Assistant Professor of Lutheran Theology and History and Director of Assessment

Overview

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in Lutheran Theology and History. This position includes a three-quarters teaching appointment and a one-quarter appointment directing the seminary's assessment process and portfolio or directing the seminary's grant applications and processes. The nine-month contract will begin in August 2026.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University is one of the oldest seminaries of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and one of three ELCA seminaries embedded within a university. Trinity's mission is forming leaders for Christ's church at work in the world. The seminary boasts a long tradition of forming leaders who are both academically rigorous and grounded in practical ministry.

• The successful candidate will teach both introductory and advanced courses in Lutheran theology and history, including Lutheran Confessions and Reformation History.
• A secondary competence is highly desirable, especially in the areas of Christian education, mission, rural ministry, African American Studies, undergraduate religion classes, etc. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate engagement in scholarship and service that address both the academy and the needs of the church.
• Responsibilities include academic advising, scholarly contributions, ecclesial presentations, service at the seminary and university, and either ongoing assessment of seminary student learning and institutional effectiveness or ongoing directing of the seminary's grants.
• Teaching load is 12-14 credits annually distributed across Fall Term, January Term, and Spring Term.
• While most of the seminary curriculum is taught face-to-face, the candidate will be expected to teach some online, hybrid, and/or week-long intensive courses as programmatic needs require.

• Preferred candidate will have earned a Ph.D. or Th.D. in Lutheran Systematic Theology or Church History. Exceptional ABD candidates may be considered. Secondary competence is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability or potential for excellent seminary-level teaching.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to meet expectations for scholarly activity and professional development.
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to develop expertise in programmatic and institutional assessment or directing grants and their applications.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to engage in ecclesial presentations (e.g., synods, congregations, camping ministries, etc.).
• Professional expertise in parish ministry or its equivalent is highly desired, with preference given to ELCA candidates (ELCA membership not required).
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative, team-based work and to fostering a healthy, collegial, and supportive academic and work environment.

Interested candidates should send:
1) a cover letter addressing how they see themselves supporting the mission of the institution;
2) a curriculum vitae; and
3) three letters of recommendation. All requested documents can be attached using the resume drop box feature on the application.

Rev. Dr. Rachel Wrenn
Interim Dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University
2199

E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43209

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University is an equal opportunity employer. Capital University is unable to sponsor employment visas or consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship. Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary website: capital.edu and capital.edu/trinity

Review of applications begins immediately. For full consideration, all application materials should be received by February 15, 2026.

Capital University offers a rich benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, family education benefits, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and free parking. Capital University is an equal opportunity employer. Capital University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, sex, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the law.