Assistant Chaplain for Faith Formation

Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern’s core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings.

Position Description

Eastern University is seeking a dedicated and visionary Assistant Chaplain for Faith Formation. Reporting directly to the University Chaplain in the Division of Student Development, this role is pivotal in fostering a vibrant, missional, and inclusive spiritual environment. The Assistant Chaplain will lead efforts in student discipleship, service, and area church partnerships, ensuring every student has a pathway for spiritual growth.

Position Responsibilities

1. Spiritual Formation & Retreat Oversight

• Retreat Leadership: Design and oversee faith formation retreats and missional immersion experiences.
• Program Execution: Manage the retreat calendar, including one weekend in the fall and two in the spring at the Daylesford Abbey.
• Departmental Collaboration: Partner with academic and administrative departments to integrate spiritual formation into the broader student experience.

2. Missional Service & Ministry Supervision

• Service Opportunities: Oversee and develop missional service programs, including the YACHT Club, Prison Ministry, and International Justice Mission (IJM).
• Ministry Mentorship: Provide direct supervision and leadership training for diverse student ministries.
• Prayer Advocacy: Support the Un:Ceasing Prayer Ministry and coordinate various prayer, Bible study, and monthly chapel opportunities.

3. Strategic Outreach & Digital Presence

• Online Strategy: Develop and implement a missional online strategy.
• Church Liaison: Act as a primary liaison to area churches.

4. Pastoral Care & Administrative Support

• Student Support: Provide consistent, empathetic pastoral support to students as needed.
• Annual Events: Assist with the coordination and execution of the annual May Baccalaureate service.

Qualifications

• Ministerial Leadership: 3–5 years of experience in college chaplaincy, youth ministry, or pastoral leadership.
• Retreat & Event Management: Experience planning and executing multi-day retreats.
• Supervisory Experience: Ability to supervise and train student leaders.
• A deep commitment to the Christian faith and the mission of Eastern University.
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent.
• Theological Alignment with Eastern University’s mission.
• Denominational Credentials: Formal ordination or licensing within a recognized Christian denomination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
• Higher Education Experience or secondary degree in Higher Education Leadership or Student Affairs.