Our colleagues at The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) welcome applications and nominations for a tenure-eligible position in Lutheran systematic theology with an expertise in global Lutheranism, at the assistant or associate rank. For details, see https://www.lstc.edu/about/resources/employment, or contact Dr. Mark Swanson, chair of the search committee, at STsearch@lstc.edu.
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Position in Lutheran Systematic Theology
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) welcomes applications and nominations for a tenure-eligible position in Lutheran systematic theology with an expertise in global Lutheranism, at the assistant or associate rank.
We seek a scholar with a record of inspiring teaching who can (1) help master’s students learn the Lutheran theological heritage as a lively gift and voice in a larger ecumenical and global chorus, and (2) mentor advanced (including Ph.D.) students in bringing Lutheran resources into conversation with the concerns, methods, and discourses of the global church and the broader academy.
We invite flexibility in the understanding of “systematic theology,” and seek a teacher and mentor with a wide intellectual range and ministerial sensibility. We especially hope for a candidate with interest and competence in queer, Latinx, post-colonial/decolonial, or ecological theological and hermeneutical perspectives.
In a theological seminary whose mission includes vocational formation, responsibilities include:
- Teaching courses (1) at the master’s level of our Public Church curriculum, including introductory courses in systematic theology, the Lutheran Confessions, and advanced courses on particular loci; and (2) graduate courses, including introductory and advanced seminars in our strongly international and ecumenical Ph.D. program.
- Mentoring students at all levels, engaging with (1) the formational processes of candidates preparing for (ordained and lay) ministry, as well as (2) accompanying and advising Ph.D. students.
- Participating in and contributing to the life of a publicly engaged community of learning as it leans into the future of Lutheran theological education in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and throughout the world.
Requirements
Candidates should hold an academic doctorate, with demonstrated capacity for research and publication, as well as teaching. Skills in teaching online and hybrid courses and expertise in using pedagogical media are highly desired. Strong preference will be given candidates who are ordained pastors or ordained/consecrated deacons (diaconal ministers and equivalents) in the ELCA or other Lutheran World Federation-affiliated churches.
LSTC is committed to produce culturally competent ministerial leaders for the public church. We affirm that diversity is necessary in all components of the school, including its theological curriculum and faculty. Active involvement in the church, including the worship life of the seminary, is an essential criterion. LSTC seeks to foster gender, racial-ethnic, and international diversity within its faculty. Candidates who identify as having roots in the Global South are especially encouraged to apply. We have a strong preference for candidates fluent in Spanish, and welcome other linguistic abilities that may enrich our mission in the highly diverse Chicago metropolitan area.
Candidates must submit a letter of application, CV, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of up to 1,000 words describing: 1) your understanding of Lutheran theological contributions to church and world; 2) your pedagogical convictions in forming leaders for the church, the academy, and the world and how they intersect with LSTC’s Public Church commitments and diverse learning community; 3) your own publication and research trajectory, thus far and anticipated.
If you have questions about this position or would like to nominate a qualified candidate, please contact Dr. Mark Swanson, chair of the search committee, at STsearch@lstc.edu. Preference will be given to complete applications submitted by January 31, 2020.
About the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, forms visionary leaders who bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. It provides high-quality seminary and graduate education in a community that is global, multicultural, ecumenical, interfaith, and urban. LSTC faculty members provide resources for church and academy through their research, writing, and workshops and presentations around the world. Graduates serve in every type of ministry setting as they work to realize the gospel vision of peace and justice. To learn more about LSTC, visit www.lstc.edu.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
