Religion Faculty

Calvin University invites applications for a full-time faculty member to join the Religion Department in either a lecturer or assistant professor (tenure-track) position, to teach courses in biblical studies, beginning in August 2027 (pending administrative approval).

REQUIREMENTS

The university seeks applicants with vibrant Christian faith, particularly as expressed in the Reformed confessions, who are dedicated to integrating their faith with their field of study. Candidates must affirm the historic Reformed confessions and support Calvin University’s religious identity and educational mission as a Christian liberal arts university in the Reformed tradition, affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America.  (See Educating for Shalom and Faculty Expectations) Further information about the University’s religious identity and educational mission is available through the Calvin University Provost’s Office.

Ideal candidates for either position should hold a Ph.D. in biblical studies at the time of hire. Preference will be given to those who can teach a range of New Testament courses.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level. Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching using a variety of methods and instructional technology.

The university will prioritize candidates with broad interdisciplinary interests, demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ability to integrate questions of meaning, significance, and ethics into all course content, and deep commitment to engaging students beyond the classroom.

FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES

For a tenure-track faculty member, primary responsibilities include undergraduate teaching (24 credit hours per year, combining 4- and 2-credit-hour courses), maintaining an active program of scholarship, advising students, and participating in university and departmental service.

For a lecturer, primary responsibilities include undergraduate teaching (32 semester hours per academic year), advising students, and participating in departmental service. Lecturers have no research or scholarship expectations.

FACULTY RESOURCES

Faculty are expected to grow in Reformed Christian commitment and to serve the university, department, students, and the wider community. Calvin University provides numerous faculty development opportunities to foster growth in these commitments. Calvin University also stands at the forefront of Christian scholarship across disciplines. The University hosts several Centers and Institutes and provides other funding opportunities to support faculty teaching and research, including sabbaticals, grants, course releases, summer research stipends, travel funds, and student research opportunities.

ABOUT THE RELIGION PROGRAM   

As part of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the Department of Religion offers courses in Biblical Studies, Christian Theology, and World Religions, along with cognate subjects. Faculty teach courses fulfilling Calvin University’s general education requirements, for which most students take two Religion courses, and courses for department programs: Religion Major and Religion Minor.

ABOUT CALVIN UNIVERSITY

Calvin University is a top-ranked national university that equips students to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Approximately 3,600 Calvin students study the liberal arts and select from a broad range of majors and professional programs, including a growing portfolio of graduate-level offerings. The university is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a thriving metropolitan region of approximately one million people situated equidistant from Chicago and Detroit. Furthermore, the West Michigan region is ranked by Forbes as the #1 place to raise a family. For more information, please visit http://www.calvin.edu/go/facultyopenings.

Calvin is building a tradition of diversity and accessibility and welcomes applications from persons whose personal characteristics will further that commitment.  Calvin does not discriminate in the employment of individuals based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, or age.  Calvin University is an educational agency of the Christian Reformed Church in North America and, in compliance with Title VII and other applicable law, reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religion. Please note that, while we welcome applications from all qualified applicants, employment opportunities for foreign nationals may be subject to additional eligibility, timing, sponsorship, and funding considerations under current U.S. immigration and visa requirements.

TO APPLY

Complete the online application process and attach the following:

• Letter of application that addresses the requirements and responsibilities of the position
• A 250 to 500-word statement describing your Christian faith and explaining your interest in teaching and scholarship at a Reformed Christian University
• Full curriculum vitae

Applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be emailed directly by their recommenders to Dr. Won Lee, Chair of the Religion Department, at [email protected]. The completed application, including all supporting materials, must be received by October 5, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.  

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.