"Assistant or Associate Professor of Church History"

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 7,000 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.