Assistant or Associate in Homiletics and/or Multicultural Ministries

California Lutheran University; Thousand Oaks (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

California Lutheran University, through the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, seeks an Assistant or Associate Professor of Homiletics and/or Multicultural Ministries. The role involves teaching graduate courses, TEEM program instruction, advising students, and contributing to university service while engaging in scholarship in the field.

The position is tenure-track, with a focus on social transformation in preaching and cross-cultural ministry, and requires commitment to inclusive

Qualifications

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution; ABD will be considered.
• Experience teaching graduate level courses in theology or related fields.
• Ability to teach in TEEM program and engage in diverse contexts.
• Commitment to inclusive teaching and working in diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate level courses in homiletics, and in areas like practical theology and multicultural ministries.
• Teach TEEM courses and advise students in ELCA candidacy process.
• Contribute to service, curriculum development, and committee work within PLTS and the university.

Skills

Pedagogical methods

Hermeneutics

Diversity/inclusion

Curriculum development

Education

Ph.D. (or ABD)

Tools

Zoom

Job description

Assistant or Associate in Homiletics and/or Multicultural Ministries

Position Category: Faculty
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: .75 (academic year full-time)
Location: Berkeley

University Background:
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.

Basic Function:
The Assistant/Associate Professor of Homiletics and/or Multicultural Ministries (tenure-track) at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) of California Lutheran University - a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) - is to provide academic graduate level instruction in disciplines that may include practical theology, homiletics, liberative theologies, multi-cultural ministry, or Christian education; to accompany PLTS students in the ELCA candidacy process towards rostered ministry; to teach in the seminary's TEEM program in the areas of their expertise; to contribute to the life of the PLTS community through student advising and mentoring, university and seminary committee service, and connecting the academy with the church; to engage in scholarship in their area of expertise.

Representative Duties

• Primary responsibilities for this tenure-track position include to teach graduate level core courses and TEEM courses in preaching, including preaching for social transformation; methods and hermeneutics; ministry across cultures; Christian faith formation; and other subjects in practical theology. Ability to teach Spanish for worship is an asset.
• The total teaching expectations include both online courses (synchronous and asynchronous) and intensive on-campus classes.
• The university faculty load of 24 units consists of a combination of duties, including (not limited to) teaching graduate level courses and course development, teaching in the TEEM program, administration, committee and university service, service in the ELCA candidacy process (candidacy committees and student accompaniment), and other related duties that serve the mission of the seminary and the university.
• Provide academic instruction to students through lecture, lab, or performance courses. Create assignments and activities in one-on-one, classroom, and distance mediated instructional settings for development of cognitive abilities, communication skills, and higher order thinking skills among students.
• Observe and evaluate student performance in meeting course objectives and student learning outcomes through assignments, projects, discussions, and examinations; provide feedback in a timely manner to student inquiries in class, online, or during established consultation office hours.
• Maintain current, accurate records of course enrollment, attendance, student academic progress, course curriculum; prepare and submit grades, data, and reports related to course and student progress in a timely manner.
• Teach and hold office hours in person (can be via Zoom), at least four days per week.
• Provide a course syllabus to students in each class within the first week of the class, as outlined in the faculty handbook.
• Adhere to the responsibilities related to teaching, advising, service, and scholarly, professional, and creative activities, as outlined in the faculty handbook.
• Attend and participate on committees and in department, division, campus, and University meetings.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• Critical pedagogical and hermeneutical methodologies that relate sacred texts and traditions to the living questions and pastoral needs of contemporary contexts.
• The links between race, class, gender, and ecological justice.
• Current theory and practice within the subject discipline.
• Principles and best practices of effective teaching.
• Student learning outcomes and methods of assessment.
• University curricula.
• Community and campus resources, services, programs, and professionals available to students.
• Methods of gathering, analyzing, and preparing data.
• Modern computing technology.
• Record-keeping techniques about student enrollment, attendance, and progress.

Ability To

• Articulate the political and social importance of the Reformations.
• Become equipped to accompany PLTS students in the ELCA candidacy process towards rostered ministry.
• People of Color and faculty poised to mentor Latinx, African American, and Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The candidate is expected to participate in California Lutheran University's mission as a Hispanic Serving Institution.
• Demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge in the subject field or discipline.
• Deliver course curricula in various learning styles.
• Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, social, economic, cultural, and ethnic background of University students.
• Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of students with disabilities.
• Integrate current and emerging instructional delivery technologies into the learning process to enhance teaching and the educational experience.
• Maintain professional standards that protect student confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Work constructively with their colleagues and to treat faculty, staff, administrators, and students with respect and professionalism.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
• Demonstrate commitment to professional excellence and continuous growth within subject field or discipline.
• Satisfactoryly fulfill a faculty member's duties and responsibilities and make significant contributions to the University community.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt practical courses of action.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a Ph.D. from an accredited institution, ABD will be considered, but will come in at the rank of Instructor.

The Associate Professor position requires having achieved this rank at another institution and a minimum of six years of full-time teaching with at least five years teaching at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Preferred Qualifications

While PLTS is a Lutheran seminary and a Lutheran candidate is preferred, individuals from other Protestant traditions who can articulate the political and social importance of the Reformations, and who will become equipped to accompany PLTS students in the ELCA candidacy process towards rostered ministry are welcome to apply.

Licenses and Other Requirements

None

Physical Abilities

Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; communicate clearly to exchange information in person and via the telephone or video; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files.

Working Environment

Primary duties are conducted in a virtual teaching environment, alongside traditional indoor classroom settings for on-campus programs and events. The position requires prolonged computer use and occasional travel or movement across campus locations.

Hiring Range and Details

Hiring Range $73,000 - $82,000
Posting Number: Faculty001322020
Open Date: 10/01/2026
Close Date: 11/15/2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's policies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.