Lead Pastor Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:
Click here for a full position overview.
The Rev. David P. and Carol Matevia Pastor to the University provides institutional leadership for religious and spiritual life at Wittenberg, and is called to lead the campus community in ministry and pastoral care. The Campus Pastor partners with a variety of offices and senior administration to lead the community to define and articulate a vision for religious and spiritual life while directing programs and activities to nurture the spiritual growth and development of students. Additionally, this person will assist students eager to develop their own spiritual identities and campus programming initiatives. The Campus Pastor will develop and implement strategies to promote a creative and faithful culture of worship; wholeness and growth among a diverse and changing student body; pastoral support for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the University community; and stewardship and representation of Wittenberg's long-standing affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The position was established thanks to the vision and leadership-level support of the late Rev. David P. Matevia, class of 1960, and wife Carol Matevia.
Responsibilities
Leadership, Supervision, Management

• Serve as a compassionate, visionary leader in assessing the spiritual needs of Wittenberg University, meeting students where they are at in their respective faith-based journeys, and developing plans for the future that embrace the University's Lutheran heritage.
• Collaboratively plan, coordinate, and execute programming in a faith-based environment.
• Reporting to the President, advise the University on a range of issues and ideas.
• Provide leadership for the religious community on campus, including the Interfaith Committee.
• Guide and support the ministries of faith-based student organizations, including but not limited to Weaver Chapel Association and Cru.
• Serve on appropriate University committees as assigned, which may include but not be limited to the President's Council on Mission and Values, the Bias Incident and Education Response Team, and as a liaison to the Board of Directors' Committee on Academic and Student Life.
• Support Wittenberg University's relationship with the ELCA and relate to the Southern Ohio Synod and clergy.
• Understand and follow Title IX reporting obligations as the campus pastor has specific exemptions with regard to confidentiality.
• Administer operating budget and endowed funds associated with Weaver Chapel and campus ministry.
• Oversee use of Weaver Chapel for various events and activities.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the President.

College Worship, Ceremonies, Traditions, and Spiritual Leadership

• Be responsible for planning and organizing public worship life of the University. This includes Sunday services and weekday chapel during the academic year, the Baccalaureate service in partnership with the senior class each May, and other special worship services.
• Lead services to address particular communal needs, such as memorial services following the deaths of members of our community and/or weddings of alumni.
• Represent the religious life of the University by offering prayers and/or blessings at large gatherings such as Welcome Week, Honors Convocation, Commencement exercises, and special events.
• Provide leadership and guidance in discussions of the religious identity of the University, including organizing the annual Wittenberg Series-sponsored Kenneth H. Sauer Luther Symposium, in consultation with the Wittenberg Series' implementation team.

Understanding, Compassion, and Care

• Maintain a ministry of presence and care that helps the University community manage life's many challenges: loss of a loved one, shifts in student identity, homesickness, disconnectedness, family obligations, health concerns, etc.
• Nurture the spirit of community on campus.
• Seek opportunities for fellowship with students both formally and informally.
• Provide counseling and support to the University community during times of crisis on campus, nationally, and around the world.

Appreciating Differences

• Appreciate Christian traditions and customs outside of the ELCA heritage and at the cross section of culture.
• Study and learn elements of current and incoming student faith traditions so as to make students feel more welcomed and at home on campus.
• Encourage students in their preferred faith traditions to engage in those traditions on campus more.
• Be willing to serve as a guest lecturer at the invitation of University faculty, and/or participate in classes offered at the invitation of a department or program.

Requirements:
Requirements:

• Master of Divinity degree. Additional or advanced education (doctorate) and training is valued.
• An ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA, in good standing.
• Letter of recommendation from applicant's current Bishop.

The candidate must:

• Be a person rostered for Word and Sacrament ministry in the ELCA and a pastor in good standing.
• Have at least 3-5 years of successful experience of rostered ministry with preference given to campus ministry experience, college chaplaincy, or service as a pastor of a congregation with a strong focus in youth or young adult ministry.
• Have proven ability in creative and innovative worship leadership.
• Have a clear understanding and support of ecumenical and interfaith contexts with a commitment to interfaith work and experience working with individuals of other faith and non-faith traditions.
• Be culturally agile with a dedicated commitment to creating an inclusive culture that embraces difference with an ability to facilitate dialogue on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and identity development.
• Demonstrate strength in planning and executing faith-related programming, especially for college students, including those who are still engaged in spiritual self-discovery.
• Have excellent leadership and managerial skills with the ability to supervise, lead, and mentor professional and student staff members.
• Have strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Be familiar with the traditions and values of Lutheran higher education.
• Demonstrate a commitment to full and visible participation in the formal and informal life of the campus community

Additional Information:
Wittenberg is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals who collectively reflect the diversity of our student body and society at-large. Please see our notice of nondiscrimination housed on our website.
Wittenberg University is committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in our campus community. Click here to view our Title IX policies.
The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.
Employment at Wittenberg University is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas. Wittenberg University participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.
Application Instructions:
For fullest consideration, submissions are encouraged prior by January 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The preferred starting time is spring 2026.
To apply, please set-up an account in our online recruiting system and upload the following documents in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat format.

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Letter of recommendation from applicant's current Bishop.