Congregational Studies and Leadership

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary seeks as a colleague a full-time, tenure-track faculty member in Congregational Studies and Leadership. Candidates for this grant funded position must have: a heart for teaching, significant experience in congregational leadership, and a passion for helping to form the next generation of lay and pastoral leaders. The successful candidate holds a terminal degree (PhD or ThD) in congregational leadership, liturgics, homiletics, pastoral care or an allied field. We seek a colleague who will enable our students to serve meaningfully in contexts marked by diversity of various kinds, including religious, racial/cultural, gender/sexual, disability, and neurodivergence.

This position is part of a collaborative "Seminary Extended: Strengthening Pastoral Leadership" grant with Union Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Eastern Mennonite Seminary. While based in Louisville, KY, the successful candidate will be expected to teach in several degree and non-degree programs, in hybrid and online modalities, across the three seminaries. This colleague will teach students in our Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, and Doctor of Ministry degree programs. In addition, they will have opportunities to participate in the Black Church Studies program. We anticipate making this appointment beginning in summer 2026. Applications are particularly encouraged from those of diverse and marginalized identities, which can include gender, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, social status, disability, and religion.

This colleague's work will focus on adaptive leadership skills to equip congregational leaders to navigate difficult conversations, manage transition and conflict, and engage with restorative practices. In addition, they will:

  • Lead development and instruction in the joint Doctor of Ministry in Adaptive Leadership program.
  • Provide specialized expertise for congregational leadership development cycles.
  • Develop curriculum for practical ministry management and leadership succession planning.
  • Teach courses in master's programs with emphasis on congregational systems and leadership dynamics.

The learning community of Louisville Seminary is characterized by vibrant student-faculty interaction and transformative practical training opportunities. A theological school of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Louisville Seminary is committed to growing as a multicultural and antiracist place of learning and living, and to deepening ecumenical and interreligious learning. Our Reformed heritage informs our commitment to social justice regarding race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and ecology as we carry out our mission of preparing people to participate in the redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ in a pluralistic world.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Ph.D or Th.D.in liturgics, homiletics, pastoral care, congregational leadership or comparable degree.
  • Significant leadership experience in congregational ministry.
  • Commitment to excellence in teaching.
  • Commitment to justice, equity, and diversity in teaching and service.
  • Digital literacy and experience with technology-based teaching and learning.
  • Engagement in scholarly practices that affirm diversity in age, race, ethnicity, gender, theological perspective, and culture.
  • Commitment to theological education that values the life and witness of the church in an interreligious and intercultural world.
  • Familiarity with the theology, polity, and practices of a multiplicity of faith traditions.

Compensation

Louisville Seminary offers a full range of benefits including professional development assistance and health insurance. Rank will be determined based on experience.

Application Process

Please send a cover letter and your curriculum vitae. Send these materials electronically to:

Dr. Zhenya Gurina Rodríguez Search Committee Co-Chair

c/o DeCora Toogood, Dean's Office Administrative Assistant

DToogood@lpts.edu

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration please submit materials by Friday, February 6, 2026.