Faculty - Program Coordinator - College of Theology

Grand Canyon University! One of Arizona’s leading institutions of higher learning. Located in the Valley of Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, GCU is a regionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University.

Grand Canyon University’s College of Theology serves the broadly evangelical community, "teaching what accords with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). Our theology college reaches an array of like-minded Christian congregations and organizations, embracing various evangelical denominational traditions and nondenominational churches, reflecting a celebration of the unity we have in Jesus Christ.

About the Barnabas Pastoral Program (BPP):

The BPP is a comprehensive, accelerated training program designed for young people preparing for vocational, pastoral ministry within the local church. The program seamlessly combines classroom work, co-curricular experiences, activities, and on-the-job training to produce a healthy balance of knowledge, skill, and character which are essential for future ministry leaders. In many ways, the program exists to prepare the church for tomorrow by investing in young pastors today.

Much like its New Testament namesake, the BPP aims to develop leaders whose lives are profoundly shaped by the gospel and who love the Lord as well as his church. Just as Barnabas mentored the Apostle Paul, John Mark, and others in the early church, our vision for pastoral education integrates academic preparation, mentoring, and hands-on apprenticeships under the guidance of seasoned gospel ministers capable of developing young leaders.

Required coursework includes specified courses within accelerated Bachelor of Arts to Master of Divinity programs, a series of formative pastoral labs, a recommended internship, and supervised ministry requirements. Nonetheless, classroom work only represents part of the overall student experience. The program also employs co-curricular and post-curricular elements that shape students holistically and professionally for missional, gospel-centered ministry.

The Barnabas Program is funded by the Kern Family Foundation. This position will provide capacity and oversight during the duration of the Kern Family Foundation grant to Grand Canyon University. The grant commitment dates are July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2028.

Location: Main Campus

Target Hire Date: July 2025

What You Will Do:

• Coordinates all aspects the BPP by managing the curriculum, the co-curriculum, and career preparation activities in order to ensure alignment to the targets, objectives, and overarching goals of the program.
• Directs activities, experiences, and events related to pastoral formation include, but not limited to, panel discussions with local pastors, networking events, and ministerial training sessions.
• Serves as Department Chair for the college’s BA in Christian Ministry program.
• Oversees instruction within Ministry Labs and coaching within Pastorem Groups to ensure that student formation aligns with programmatic targets and objectives.
• Regularly reports on key performance indicators related to programmatic efficacy and required reporting for supporting grants.
• Chairs a programmatic admissions committee that reviews application materials and awards Barnabas scholarships to eligible students.
• Oversees student evaluation in light of programmatic requirements, learning objectives, and progression requirements related to scholarship eligibility.
• Collaborates with the Seminary’s Director, the Dean, and Assistant Deans to ensure that internships, supervised ministry experiences, and career preparation activities align with and complement classroom learning.
• Works with University Counselors, Student Services Counselors, faculty, and administrative staff within the college to resolve support student success within the program.
• Provides support for instructors within the BPP who teach under the auspices of the College of Theology.
• Develops relationships with external stakeholders for the sake of expanding internship opportunities for students in local churches and other Christian organizations.
• Cultivates a vibrant BPP community on campus.
• Teaches relevant subjects in the field of expertise to undergraduate students related to formation, leadership, and pastoral ministry. 

• Assists students in achieving course objectives and learning outcomes.
• Manages portions of the budget related to areas of responsibility.
• Actively participates in department, college and university committees.
• Engages in other administrative tasks as necessary, including preparation of reports.

What You Will Do:

• The ideal candidate will have earned a PhD or DMin from an accredited institution in the area of biblical studies, systematic theology, practical theology, leadership, or ministry and will possess exceptional communication skills.
• A successful candidate will have significant experience in ministry and a strong capacity to form young, pastoral leaders for ministry.
• Teaching experience at the college level and significant involvement with a local church are highly valued.
• All faculty in GCU’s College of Theology are required to sign and teach in accordance with the university’s Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Positions Statement, and the College of Theology Covenant. If necessary, additional materials such as a sample sermon, lesson, or performance may be requested.
• Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University's Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement and Mission of Grand Canyon University.