Bexley Seabury Seminary Federation is an Episcopal center for learning and discipleship, committed tobeing a twenty-first century seminary beyond walls. Bexley Seabury faculty are scholar-practitioners whose vocation is worked out in service and engagement with the church and the world. We are committed to formational theological education to equip all baptized Christians, including those preparing to be ordained deacons or priests.

We are hiring a full-time Professor of Preaching to start July 1, 2024. Rank is open (lecturer, assistant, associate or full professor) based on experience. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic preacher and teacher of preaching.  Previous ministry experience is expected, and teaching experience is highly desirable. 

The candidate should have an MDiv and may be ordained, in the Episcopal Church or a church in communion with it (either part of the global Anglican Communion, or the ELCA or other non-Anglican church). We prefer that the candidate have a terminal degree (DMin, ThD, PhD) in hand; we expect the candidate to demonstrate an ability to teach effectively in online and hybrid learning environments, to share our seminary’s commitment to undoing racism and white supremacy, and to be eager to preach the gospel and to help form others to do the same, particularly in the context of the liturgy. 

Candidates should be able to work with and teach a wide variety of students, helping them to identify the issues impacting preaching and the gospel message in multiple contexts. This includes the importance of God’s grace, as well as how the gospel is heard in non-dominant groups, such as African and African American, Latin American, Native American, Asian and Asian American, womanist/feminist/mujerista and/or queer/LGBTQ populations. These should also include the contextual challenges of consumerism, virtual church, and connecting across differences.

Alongside teaching preaching, the candidate will share duties in Field Education classes, will work with students as a faculty mentor in our new competency-based degree, and may teach in the DMin program. The candidate will also participate in our process of curricular revision.

Alongside teaching, our new instructor in preaching will contribute to Bexley Seabury community life through advising, faculty work, representing the school in the broader community, and participating in scheduled in-person gatherings.

Relocation to the Chicago area is not expected; Bexley Seabury faculty work remotely and gather in person periodically.

Historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. 
Bilingual candidates (Spanish/English) are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities and duties

This candidate will be expected to:

• Teach effectively in the area of preaching (an introduction to preaching course, and an advanced elective) in an online environment.
• Work with students in the first year of the Field Education placement to assess and improve their own preaching.
• If the candidate has a secondary area of teaching, they may contribute in other areas to the Master’s or Doctoral level programs (area of expertise open).
• Serve as Faculty Mentor to students in our competency-based MDiv program.
• Advise and serve students as they progress towards completion of their degrees and, in some cases, assist in canonical review of those heading towards ordination.
• Contribute to Bexley Seabury community life through participating in the business of the faculty,through attending faculty meetings, and participating in faculty committee assignments and assessment activities; and taking part in orientation, commencement, and other community-wide activities.
• Be committed to growing in the candidate’s discipline through publishing or other appropriate engagement, and be committed to growing pedagogically.

Qualifications and skills

We’re looking for a candidate who will have:

• Substantial experience preaching regularly; the candidate should be known as a skillful preacher.
• A terminal degree (DMin, ThD, or PhD) preferred (if the degree is not in hand, a schedule of completion should be sent; otherwise, qualified candidates without a terminal degree may be considered, provided that they are willing to work towards such a degree upon employment.);
• The ability to preach the gospel winsomely and compellingly, approaching the task of preaching in constructive and self-aware ways;
• Familiarity with the discipline of homiletics and the craft of preaching;
• An ability to integrate biblical, historical, theological, liturgical, and practical material in preaching, with an alertness to contemporary contexts.
• Involvement in the candidate’s church, whether lay or ordained;
• Ability and/or willingness to teach effectively online (this is necessary), preferably with a demonstrated track record; and
• Familiarity with the Episcopal Church and Anglican approaches to preaching and liturgy.

Application process:

A complete application for the position consists of:

• a letter of intent which addresses all the required qualifications listed above and as many preferred qualifications as apply;
• a separate document, responding briefly to the following four prompts:
  • What is your approach to preaching?
  • What is your approach to teaching?
  • What would you describe as the principal challenges to preaching in your context?
  • What would you describe as the tasks and promise of preaching?
• a c.v.;
• unofficial copies of graduate transcripts;
• video recordings of 2-3 sermons, in an easily viewable online format;
• evidence of successful teaching (such as teaching evaluations by students or peers); and 
• the contact information of three references. (Letters of reference will be solicited at a laterstage of the process.)
• If the doctoral degree is not on the transcript, the applicant should make sure that they submit another form of evidence of degree progress or express their intent to pursue a terminal degree if hired.

Please address inquiries to Dr. Jason Fout, Academic Dean, at jfout@bexleyseabury.edu.

To apply, please send the above materials as electronic attachments to Amanda Wenisch, Assistant for Academic Affairs, at awenisch@bexleyseabury.edu.

Materials must be received by March 15, 2024.