Position Description

We are seeking a Professor of Preaching and Worship to occupy the John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship and to join our dynamic and innovative faculty team on the beautiful campus of Acadia University.

The Professor of Preaching and Worship advances the mission and strategic vision of the College as they:

Equip Christian Leaders

The Professor of Preaching and Worship contributes to the training of students preparing for ministry in the contemporary church and for further study. In particular they will:

1. Teach undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and continuing education courses in practical theology focused primarily on preaching and worship. Courses are offered on campus in Wolfville and in a hybrid-flex format.
2. Inspire excellence in preaching and worship by equipping students with relevant skills, informed by knowledge of current trends and practices, for competent preaching and worship in diverse contemporary contexts.
3. Be familiar with appropriate technology and be able to use and engage emerging technologies for teaching and learning.
4. Model a character of Christian integrity and teamwork, and mentor students as they explore their call to serve the mission of God.
5. Supervise projects and theses at master’s and doctoral levels.
6. Normally serve as the Dean of the Sarah Daley Nickerson Chapel at Acadia Divinity College.

Innovate in Theological Education

The Professor of Preaching and Worship will contribute to the institutional culture of evaluation and innovation. In particular they will:

1. Conduct and publish research as well as make scholarly presentations in the field of Preaching and Worship.
2. With the Faculty team, share in the shaping of the educational policies and curriculum of the College.
3. Develop fresh approaches to the teaching of Preaching and Worship appropriate to diverse contexts.
4. Engage technology in theological education, with a commitment to innovation in teaching and learning.

Engage the Wider Community  

The Professor of Preaching and Worship will join the College in a shared commitment to seek transformation of our community and the communities we serve. In particular they will:  

1. Promote excellence in preaching and worship leadership, both in the College and in the wider constituency.
2. Participate in, and contribute to, the life and mission of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC), partially expressed through membership in one of the churches belonging to the CBAC.
3. Be available to preach or serve from time-to-time among churches of the CBAC and other denominations as requested.
4. Serve the College and the University in academic leadership appropriate to a faculty role.

The Professor of Preaching and Worship enthusiastically endorses and personally supports the mission and affirms the theological position of the College.

Qualifications

Applicants will have:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (homiletics/worship/communication/practical theology), and must clearly demonstrate excellence in preaching practice, research and teaching, as well as student mentorship. (A completed Doctor of Ministry may be considered for exceptional candidates.)
• Extensive experience of preaching and practical Christian ministry.
• A demonstrated ability to teach introductory and advanced courses in preaching and worship relevant for contemporary church contexts.
• A demonstrated ability to lead and promote excellence and innovation in preaching and worship within and without the College.
• A clear familiarity with the potential and challenges of equipping Christians to serve the church well in contemporary culture
• Familiarity with technology and the ability to use relevant technologies for teaching and learning.
• A relational heart for supporting, mentoring, and equipping Christian leaders.
• A commitment to a local church.

Preference will be given to those with local church leadership experience, particularly in a baptistic setting, and experience of teaching the practice of preaching and worship.