Faculty
Lyell Seminary is built on the strength, humility, and stability of its faculty. Every course, every conversation, every IEP, and every piece of scholarship depends on the heart and integrity of our teachers.
We invite faculty who are more than experts. We invite scholar-mentors who carry both academic depth and spiritual maturity.
The Kind of Faculty We Seek
Lyell faculty are:
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spiritually grounded
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Torah-pursuant
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emotionally mature
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academically excellent
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humble in posture
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gentle in presence
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serious about formation
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skilled in mentoring
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committed to writing and research
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stable in identity
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eager to serve the next generation
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We look for faculty who can guide students from the inside out. Not proud, not platforming their careers, not theorists disconnected from real life, we seek faculty who can carry truth with compassion and strength.
The Role of a Lyell Faculty Member
Faculty do more than teach; they shape the soul of the Seminary.
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1. Mentor Students
Every faculty member leads one or more students through their Individual Encounter Plan (IEP).
This includes:
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monthly meetings
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gentle guidance
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Scripture reflection
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Torah practice
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pastoral presence
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wise boundaries
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discernment and prayer
Mentoring is the heart of our model.
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2. Teach with Depth and Clarity
Faculty design courses that honor:
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Torah
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Jewish context
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ancient languages
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careful exegesis
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rigorous method
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spiritual formation
We emphasize slow, deep teaching—not content overload.
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3. Write and Contribute to Scholarship
Lyell aims to cultivate serious academic voices.
Faculty are expected to:
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publish books or articles
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write with integrity and care
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engage with reputable scholarship
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present at academic societies (AAR/SBL, regional, etc.)
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develop materials for Torah-pursuant communities
We want faculty whose research matters.
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4. Model Torah-Pursuant Living
Faculty live what they teach:
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Shabbat rest
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holy speech
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compassion
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honesty
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justice
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generosity
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integrity
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humility
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prayer
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ethical use of AI
Students become what the faculty models.
Faculty Formation Year
Every new faculty member begins with a year of formation before teaching confidently in the Seminary.
This year includes:
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a personal IEP
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monthly formation conversations
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Torah rhythms
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academic planning
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ethical commitments
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faculty cohort dialogue
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stability practices
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boundaries with AI
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reflections on teaching identity
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development toward scholar-mentor life
Faculty must undergo formation before guiding others.
Faculty Covenant (Preview)
A full covenant is provided to faculty applicants.
A preview includes commitments to:
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walk in Torah-pursuant obedience
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pursue intimacy with the Father
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maintain emotional honesty
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teach with humility
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write with integrity
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mentor with compassion
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steward authority without pride
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practice ethical AI use
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uphold Seminary unity
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protect Confidentiality of student formation
The Covenant protects the culture of Lyell Seminary.
Academic Excellence
We hold faculty to high standards because we hold Scripture with reverence.
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Faculty are expected to:
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master their field of study
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stay current in scholarship
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teach languages with clarity
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design rigorous syllabi
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grade with care and fairness
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uphold academic ethics
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model citation integrity
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respect the Jewish roots of the text
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avoid shallow or sensational claims
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maintain a teachable spirit
Academic excellence begins with humility.
The Council
The Council is the founding academic and spiritual leadership body of the Seminary.
Council members:
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help shape policies
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develop curriculum
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mentor faculty
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guide the spiritual culture
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discern future directions
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assist the President in key decisions
The Council is small, selective, and spiritually mature.
Joining the Council is an act of service, not status.
Why Faculty Choose Lyell
Faculty join us because they desire:
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a community that values Torah
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a Seminary that prioritizes the inner life
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meaningful mentoring relationships
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opportunities to write and publish
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serious dialogue grounded in humility
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clear identity and purpose
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freedom from academic politics
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accountability that strengthens the soul
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a culture of integrity with AI
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a place to teach without compromising convictions
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Lyell Seminary is rare. It is small, deep, and honest.
Faculty serve because they believe in its mission.
Who Should Apply
You should consider applying if:
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you hold a PhD or equivalent
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you have theological, biblical, or historical training
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you value Torah and spiritual formation
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you desire to mentor students
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you are steady, humble, and emotionally grounded
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you’re willing to learn the Lyell way
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you want to write and publish serious work
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you can commit to at least one year on the Council
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you want to help build a Seminary from the ground up
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This is a calling, not a job.
An Invitation
If you feel a pull toward:
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Torah
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truth
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formation
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scholarship
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community
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mentoring
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integrity
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quiet excellence
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the Father’s presence
then we invite you to consider joining Lyell Seminary.
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