Columbia College Chaplain

outh Carolina United Methodist Conference; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Columbia, SC seeks a Chaplain & Director of Spiritual Life to oversee spiritual programming, provide pastoral care, and coordinate community service initiatives. The ideal candidate has a seminary degree and United Methodist ordination. Strong interpersonal and preaching skills are essential. This role supports students through various spiritual life initiatives, with responsibilities across campus events.

Qualifications

• A member of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop positive working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Design spiritual life initiatives and events.
• Provide pastoral care and spiritual counseling.
• Serve as a resource for religious life organizations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Preaching skills

Facilitating skills

Education

Seminary degree

United Methodist ordination as deacon or elder

Job description

The Chaplain plays a key role in the integration of faith and learning. Through dynamic programming, creative and meaningful worship experiences, and mission-driven service opportunities, the Chaplain & Director of Spiritual Life provides a vibrant program to promote the spiritual growth and well-being of the Columbia College community. The Chaplain interacts with and ministers to all members of the Columbia College community but has a particular responsibility to its students. As a member of the Student Affairs Staff, reporting to Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, the Chaplain is a collaborative partner to other offices and divisions across campus and fosters a community of understanding and respect.

Duties and Responsibilities

Campus Ministry:

• Design spiritual life initiatives, such as worship services, themed bible studies, prayer meetings, religious/cultural diversity events, and an outreach plan for the initiatives to be successful.
• Provide pastoral care, individual spiritual counseling, and consultation.
• Serve as a resource for our religious life student organizations, such as Campus Crusade for Christ, Heavenly Creations Gospel Choir, Shandon College Ministries, the Baptist College Ministry, and Muslim Student Association and coordinate an Interfaith Council.
• Coordinate the Alpha Service and Communion during first-year Orientation, Omega Service and Communion before graduation, the Christmas Tree Lighting the last Monday of November, and the Religious Life Fair.
• Participate in college events, such as commencement, orientation, and open house.
• Take students to the annual Peace Conference at Lake Junaluska, as funds permit.
• Oversee The Oasis interfaith prayer room in the basement of Wesley Hall.
• Visit students who have been hospitalized locally (if requested by the student) and support students during difficult times.
• Oversee the electronic church finder.
• Perform other campus ministry duties, as needed.

Service:

• Coordinate community service initiatives and partner with organizations/groups on campus, United Methodist churches/organizations, and other local organizations.
• Advise the CC Serves student organization.
• Design and lead mission experiences for students and faculty/staff during Fall Break and Spring Break (when possible).
• Serve as the campus contact for the College’s American Red Cross Blood Drives.

Administrative

• Serve on College committees, such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
• Administer the budget of the Office of the Chaplain.
• Represent the College in the community through guest preaching, attendance at Annual Conference, membership on the SC Commission on Higher Education and Ministry, and other opportunities as they arise.
• Serve as the College representative for the citywide Interfaith Council.
• Serve on the Administrative On-Call schedule.

Education, Experience and Skills:

• A seminary degree and United Methodist ordination as either a deacon or an elder.
• A member of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church or the willingness to be appointed under “Provisions for Clergy from Outside the Annual Conference” (p. 346, The Book of Discipline of the UMC, 2016) preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, preaching, and facilitating skills with demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

If interested in applying for this position, click here to submit resume , cover letter, and the names and contact information of three professional references through our online submission website.

If you have any additional questions regarding the position, please contact LaNae’ Budden, Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students, via email at [e-mail] .

Columbia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, national origin, results of genetic testing or service in the military.