Job Description

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in Lutheran Theology and History. This position includes a three-quarters teaching appointment and a one-quarter appointment directing the seminary's assessment process and portfolio or the seminary's grant applications and processes. The nine-month contract will begin in August 2026.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University is one of the oldest seminaries of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and one of three ELCA seminaries embedded within a university. Trinity's mission is forming leaders for Christ's church at work in the world. The seminary boasts a long tradition of forming leaders who are both academically rigorous and grounded in practical ministry.

The successful candidate will teach both introductory and advanced courses in Lutheran theology and history, including Lutheran Confessions and Reformation History. A secondary competence is highly desirable, especially in the areas of Christian education, mission, rural ministry, African American Studies, undergraduate religion classes, etc. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate engagement in scholarship and service that address both the academy and the needs of the church.

The position also includes responsibilities in academic advising, scholarly contributions, ecclesial presentations, service at the seminary and university, and either the ongoing assessment of seminary student learning and institutional effectiveness or the ongoing directing of the seminary's grants. Teaching load is 12-14 credits annually distributed across Fall Term, January Term, and Spring Term. While the majority of the seminary curriculum is taught face-to-face, the successful candidate will be expected to teach some online, hybrid, and/or week-long intensive courses, as programmatic needs require.

As Ohio's capital and most populated city, Columbus is rich in cultural diversity and the arts. Columbus serves as the center of the state's political activity, and it is home to several Fortune 500 companies. It is the fastest-growing major metropolitan area in the Midwest and the 14th largest city in the nation.

Qualifications:

• Preferred candidate will have earned a Ph.D. or Th.D. in Lutheran Systematic Theology or Church History. Exceptional ABD candidates may be considered. Secondary competence is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability or potential for excellent seminary-level teaching.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to meet expectations for scholarly activity and professional development.
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to develop expertise in programmatic and institutional assessment or directing grants and their applications
• Demonstrated ability or potential to engage in ecclesial presentations (e.g., synods, congregations, camping ministries, etc.)
• Professional expertise in parish ministry or its equivalent is highly desired, with preference given to ELCA candidates (ELCA membership not required)
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative, team-based work and to fostering a healthy, collegial, and supportive academic and work environment.

Application Process: Interested candidates should send: 1) a cover letter addressing how they see themselves supporting the mission of the institution; 2) a curriculum vitae; and 3) three letters of recommendation. All requested documents can be attached using the resume drop box feature on the application.

All inquiries about the above position should be directed to:

Rev. Dr. Rachel Wrenn

Interim Dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University

2199 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43209

trinitydean@capital.edu

Review of applications begins immediately.

For full consideration all application materials should be received by February 15, 2026.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University is one of the seven seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Since January 1, 2018, Trinity has been embedded within Capital University, one of the twenty-six colleges and universities of the ELCA. Capital University is a comprehensive, private university, centered in contemporary Lutheran values, offering undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions. The University serves a diverse student body of over 3200 students, including 2500 undergraduates and over 700 graduate students in the fields of law, nursing, business, music, education, and theology.

Capital University is currently unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider candidates who will require Visa sponsorship.

For more information on Capital University, visit our website at . For more information on Trinity Lutheran Seminary, visit our website at .

Capital University offers a rich benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, family education benefits, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and free parking.

Capital University is an equal opportunity employer. Capital University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, sex, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the law.

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