What are the responsibilities and job description for the Children and Family Ministries Full-Time Faculty position at Nelson University?
Position Overview:
Nelson University invites applications for a full-time faculty member in the Practical Theology Department. This role offers a unique opportunity to teach and inspire students to engage effectively in ministry to children and families.
Nelson University invites applications for a full-time faculty member in the Practical Theology Department. This role offers a unique opportunity to teach and inspire students to engage effectively in ministry to children and families.
Primary Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Children’s Ministry and Child and Family Studies.
- Develop and deliver curriculum that integrates academic excellence with a biblical worldview.
- Mentor and advise students in their academic, spiritual, and professional development.
- Foster partnerships with churches and organizations to provide practical training opportunities for students.
- Teach additional courses in Church Leadership, Religion, etc.
- Participate in departmental, university, and professional activities, including committee work, conferences, and community engagement.
Qualifications
- Faith Commitment: A strong commitment to the Christian faith, Assemblies of God doctrines and positions, and the mission and core values of Nelson University.
- Ministerial Credentials: Must be a certified, licensed, or ordained minister with the Assemblies of God USA.
- Education: Master’s degree in Children and Family Ministry, Child and Family Studies, Practical Theology (with an emphasis in Children’s Ministry), Divinity (with an emphasis in Children’s Ministry), or related fields. A doctoral degree (D.Min., PhD, EdD in a related field) is not required but shown preference, as it enables the candidate to teach graduate-level Children and Family courses.
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Experience:
- Proven record of contributions to the field.
- Demonstrated experience in leading children and family ministry in a church context and other related contexts.
- Proficiency in training others (volunteers, other children’s pastors, etc.)
- Experience in college-level teaching as an adjunct or a full-time faculty member
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Skills:
- Strong teaching and communication skills.
- Ability to inspire and mentor students from diverse backgrounds.
- Proficiency in integrating faith and learning in the classroom and beyond.
Start Date:
Anticipated start date is August 2025, with hiring decisions finalized by May 2025. Faculty contracts follow a 9 1/2-month academic calendar (August through mid-May) with the option to extend pay across 12 months.
Faculty Rank and Compensation:
Nelson University offers competitive faculty ranks—Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor—with compensation tailored to your qualifications and experience. Annual contracts are renewable based on successful performance reviews by the Dean and the Vice President for Academics.
Why Nelson University?
At Nelson University, you will join a close-knit academic community that values excellence, innovation, and spiritual formation. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the next generation of missionaries while integrating your Christian faith into all aspects of teaching and mentoring.
How to Apply
Submit a complete application package online at www.nelson.edu/employment, by completing the fields to the right of this screen under “Apply here”. These fields contain intake information. After clicking submit application, you will be taken to the Nelson Employment Application, where you will be asked to list references and previous employment positions.
Once we've reviewed your application and resume and determine that you will be moving to the next step of the process, we'll reach out to request the following items:
1. Copies of transcripts from all higher education institutions (must be from a regionally accredited school). During preliminary interviews, we may photocopy these transcripts. However, as your candidacy formalizes, we'll need official transcripts.
2. A 3-5 page excerpt of a paper you completed for any graduate-level work.
3. A written expression of your philosophy of Christian Higher Education.
4. Two letters of reference, including one pastoral reference, if available. (E.g. If you attend a mega church, you may or may not know the senior pastor, so it is acceptable to ask any minister familiar with your faith to write a letter of reference for you.)
5. Completion of the Faculty Application Survey: Faith and Mission Alignment document
Additionally, for candidates applying for Church Ministries positions: 1.) an audio recording of an average sermon or classroom presentation, and 2.) a statement from the district secretary confirming your credential is in good standing if you are a credentialed minister.
Employment Classification: This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Nelson University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse academic community within our faith-based environment.
Contact:
Dr. Dan Langston, Chair of the Department of Practical Theology
dlangston@nelson.edu
972.825.4711
