Director of the Cross-cultural Ministry Center - Concordia University - Irvine Ca

Christ College at Concordia University Irvine invites applications for the position of Director of the Cross-cultural Ministry Center (CMC) and Professor of Theology (open rank). Start date is flexible, but no earlier than December 1, 2024 and no later than July 1, 2025. An earlier start date is preferred.

The CMC is a partnership between Concordia University Irvine and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis to form confessionally Lutheran missionary pastors. Graduates receive a Master of Arts in Theology from Concordia University Irvine and are considered for certification as general ministry pastors in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod by the faculty of Concordia Seminary.

The director reports to the Dean of Christ College. He will champion the CMC at Concordia and throughout the LCMS, cultivate the ongoing partnership with CSL, recruit students for the program, oversee student formation, oversee the concurrent vicarage in cooperation with CSL, manage the program budget, and carry out other administrative tasks for the program. The individual will work closely with two staff members in Christ College as well as faculty and staff at Concordia Irvine and Concordia Seminary. Extensive travel is required. Candidates should hold an earned doctorate in theology, missiology, or ministry, or be in the process of completing a doctorate, and have at least five years of full-time experience in the parish or on the mission field. Strong team-work and relationship-building skills are required. Desired characteristics include experience in culture-crossing ministry, administrative experience, advanced study in missiology, and/or experience in pastoral formation.

Qualifications: Only candidates who are currently ordained ministers in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or one of its partner church bodies will be considered for the position. The position requires Synodical prior approval per bylaw 3.10.6.9.2 (2023 LCMS Handbook).

Appointment: This position is a full-time position on the university's Turtle Rock Campus in Irvine, CA. It is a 12-month position. The position is largely administrative, with an anticipated teaching load of one course per semester. The faculty member is expected to participate fully in the life of the university, including chapel, university committees and service, and informal collegial conversations.

Application Requirements: Applicants should submit

• An interactive application or a printable application to the CUI HR employment website.
• 1-2 page letter of application highlighting the characteristics that make the applicant a good fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of vision for the formation of LCMS pastors who will work in ethnic or culture-crossing ministries
• Transcript showing highest earned degree
• Names of three to five professional references who can speak to the candidate's fit for the position

Review of application materials begins immediately and continues until the position is funded and filled. Concordia University Irvine, California is a Lutheran co-ed, residential liberal arts university serving over 4,300 students, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in over forty fields of study. Please visit Concordia's website at www.cui.edu for additional information.