Introduction

The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) Network announces the voluntary stepping down of its President, the Rev. Dr. Eric M. Riesen, effective January 2025. Pastor Riesen has decided to step away from his role to focus on other vocations and projects. Since receiving his call from the Executive Council and his appointment by the Board of Regents in October 2019, Pastor Riesen has led the NALS with exemplary dedication and vision, fostering a vibrant academic community and nurturing the spiritual growth of students.

“We are grateful for Pastor Riesen’s years of service and leadership with the NALS,” said the Rev. Dr. Dan Selbo, Bishop of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). “His passion for theological education and unwavering dedication to raising up pastors and leaders have left a lasting mark on the NALC. It has been an honor to serve our Lord Jesus with him.”

The Board of Regents will initiate a search for the next president of the NALS, aiming to continue the seminary’s trajectory of robust spiritual formation, rigorous and distinctive theological education, and intentional pastoral mentorship.

Description of Call

Position: President, North American Lutheran Seminary Network

Introduction: The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) Network, operating under the auspices of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), is a distinctive academic institution. The NALC is a confessional church, emphasizing the belief that the Church is a community founded on specific biblical truths, as confessed in the ecumenical creeds and clarified in the Lutheran Confessions. As a denomination and seminary network, we strive to respond to cultural shifts while remaining steadfast in our faith and adherence to biblical ethics and ecumenical commitments of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We, as a church body, are dedicated to the mission of making disciples and bearing witness to the timeless truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Role: The Seminary President is the chief executive officer of the NALS Network, a called position within the church. The NALS operates using a hub-and-spoke model, with the Seminary Center housed at Trinity Anglican Seminary (formerly Trinity School for Ministry) in Ambridge, PA. Spoke seminaries collaborate closely with the central hub to serve the diverse needs of the church. The President plays a pivotal role in providing spiritual, theological, academic, and organizational leadership to NALS seminarians, faculty, and staff, in direct alignment with the NALC’s vision and mission.

Qualifications

  • Exemplifies a godly life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ
  • Certified or willing to pursue certification as an ordained pastor in the NALC
  • Holds a doctoral degree in a theological discipline or related field; a Ph.D. is preferred
  • Has a minimum of three years of pastoral experience
  • Has proven organizational leadership experience
  • Exhibits leadership in the Lutheran Church beyond the parish level
  • Demonstrates exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Capable of engaging others with humility, integrity, compassion, resilience, and reliability
  • Experience in leading strategic planning processes and their implementation
  • Experience in fiscal and managerial practices, including donor relationships
  • Willing to relocate near the Seminary Center in Ambridge, PA

Compensation

The NALC’s Hiring Policy will guide the search for a new Seminary President. Upon receiving a call, the NALC will provide a full-time compensation package, including salary and benefits. The salary range for this position is between $118,000 and $121,000. Detailed financial package information will be provided upon request.

Application Deadline and Desired Starting Date

Application Deadline: August 31, 2024
Desired Starting Date: January 2, 2025 (negotiable, with a possible start date of June 1, 2025, depending on the candidate)

Search Committee

Search Committee Members: