CAMPUS MINISTRIES - University Chaplain

SUMMARY: The role of the University Chaplain is to design and direct all aspects of Campus Ministries, which has a primary focus on the spiritual life, faith development, and pastoral care for Andrews University students.

The University Chaplain collaborates with the University administrators, faculty, staff, Pioneer Memorial Church pastors, and other spiritual care leaders of the University community to enrich the spiritual and intellectual life of the campus; to foster optimum whole-person development; to build a vibrant community of faith; and to further the mission of Andrews University to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, and Change the World.

The University Chaplain leads Campus Ministries from the unique perspectives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its purpose to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ.

The specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, strategic planning and assessment; general administration; leadership and coordination of the work of the Campus Ministries team; collaborating with all campus entities for spiritual life, program development and implementation of Thursday Chapels, Friday Vespers and other on- and off-campus ministries; fostering the growth and support for Student Missions; providing personal spiritual care for students; and mentoring and ensuring sponsorship of student ministry leaders including the leaders in the University student associations and other student organizations tasked with responsibility for spiritual leadership.

This role and work of the University Chaplain is supported by two associate Chaplains, one employed by Andrews University and one employed by the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, one Assistant Director of Service and Missions, and one Office Manager.

As a key member of the University and Student Life leadership teams, the University Chaplain has a primary reporting relationship to the President with a focus on strategy, University-wide initiatives, human resources, evaluation and mentorship. The University Chaplain also seeks direction and support in a formal working relationship with the Vice President for Campus and Student Life in the daily operations of Campus Ministries with a focus on the interface of faith development and the student experience.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning and Assessment

Directs the processes for strategic planning by identifying needs, desired outcomes, strategies, and action plans to reach established goals. 

Directs ongoing processes for formal and informal assessment strategies to meet the diversity of needs and best utilization of spiritual and University resources as well as to facilitate continuous quality improvement. This assessment includes the yearly implementation of the Spiritual Life Story of Andrews University, as well as analyzing and reviewing the results with Faculty, Staff and Administrators and identifying future plans for faith development.

General Administration

Directs the general administration and daily operations of Campus Ministries.

Prepares the Campus Ministries operational proposed budget and makes recommendations for capital equipment

Directs financial operations, determining decisions and allocations for expenditures, staffing, programs, equipment, and supplies within established University guidelines approved targets.

Serves as a liaison for spiritual life and faith development activities with the administration, faculty, parents, enrollment services, guests, alumni, and other constituents.

Facilitates the development of an attractive Campus Ministries Department facility that fosters optimum student engagement with the Chaplains and with various programs and ministries.

Supervision, Staff Responsibilities, and Staff Development

Directs supervisory responsibilities in accordance with established University guidelines, including staff, student, and volunteer selection and hiring; job description development; staff training and support; assignment of tasks; work scheduling and delegating assignments; appraising performance; motivating and affirming staff and student employees; addressing complaints; and resolution of problems. 

Directs, in consultation with the President and Vice President in accordance with established University guidelines, the processes to ensure appropriate operational hours for the Campus Ministries office and staff scheduling to provide for the needs of students and the campus community.

Pastoral Care; Support and Crisis Response Services

Directs the provision of pastoral care, counsel, support and mentoring to assist University students in their daily life and relationships, faith struggles, as well as in times of personal crisis. Provides pastoral care and support services for faculty and staff as requested.

Develops processes that intentionally seek to build positive relationships with University students, faculty and staff and that include plans for Chaplains to maintain a high level of student contact and visibility.

Programming

Collaborates with the Vice President for Campus & Student Life and the Director of Co-curricular Education to provide comprehensive programming for students that fosters holistic spiritual development and personal growth and builds the University community. Additional goals of such programs are (a) to engage and support students in critical thinking regarding important “issues of the day” at Andrews University, as well as in the world at large, (b) to encourage the application of thoughtful and tangible experiences that demonstrate the inclusive essence of Christianity and (c) to foster positive healthy choices that are consistent with the values and faith community of Andrews University.

Directs the development and implementation of Thursday Chapels, Weeks of Prayer, Friday Vespers, Sabbath School, the alternate Sabbath Morning Worship services (Fellowships), and other on- and off-campus ministries.

Directs the development and implementation of programming designed to facilitate strengthening students’ biblical knowledge and commitment to discipleship.

Supports and supervises the Assistant Director of Service and Missions in the implementation of comprehensive processes to develop, grow, and support the Andrews University Student Missions program and other outreach and short-term mission activities, such as, but not limited to, Change Day, Community Service Project, Change Hub, Disaster Relief responses.

Designs and directs the process to facilitate the engagement of new students in the spiritual life of the campus that includes pre-enrollment activities, New Student Orientation, etc.

Dedication Sabbath

Collaborates with the offices of the President and Provost with the planning of Dedication Sabbath. Directs the implementation of Dedication Sabbath details and programming as directed by the offices of the President and Provost.

Marketing and Communication Processes

Coordinates marketing and communication processes to enhance the mission and impact of Campus Ministries including various electronic media, website development, etc.

Collaborates with the Director of Co-curricular Education and the University Communications team to plan the Co-Curricular Calendar and ensure that Campus Ministries programs are highlighted in the University Calendar and other promotional systems.

Collaborates with the Vice President for Enrollment and other University leaders to promote faith development goals and programs to constituents and Lake Union entities with a focus on potential students and parents.

Leadership Training and Student Ministry Support

Directs the processes to seek student leaders (including the AUSA Religious Vice President) to be part of the formal Campus Ministries Team.

Provides optimum training, support and mentoring for all Campus Ministries and other student leaders, including the Student Chaplains, TFE Placements, AUSA Student Leaders, Resident Assistants, and other faith-based clubs and organizations.

Professional Development

Maintains professional growth through involvement in professional organizations and other developmental activities such as NAD Chaplain’s Summit, Campus Ministries Convention, etc.