The pastor shall be a biologically born male who continues to function and practice as a biological male.  The pastor shall seek to enlist people as followers of Christ, preach the Gospel, administer the Sacraments, have under the pastor’s care all the services of public worship, and administer the activities of the church in cooperation with various boards and committees.  The pastor shall be an ex officio advisory member of all boards and committees. The pastor as the chief administrative officer shall be responsible for the supervision, support, and evaluation of church staff, both ministerial and support.  The pastor in coordination with the personnel committee shall be available to discuss and implement such subjects as employment/recruitment, benefits, employee records, safety and disciplinary problems, personnel budget needs. The Pastor must be willing to perform his duties in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of this church.

Specific Responsibilities:

• The pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament church.  The pastor will, by example, lead the church in discipleship and evangelism.
• The pastor will preach and teach the Word of God in order to prepare God’s people for works of service and to equip laborers and leaders.  The pastors shall also seek to develop new leaders by mentoring, teaching, and giving the opportunities to preach as appropriate.  The pastor is responsible for planning ahead to keep staff informed of future events and topics.
• The pastor will guide the leaders of this church as they exercise their leadership ministries.  The pastor is responsible for leading staff meetings.  
• The pastor will (1) provide leadership for Sunday worship, (2) watch over the spiritual welfare of the church, (3) administer the ordinance including baptism, Lord’s Supper, marriages, funerals, baby dedications, etc., (4) instruct the members in true and practical Christian living.  Emphasis is on raising up new young leaders to assist in ministry and to help perform these functions. 
• The pastor will serve to recommend and advise committees as an ex-officio member of all committees in the church.
• The pastor will oversee and provide appropriate leadership to the pastoral, administrative, and secretarial staff.
• The pastor is expected to lead by example in stewardship matters.
• The pastor oversees all church discipline matters.  He should be emotionally mature in interpersonal relations with strong problem solving, conflict resolution, and listening skills.
• The pastor is responsible for all internal communications with the congregation through articles or announcements, written and spoken, using the church newsletters, bulletins, and worship services.  The pastor is also the main spokesperson for the church in all external communications with the community through radio, news media, outreach communications, and social media.
• The pastor will work a minimum of 40 hours per week in addition to responsibilities outside the normal working hours such as evening counseling, visits, funerals, weddings, and community involvement. 
• The pastor will be evaluated within six months, and yearly thereafter of his performance.

Educational Qualifications:

• Minimum of an associate degree and or 5-years in biblical training, ministry or a combination of education and experience.  
• Bachelor’s or higher-level degree in theology or divinity preferred.

Personal and Spiritual Qualifications:

• The pastor maintains a vital personal relationship with the Lord through daily Bible study and prayer and maintains proper priorities at home with his family. The pastor is expected to take at least one day off every week, and regular vacation times away to set an example before the people of Godly balanced family living.
• The pastor will cultivate spiritual gifts within the church body.
• The pastor should have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The pastor must be an individual of proven character, who is characterized by a vital, spirit filled walk with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  This spiritual commitment should be evidenced by regular church attendance (including spouse if married), volunteer ministry involvement outside the area of this position, and by supporting the work of the church through tithes and offerings.

Relationships:

• The Pastor is the spiritual leader of the church.  The pastor must work closely with the congregation to insure unity and oneness among all members.

Compensation:

This is a full-time self-employed position based on qualifications and experience.  There is a church-owned parsonage that is available.  Utilities are included. The church also provides a budget for continuing education and professional expenses. 

Salary Range – $75,000 – $90,000, which includes a generous compensation package (i.e., retirement, health insurance, life & disability insurance, social security tax allowance, and utilities).

Denomination: Non-Denominational

Location: 57 Providence Street, Everett, Pennsylvania, a small town centrally located between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. For additional information you can find us on Facebook.

If interested contact: Steve Claycomb, President, Board of Deacons

claycomb224@gmail.com

(814) 977-1172

The Big Spring Presbyterian Church is seeking a Part-Time Pastoral Position

by Lyman Smith | Jun 27, 2025 | Pastor Opportunities

If you are a Chaplain retiring from the military but not yet ready to fully retire, and wish to move to a beautiful area of the country to serve a small church, consider The Big Spring Presbyterian Church. The church is located in Newville, PA, near Carlisle Barracks. This is a church that has completed a journey of several years transitioning from a long-time pastor, much of which it managed without pastoral leadership. Its missions continue to support local ministries such as Neighbors in Christ (emergency financial support), PAW Packs (food for children), the local food bank, and other efforts. The congregation is strong in hospitality and, being self-supporting, manages its finances, building, grounds, and graveyard responsibly while living within its means.
This is a half-time position for someone who would love and care for this congregation. We are looking for someone who preaches well, provides collaborative leadership with our Session and membership, prioritizes community outreach, offers compassionate pastoral care, and is willing to commit to the congregation for a number of years.
For additional information contact Session Clerk, Sally Kammerer, by email at: bspcclerk@gmail.com

Peace Lutheran Church (LCMC) has a Senior Pastor position available

by Lyman Smith | May 23, 2025 | Pastor Opportunities

Peace Lutheran Church (LCMC) has a senior pastor position available for a Lutheran trained, Master of Divinity professional.

Mission Statement:

Peace Lutheran Church is a faith-gifted people of prayer, praise and proclamation striving to live creatively and faithfully in a time of change. Diverse, yet sharing the presence of Christ.
We gather to:
• Worship our God and be nurtured through word and sacrament.
• Help one another grow in faith fellowship and loving service.
• Unite in reaching beyond the families of Peace Lutheran in order to serve as part of our Lord’s “Light to the Nations”.

Amenities:

Reside in our recently renovated, 5 bedroom, 2 bath parsonage, with wood floors, attached double garage, deck, and a large yard with fence. Utilities are provided. Our compensation is based on the guidelines outlined in the ELCA organization which includes insurance/pension Gold plan from Portico. Also, mileage, social security and Medicare allowances, and continuing education.
Join 300 families in our church ministry and community.

For further details on this exciting opening, contact:

Peace Lutheran Church
520 Central Avenue North
Hazen, ND 58545

701-748-2150