- Job Title: Lecturer / Senior Lecturer: Practical Theology, specialising in Homiletics and Liturgy
- Job ID: 6604 (2286)
- Institution: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Theology and Religion
- Department: Practical and Missional Theology
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Assumption of Duties: 1 January 2027
- Closing Date: 9 October 2026
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology, with a specialisation in Homiletics and Liturgy. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, community engagement and academic administration, with particular attention to homiletical, liturgical and intergenerational ministerial practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Practical and Missional Theology, focusing on Homiletics and Liturgy.
- Contribute to curriculum development, renewal and assessment.
- Teach and assess students through contact, blended and online learning approaches.
- Use digital teaching platforms and learning management systems effectively.
- Incorporate community engagement, in-service learning and service-learning into teaching and assessment.
- Conduct research in Practical Theology, particularly Homiletics and Liturgy and their relationship to Intergenerational Ministerial Practices.
- Publish research in accredited and peer-reviewed journals and other recognised academic publications.
- Present research at national and international conferences.
- Participate in relevant scholarly networks.
- Supervise postgraduate students at honours, master’s and doctoral levels.
- Contribute to departmental, faculty and university administration.
- Participate in academic leadership, quality assurance, student support and committee activities.
- Engage in scholarly, ecclesial, community and professional activities related to Practical Theology, Homiletics and Liturgy.
Requirements – Lecturer
Applicants for Lecturer must have:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Practical Theology, Practical and Missional Theology, Homiletics and Liturgy or a closely related theological discipline for permanent appointment; OR
- A Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in one of the relevant fields for a five-year contract appointment, during which a PhD must be obtained for conversion to permanent appointment.
- An abstract of the PhD thesis demonstrating relevance to Practical Theology, with a focus on Homiletics and Liturgy.
- A full undergraduate degree in Theology or a related field with Theology as a major.
- Proven participation in theology-related scholarly conferences.
- Experience presenting papers, posters or equivalent academic presentations.
- Evidence of manuscripts with potential for publication in DHET-accredited journals.
- A good academic record.
Requirements – Senior Lecturer
Applicants for Senior Lecturer must have:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Practical Theology, Practical and Missional Theology, Homiletics and Liturgy or a closely related theological discipline.
- An abstract of the PhD thesis demonstrating relevance to the advertised field.
- A full undergraduate degree in Theology or a related field with Theology as a major.
- Proven tertiary teaching experience in Practical and Missional Theology, particularly Homiletics and Liturgy.
- Digital teaching competence, including experience with learning management systems and relevant teaching methodologies.
- Active participation in relevant scholarly societies.
- A proven research record in Practical Theology, with a focus on Homiletics and Liturgy.
- An emerging to established research profile, normally demonstrated through four to six recognised research outputs over the preceding three years.
- Evidence of postgraduate supervision, co-supervision or research mentoring.
- Evidence of successful postgraduate supervision or co-supervision.
- Experience in engaged scholarship, particularly in-service learning or service-learning.
- An NRF rating or demonstrated potential to obtain an NRF rating.
Recommended Experience
Preference may be given to candidates with:
- At least three years’ higher education teaching experience in Practical Theology, Homiletics and Liturgy or a related field.
- Knowledge of digital pedagogy, blended learning and online assessment.
- A teaching portfolio supporting their teaching experience.
- Experience designing, coordinating or renewing theological modules.
- At least two years’ practical experience in preaching, worship leadership, ecclesial practice or community-based theological work.
- Registration or eligibility for registration with a relevant professional or scholarly body.
- Experience as a licensed minister from a Christian denomination, including demonstrated preaching experience.
- An NRF rating.
Key Competencies
Results Orientated
- Ability to adapt to changing environments.
- Reliable, responsible and dependable.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage several activities simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Business Acumen
- Ability to follow rules, policies and regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leading
- High levels of motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- Ability to cooperate with colleagues and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Ability to establish positive professional relationships.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, the position offers:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Salary: Available on request.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed CV
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- Copy of South African ID or passport for foreign nationals
- Confirmation of current or most recent employment for external applicants
- All documents required under the applicable inherent requirements
- PhD thesis abstract
- Relevant supporting evidence, including proof of registration or ministerial status where applicable
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are advised to merge documents where necessary to avoid upload issues.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
Telephone: 051 401 9813
Email: Phokar@ufs.ac.za
Additional assistance: 051 401 2979 / 7659