FaithSearch Partners is pleased to announce that its client, Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), has appointed Rev. Dr. Josh Sweeden as its next Dean of the Reuben Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry, effective August 10th. PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. The university provides higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom.
“Josh is a thoughtful and deeply mission-centered leader who brings an exceptional combination of theological depth, academic leadership, and genuine commitment to the church,” stated Jacqui Gustafson. “It was a privilege to get to know him through the search process and to partner with Point Loma Nazarene University in identifying a leader so well aligned with the mission and future of the Reuben Welch School. We are delighted to celebrate Josh’s appointment and look forward to all that lies ahead for him and PLNU.”
Dr. Josh Sweeden brings a compelling combination of academic leadership, theological scholarship, and deep commitment to the Church. An ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and a practical theologian in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, he has devoted his career to preparing students and leaders for faithful service.
Prior to joining Point Loma Nazarene University, Josh spent nearly a decade at Nazarene Theological Seminary, where he served as Chief Academic Officer and Dean of the Faculty and as Professor of Church and Society. His thoughtful, collaborative leadership and commitment to innovative, mission-centered theological education position him well to lead PLNU’s Reuben Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry.
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Founded in 2007, FaithSearch Partners is the premier executive search firm in the U.S. focusing exclusively on serving faith-based educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, media organizations, churches, ministries, and faith-driven businesses. FaithSearch understands the importance of effective biblical leadership and strives to help clients find suitable candidates who embody those qualities. In addition, FaithSearch offers leadership advising beyond executive search, including executive coaching, strategic planning, succession planning, leadership evaluations, financial advisory, education strategy, crisis management, and donor & board engagement. Based in Dallas with locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Kansas City, Sacramento, Fort Wayne, Durango, Redding, and Rochester, FaithSearch is able to serve faith-based clients in all regions and across the globe.
