Associate Chaplain

About the role

The Associate Chaplain will minister to the La Sierra University community through programming worship services, managing Spiritual Life department resources, and mentoring student leaders. The purpose and function of the Associate Chaplain is to help students, faculty, and staff meet God, assist in the development of their spiritual relationship, provide opportunities for personal experience, and support faith development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute worship services for various departments, programs, and events
• Coordinate Criminal Justice weekly worships on both campuses
• Plan and execute various on‑campus worship services
• Oversee Athletic Retreat worships
• Oversee Freshman Orientation worships
• Plan and execute various spiritual programs and activities in collaboration with student ministry directors
• Oversee Weekly Chapel Services
• Oversee Weekend Spiritual Activities
• Oversee Sabbath School First Service
• Coordinate Rendezvous and Retreats
• Participate in dorm worships as needed
• Conduct Bible studies and spiritual conversations with small groups and individuals
• Mentor and develop student leaders and ministry directors, including:
  • Chapel Program Director
  • First Service director
  • SALSU Spiritual Vice President
  • Departmental Student Chaplains and Worship Coordinators
  • Athletics Student Care Coordinators
• Coordinate a circle of care for students, faculty, and staff with other campus resources
• Hold monthly meetings with Spiritual Life Coordinators across campus
• Oversee and coordinate the international student missionary program and local ministry opportunities
• Attend monthly North American Division Missions Advisory Zoom Meeting
• Coordinate with the North American Division to send out student missionaries
• Collaborate with various on‑campus groups for service learning/outreach opportunities
• Plan and implement local and short‑term mission trips
• Attend all necessary committee, departmental, and office meetings
• Provide innovative strategies to keep ministries relevant and effective
• Assist in the implementation of the University’s Spiritual Master Plan
• Maintain the Spiritual Life website
• Handle emails, phone calls, recommendation letters, and generate various documents and data as needed
• Oversee and manage ministry and program budgets
• Perform various administrative and organizational tasks
• Provide spiritual care and leadership to students, staff, and faculty
• Attend various campus services, programs, and events
• Assist in pre‑marital counseling and coaching
• Assist in various student training and leadership programs
• Lead Spiritual Life Staff Retreat (ADVANCE), Ignite Freshman Retreat, Athletic Retreat, and Campus Spiritual Retreat
• Engage in leadership and professional development:
  • Meet with department head for mentoring, consultation, and guidance
  • Stay current with professional trends through study, reading, and learning opportunities
  • Attend leadership retreats, NAD Campus Ministries Convention, and various leadership conferences

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required in Religion or Counseling
• Master of Divinity, Pastoral Studies, or equivalent preferred
• Three to five years of experience in a related field
• Broad understanding of religious and faith traditions, with strong understanding of Christianity and Adventism
• Previous experience in worship planning and spiritual programming
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups