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January 2025:
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Moravian Seminary is pleased to announce the promotion of Rev. Dr. C. Riddick Weber as Associate Dean, Bethlehem Campus. The Moravian Seminary is located on the campus of Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA. The University also has a seminary campus at the Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA.
Dr. Weber, an esteemed theologian, educator, and liturgical scholar brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this role as he helps guide the Seminary through its evolving mission in theological education.
“I am honored to be the Associate Dean, Bethlehem Campus for the Moravian University School of Theology,” said Dr. Weber. “I celebrate Moravian’s move from college to university status, our merger with Lancaster Theological Seminary, and the opportunities and resources these relationships afford us all. I am grateful to our Interim Vice President and Dean, the Very Rev. Dr. Katherine Ragsdale, for her trust in me.”
Rev. Dr. Weber will continue his teaching role while collaborating with Rev. Dr. Vanessa Lovelace, Associate Dean, Lancaster campus, and the incoming Vice President and Dean of the School of Theology. Together, they will work to uphold the Seminary’s values of hospitality, inclusivity, and service to the church and the broader world.
Said The Very Rev. Dr. Katherine Ragsdale, Interim VP and Dean of the Seminary, “We are fortunate and delighted that Dr. Weber has taken on these new responsibilities. His broad connections, and the deep respect in which he is held, throughout the Moravian Church should stand the seminary in good stead as we recruit and support Moravian students for ministries within that Church. His excellent scholarship and collegial style make him a valuable faculty partner and leader.Throughout his work, Riddick models the respectful, inclusive, collaborative style that is integral to the values of both Moravian and Lancaster Theological Seminaries and is, in my view, the foundation of effective leadership.”
Dr. Weber’s distinguished liturgical work includes numerous publications, conference presentations, and workshops. He is currently working on a new project, “‘Brother Joseph’s’ Wachovia Work: Spangenberg and the Founding of the Moravian Church in North Carolina” in a forthcoming book celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of August Gottlieb Spangenberg to be published by Penn State University Press.
His contributions to Moravian worship, music, and hymnology have enriched the Seminary’s academic and spiritual life. Highlights include his chapter on “Moravian Worship” in Moravian Treasures and his recent presentation on liturgical heritage at the 2023 Bethlehem Conference on Moravian History and Music.
The Associate Dean will work closely with two key leaders: the VP/Dean of the School of Theology and the Associate Dean, Lancaster Campus. Together, they will ensure that both academic and administrative operations run smoothly.
This position connects three important groups: the School of Theology, the Moravian Church, and the local Lehigh Valley community. The Associate Dean builds partnerships between these groups and provides support to faculty, staff, and students.
The role involves regular collaboration with church leaders, professors, and university administrators to build relationships and coordinate various activities while maintaining high academic standards. The Associate Dean also oversees important faculty matters like hiring, tenure decisions, and promotions, while serving as a bridge between university and community groups.
Dr. Weber earned his PhD from the University of Virginia and a MDiv degree from Duke Divinity School. In addition, he was ordained a Deacon in the Moravian Church in 2002 and Consecrated a Presbyter of the Moravian Church in 2015.
January 2025:
The School of Theology at Moravian University invites applications for three tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor rank to start in July 2025.
This cluster hire is intended to attract the best candidates from a diverse pool to join us in working to build and sustain inclusive excellence. Candidates will demonstrate innovation in teaching and scholarship, competence to teach in multiple disciplines, including interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary content, and flexibility and generosity in addressing the needs of the new School of Theology. Experience in academic leadership, accreditation and institutional research, and grant writing is desirable. These positions are for: Tenure Track appointments with needs for teaching in the areas of 1) Religious Education or 2) Pastoral Care/Clinical Counseling/Chaplaincy or 3) Ministerial Leadership.
The successful candidates will have a record of or potential for research, teaching, and service. Candidates seeking a position in religious education should be familiar with multiple theories of Christian education and their theological and philosophical foundations. Candidates for a pastoral care/clinical counseling/chaplaincy position should be knowledgeable of historical and contemporary models of spiritual/pastoral care in a variety of contexts, including parish-based ministry, chaplaincy, and other non-profit settings.
See complete job description and apply.