Assistant Church History Professor Jobs in Pennsylvania

Location : St. Davids
Job Type: Faculty Full-Time
Job Number: 1040
Department: Palmer Theological Seminary and College
Opening Date: 08/26/2025
Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.
Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university's main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern's core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.
Position Description
Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Church History. Specialization and geographic focus are open, but expertise in either African American Church History, Latin American Church History, or Global Church History is preferred. The seminary is especially interested in scholars whose teaching and research relate marginalized histories to the wider world.
The successful candidate will demonstrate commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and the formation of students for ministry within and beyond the church. Teaching responsibilities include core and elective courses in Church History, primarily at the graduate level. Candidates should expect to teach survey courses in global church history that span from the Patristic period to modernity. Teaching modalities include in-person, online, and intensive course formats. Commitment to Christian faith, and participation in the life of the church, are hallmarks of Palmer's faculty.
Position Responsibilities
1. Teaching: Twenty-four credit course load per academic year in traditional and online modalities. Use of the university's designated online course management system is required. Participate in curriculum revision, development, and review, as needed.
2. Scholarship: Maintain an active research program. Attend to ways one's research contributes to preparing Christian leaders and aligns with the mission of the seminary.
3. Service: Perform service to the department, seminary, and university, such as active participation on institutional committees.
4. Professional Development: Participate in professional development workshops.
5. Advise and Mentor Students: Participate in the academic advising of graduate students. Mentor students in research. Hold regular office hours. Complete related administrative responsibilities.
6. Faith: Actively participate in the life of the church. Integrate faith formation in teaching.
Qualifications
1. Ph.D. in Church History, History of Christianity, or related field. ABD candidates will be considered, if the degree is completed by August 2026.
2. Excellence in graduate-level teaching with an ability to lead students in exploring both theoretical and practical dimensions of the discipline.
3. Competence and vision for teaching a diverse student body. The ability to speak and teach in Spanish is desirable.
4. Proficiency in the use of classroom technology.
5. Experience in the life and ministry of the church.
6. Demonstrated potential for excellence in scholarly research.
To be fully considered for this position, submit the following materials: letter of application, current CV, transcripts, a brief faith statement, and three letters of recommendation.
Review of applications will begin on October 1st 2025.
About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.
Background Checks
Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.
Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:
1) Affidavit;
2) FBI Criminal Record Check;
3) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and;
4) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.
In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.
Description Disclaimer
This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.
For all positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time faculty and staff including healthcare coverage, retirement plan contributions, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, tuition remission and tuition exchange participation as well as an extensive holiday, summer hours and paid time off leave schedule.
Part-time Regular staff who are scheduled 30-36 hours per week over the course of a year, receive a full benefit package based on their part-time scheduled hours. Healthcare coverage is based on the ACA medical coverage guidelines. Affiliate faculty receive a benefit package as outlined with their covenant. Adjunct faculty may be eligible for medical coverage under the ACA after an annual one year lookback review.
Part-time staff who are scheduled to work less than 30 hours per week schedule are eligible for employer contribution towards the retirement plan after one year of employment. Eligibility rules apply. Adjunct faculty may make employee deferral contributions towards the retirement plan.
Part-Time Graduate Assistant Coaches are eligible for participation in the Tuition Remission Coaches Program.
Temporary, Contractors and Seasonal Employees: Individuals in this status are scheduled on an as-needed-basis and are not eligible for participation in the University's benefits programs.
Detailed information regarding our benefits program and eligibility is provided once hired or you can contact Human Resources with any questions.