Associate Chaplain for Residence Life

For the past 30 years, Calvin College had one Chaplain assigned to pastoral care for students.  Dale Cooper, affectionately called “Coop” by the many students he touched and taught, served tirelessly in his role.  Last year "Coop" retired.  So I was invited to serve as the "Interim Chaplain," signing on for one year.  But this one year quickly passed, during which time it became clear that the college community needed more time to fully assess the needs and opportunities at this strategic juncture—and listen to students and faculty alike in conversations about our direction of Christian formation. 

The outcome of this dynamic conversation leads us to conclude several things. First, no longer can we expect one Chaplain to shepherd the pastoral needs of over 4,000 diverse students as well as the needs of some staff & faculty. Second, the work of nurturing the faith community at Calvin College is diverse, requiring different gift sets. Third, we recognize that there are people who would resonate with the mission and calling of Calvin College, uniquely gifted for particular aspects of this mosaic of college ministry. 

So here's the projected model: The new College Chaplain will be theologically trained with an advanced degree, ideally a Ph.D. The College Chaplain will interact with both students & faculty. This person will also supervise the small team of Associate Chaplains: the Associate Chaplain for Worship & the Arts, the Associate Chaplain for Upperclassmen & Athletes, and the Associate Chaplain for Residence Life. 

Our staffing process begins with the posting for the Associate Chaplain for Residence Life; the job profile is available at http://jobs.calvin.edu. Our target date is to hire in August with applications due by July 7. 
 
Please let us know whether you might be interested in applying for this position, or if you know someone we should pursue. Either way, we're asking you to help us find the right person with your referrals and supporting prayers.

If you need additional input or information please write us at christianformation@calvin.edu

Thank you for being our partners in forming this generation of Jesus-followers. It’s an amazing adventure that humbles us as we are held in God’s hands of love.

For Christ,

Chaplain Andy De Jong

PS: This Fall, look for the next communication when Calvin will begin its search for the Calvin College Chaplain.