Assistant/Associate Professor of Historical Theology

Description

About the Job

The Assistant or Associate Professor of Historical Theology in the School of Theology of the College of Undergraduate Studies reports to the Dean of the School of Theology and is located on the main campus in Lakewood, Colorado and appointment rank will be determined by qualifications, experience, and applicable university criteria. The successful candidate will teach both upper-division courses in Historical and Systematic Theology, as well as general education courses in Philosophy and World Religions. Applications will be accepted immediately with the successful candidate beginning employment on July 1, 2027 with teaching responsibilities beginning in the fall 2027 semester.

Job Location

Fully on-site - must reside and work legally in the U.S. Regular work location: Lakewood, Colorado

About CCU

Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.

Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914. CCU’s motto is "grace and truth," which comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV) 

CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.

CCU’s embraces an educational model that was there at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character, and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time. 

A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges--the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.

What is most appealing about working at CCU?

1. Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
2. Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.
3. Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
4. Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.

We’re looking for candidates who have:

1. A PhD in Historical Theology or a closely related field.
2. An M.Div. or comparable ministry-oriented theological preparation is preferred for the integration with Pastoral Ministry and Christian doctrine.
3. A record of peer-reviewed scholarship, including scholarly articles, books, or book chapters.
4. Ministry experience in a local church or parachurch organization is desirable.
5. International university studies or teaching experience, which is highly desired.

Key Job Duties

1. Contribute to CCU’s mission: Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. In this role, the Assistant or Associate Professor of Historical Theology contributes to the mission beyond the classroom through activities such as scholarship, committee/task force/team work, community development, or similar activities internally and externally, which enhance and advance exemplary academics, personal spiritual growth, and engagement with the world.
2. Teach the history and development of Christian doctrine in its biblical, ecclesial, intellectual, and cultural contexts, helping students interpret primary sources, evaluate historical arguments, and understand continuity and change within Christian theological traditions. A standard teaching load consists of 24 semester hours per year of both upper-division and general education courses.
3. Advise assigned students regarding academic progress, vocational discernment, ministry preparation, and graduate study; supervise undergraduate research, independent studies, and capstone projects as assigned. This includes maintaining established office hours to be available for formal consultations and informal mentoring.
4. Participate in assessment of course and program learning outcomes, program review, and curriculum improvement, including preparation of documentation for institutional review and accreditation processes as assigned. Grow in commitment and effectiveness in the integration of Christian faith and learning for wisdom, work, and blessing in every course.
5. Support the development and enrollment growth of majors and minors in theology and philosophy from a Christian worldview.
6. Interview, recommend for appointment, and oversee adjunct instructors and graders for theology and philosophy courses. Assist the Dean in identifying and evaluating qualified instructors.
7. Serve the academic community at CCU through occasional chapel messages, public lectures, and other campus events appropriate to the faculty member’s expertise.
8. Maintain an active program of historical-theological scholarship through peer-reviewed publication, conference participation, and other appropriate scholarly contributions, consistent with faculty rank and assigned workload.
9. Participate in academic committees related to curriculum development and oversight.
10. Contribute to publications associated with the Ephrem Project based on transcribed and translated Syriac manuscripts from early church fathers.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee may work occasional irregular hours, including some nights and weekends. Regular public presentations to students, parents, and external constituents required. Colorado Christian University expects all faculty and staff to become a part of the University community by participating in activities and events that occur on the campus throughout the year, which may occur during evenings and weekends.

What we offer our employees:

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefit package includes: a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process. Faculty pay will be assigned by rank at a range of $55,000 - $70,000. Pay is assigned by reviewing a combination of job-related factors that may include: internal/external pay equity, the salary structure/pay grade, or a candidate’s qualifications/experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage and CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Spiritual Requirements

1. Committed follower of Jesus Christ, who believes there is no salvation apart from faith in his atonement on the cross, by grace alone becoming "born again" thus beginning a personal relationship with Christ, the Son of God.
2. Able to effectively communicate personal faith and apply biblical principles and convictions in the workplace. Must have a strong sense of calling to the ministry of Colorado Christian University.
3. Regularly attend and be engaged in meaningful involvement in a Bible-believing evangelical local church. Knowledgeable about the Word of God and passionate about Christian education.
4. Must be a traditional evangelical Christian whose lifestyle is in consonance with sound Christian principles, is compatible with CCU’s Statement of Faith, and is in agreement with the Strategic Priorities promulgated by the University.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Colorado Christian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status. CCU is committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment and calls on every member of the university community to be vigilant in deterring and reporting all violations. CCU does reserve the right to exercise preference on the basis of religion in all of its employment practices. All employees who work at CCU must demonstrate a spiritual testimony consistent with our evangelical mission and follow our lifestyle expectations.