University Chaplain/Church Relations

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McMurry University
Office of Religious Life
University Chaplain and Director of Religious Life
Position Description

 

I.                   University Chaplain/Church Relations

The Chaplain works to develop appropriate opportunities for spiritual growth and community development for the entire campus community and reports directly to the McMurry University president.

The Chaplain is expected to:

  1. Work some evenings and weekends to ensure the success of all departmental initiatives, and may be called upon to work on inter-departmental projects.
  2. Participate in university and departmental committee work and projects, providing leadership when appropriate.
  3. Monitor departmental budgets and financial accounts.
  4. Supervise all Religious Life professional staff, student interns, and student leaders.
  5. Schedule and conduct regular staff meetings and student leadership meetings.
  6. Recruit professional staff and volunteers as needed for effective program development.
  7. Develop training and evaluation procedures for all professional and paraprofessional staff.
  8. Serve as advisor to student organizations related to Religious Life.
  9. Facilitate interdepartmental programmatic collaboration for the purpose of weaving connections between faith and academics.
  10. Represent the university to the community and serve as a liaison to the United Methodist Church as well as other Christian churches and faith groups. To that end, the University Chaplain, in collaboration with faculty, staff, and student leaders, will coordinate visits on an annual basis to at least 25 churches, CCYM events, and conference youth camps in the Northwest Texas and New Mexico conferences on behalf of McMurry University.
  11. Serve as a key player in the development of a more integral relationship between McMurry University and the United Methodist Church in conjunction with the Centennial Imperative outlined in the strategic plan.
  12. Develop and maintain relationships with peer programs at other institutions of higher education. Maintain network of professional colleagues in the field of college chaplaincy nationwide.
  13. Complete all end of the year reports as requested by the university and the church.
  14. Complete other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the University President with particular collaboration with the Dean of Students.
  15. Collaborate with the Religious Life Advisory Board to insure fulfillment of position objectives.
  16. Remain abreast of and have the ability to discuss current events and topics within the field of spirituality and higher education.
  17. Submit departmental updates on a regular basis to the university.
  18. Write and submit articles to professional newsletters and journals for publication.
  19. Assist with on-going departmental research into topics relating to student spiritual formation, development, involvement and retention.
  20. Assist with the representation of McMurry University locally, regionally, and nationally through participation in boards, committees, and agencies.
  21. Perform annual assessments according to institutional guidelines.     

II.                  Director of Religious Life

A.      Campus Ministry

  1.  Supervise Assistant Chaplain and provide leadership in setting programmatic direction and goals.
  2. Organize, plan, and conduct weekly university chapel services, providing primary preaching leadership and coordinating guest speakers.
  3.  Develop and coordinate additional opportunities for Christian spiritual formation as needed.
  4.  Work with student chaplains and small group leaders to provide opportunities for spiritual growth throughout all social structures of campus life (Athletic Teams, Social Clubs, Residence Halls, etc.).
  5. Oversee domestic and international mission opportunities and partnership development.

B.      Vocational Ministry

  1. Serve as liaison between students interested in vocational ministry and the appropriate church constituencies.
  2. In conjunction with the Religion Department, the University Chaplain may assist Christian Ministry students by locating internship possibilities as well as potentially teaching the directed study RELI4388, Internship in Christian Ministry.  Additionally, the Chaplain may be invited to teach all or portions of classes related to Christian Ministry, including RELI2310, Introduction to Christian Ministry.
  3. Facilitate programming to encourage capable students to explore issues related to vocation and calling.

C.      Interfaith Cooperation

  1. Develop opportunities for increased awareness and understanding of faith and non-faith identities among students, faculty, and staff.
  2. Collaborate with academic departments and the Director of Internationalization in the development of long-term sustainable partnerships around the world and a strong interfaith effort locally.
  3. Support the McMurry Better Together Alliance.

D.      Pastoral Care

  1. Offer a ministry of presence for faculty, staff and students in crisis.
  2. Cultivate a culture of hospitality and spiritual care.
  3. Provide pastoral counseling as needed.

Qualifications

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from an accredited seminary, ordination as an elder and good standing in the United Methodist Church required. Experience in campus ministry preferred as well as knowledge of either the Northwest Texas and/or New Mexico conferences. Computer literacy in the Microsoft Office environment and an understanding of assessment and research methods would be helpful.

Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  For full consideration, applications and supporting materials should be submitted by April 28, 2017.  Materials should be submitted to http://mcm.peopleadmin.com/postings/1617.