Lip-Bu Tan Chair for the Future Church

School of Mission and Theology

Fuller Theological Seminary invites applicants for the endowed Lip-Bu Tan Chair for the Future Church to begin July 1, 2027. This position leads in the research and scholarship necessary for depth and innovation in the global evangelical church today and tomorrow. The successful candidate will work toward establishing the premier center for contemporary Church studies and transformation, serving as a leading think-tank, data-research hub, and catalyst for God's Church to thrive.

The Chair will demonstrate exceptional commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and the formation of students for ministry within and beyond the church. The position requires expertise in contemporary Church studies with demonstrated capacity for innovative research that addresses the challenges and opportunities facing the Church globally in the 21st century. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research, data-driven analysis, and strategic thinking that equips the Church for mission and ministry in rapidly changing contexts.

Position Responsibilities

1. Research Leadership: Lead innovative research and scholarship on contemporary Church studies and transformation. Develop data-driven research initiatives that provide actionable insights for Church leaders and practitioners.
2. Teaching: Quarter system teaching load in traditional and online modalities within the School of Mission and Theology curriculum. Use of the seminary's designated online course management system (Canvas) is required. Develop and teach courses that explore the future of the Church, contemporary ecclesiology, Church innovation, and missional transformation. Faculty have a baseline of 6-course per year. The Chair will have a teaching load with a 2-course admin reduction that's negotiable with the Dean.
3. Scholarship: Maintain an active and distinguished research program focused on the depth and innovation needed for the Church today and tomorrow. Produce scholarship that combines theological rigor with empirical research, data analysis, and forward-thinking vision. Advance research that serves as a catalyst for the Church to thrive in diverse global contexts.
4. Convening: Develop and lead conferences, symposia, lectures, and dialogues that bring together Church leaders, scholars, practitioners, and innovators. Create networks and partnerships that advance contemporary Church studies and facilitate new insights to benefit and foster collaboration between the academy, local congregations, and denominational bodies
5. Fundraising: Locate and cultivate donors in order to fund the convening role of the chair.
6. Service: Active involvement in the School of Mission and Theology, broader seminary, and academic guild is expected as part of your role as a faculty member.
7. Professional Development: Participate in professional development workshops and be actively engaged in disciplinary guilds focused on ecclesiology, missiology, congregational studies, and related fields.
8. Advise and Mentor Students: Mentor doctoral and master's students in research related to contemporary Church studies and the future Church. Advise graduate students pursuing scholarship and ministry focused on innovation and transformation in the global ministries of the Church. Hold regular office hours. Complete related administrative responsibilities.
9. Faith: Actively participate in the life of the church. Integrate faith formation in teaching. Model faithful engagement with Church renewal and transformation rooted in biblical and theological conviction.

General Requirements

1. Faith and lifestyle congruent with the mission of Fuller Theological Seminary as expressed in its statements of faith and community standards. Fuller Seminary requires each faculty member to sign its Statement of Faith. Commitment to the evangelical and ecumenical heritage of Fuller Theological Seminary. See the Fuller Theological Seminary website.
2. Commitment to theological education in the service of the local and global church, to shaping leaders for the church's mission and ministry, to the spiritual formation of students, and to supporting women and men in pastoral and other leadership positions.
3. Active involvement in a local congregation.
4. Disposition to work collegially in a diverse - multi-ethnic, multi-denominational, multiregional - seminary community. Demonstrated ability to engage diverse ecclesial traditions and contemporary Church expressions.
5. Applicants who will add to the ethnic, racial, and gender diversity of the faculty are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Theology, Ecclesiology, Missiology, Congregational Studies, Sociology of Religion, or related fields. Established record of scholarly achievement appropriate for an endowed chair position.
2. Demonstrated excellence in graduate-level teaching with an ability to lead students in exploring both theoretical and practical dimensions of contemporary Church life and transformation.
3. Proven capacity for innovative research that combines theological depth with empirical analysis and data-driven insights. Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies applied to Church studies is highly desirable.
4. Scholarly expertise in contemporary ecclesiology, Church innovation, missional transformation, or related areas with demonstrated engagement with diverse Church contexts globally.
5. Competence and vision for teaching a diverse student body. The ability to speak and teach in Spanish or other languages is desirable.
6. Proficiency in the use of classroom technology and data analysis tools.
7. Significant experience in the life and ministry of the church, with demonstrated capacity for leading or catalyzing Church transformation and renewal.
8. Distinguished record of scholarly research and publication in contemporary Church studies or related fields. Evidence of ability to translate research into practical resources for Church leaders and practitioners.
9. Position will likely be based primarily in Pasadena but serving the seminary broadly in its digital forward transformation of global impact.

Application Information

Applicants for the Lip-Bu Tan Chair for the Future Church are asked to submit the following materials (using the email address noted below):

1. A letter of interest addressing the vision for contemporary Church studies and transformation.
2. A curriculum vitae, indicating education, teaching experience, publications, research experience, and other professional qualifications.
3. A list of three references with institutional affiliation and contact information, representing academic qualifications and expertise in contemporary Church studies.

Note: references will be contacted once the Search Committee identifies a short list of candidates.

Application materials should be submitted electronically to the same email address. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 1, 2026. Contact information Dr. Jeffrey F. Keuss, Dean School of Mission and Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, 135 N. Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91182, USA

Additional Remarks:

• Must be willing to abide by Fuller Community Standards
• Must be willing to sign Fuller's Statement of Faith
• It is preferred that the position be based in Pasadena or Houston, but other locations are negotiable. The successful candidate will serve the seminary broadly in its digital forward transformation of global impact.

Pay Scale:

Salary range the seminary expects to pay: $88,000 - $90,000 annually USD

Fuller Theological Seminary is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. To the extent required by law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. As a religious institution, Fuller Theological Seminary is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees for certain positions on the basis of religion.