Website Disciple Heritage Fellowship

Disciple Heritage Fellowship (DHF) Ministry Mission and Vision –We empower churches and pastors to thrive and fulfill the Great Commission.

Job Description

DHF is seeking a full time Executive Director who will be responsible for overseeing, developing, and advancing the mission and strategic vision of Disciple Heritage Fellowship. This individual serves as the primary leader, representative, and communicator for DHF, and must fulfill duties with excellence, humility, and a Christ-centered spirit. This position reports to the DFH Board.

Required Core Competencies

Follower of Jesus:
- A personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior with a commitment to growing in discipleship.
Strategic Leadership:
- Ability to develop and drive organizational strategies tied to mission outcomes.
Fundraising and Development:
- Proven ability to raise funds, cultivate donor relationships, and steward resources.
Organizational Agility:
- Understanding of ministry systems and ability to lead through relational and structural complexity.
Relational and Pastoral Care Skills:
- Builds trust, supports leaders, and provides wise coaching.
Communication and Representation:
- A compelling communicator who articulates vision effectively.
Innovation and Adaptability:
- Can develop new ministry models and adjust to changing environments.Restoration Movement Alignment: Deep knowledge of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement and alignment with its convictions.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of 7 years in ministry leadership, nonprofit leadership, or denominational leadership.
Proven experience in fundraising and strategic development.
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in ministry, leadership, or related field preferred.
Demonstrated success in developing leaders and growing networks.
Strong preference for the Executive Director to work out of First Christian Church in Decatur, IL, to support ongoing collaboration, staff integration, and strategic alignment with DHF’s primary ministry partner.

Key Responsibilities and Outcomes

The Executive Director will lead and manage the mission of DHF by:

Advancing the Thrive Track:
- Develop and implement tools, coaching pathways, and resources to help churches and pastors align with the Great Commission.
Growing Financial Health:
- Lead fundraising, cultivate donor relationships, and strengthen the financial base needed to sustain and expand DHF’s ministry.
Guiding Church Transition Pathways:
- Equip churches—especially those emerging from the DOC—with resources, coaching, and community for healthy replanting or revitalization.
Developing Coaching Networks:
- Recruit, train, and support a network of pastors and leaders who provide care and coaching to affiliated churches.
Fostering Ongoing Learning & Connection:
- Create regular online and in-person opportunities for pastors, elders, and churches to grow, share, and collaborate.
Leading the Annual National Conference:
- In collaboration with First Christian Church (Decatur), shape the vision, structure, and execution of the DHF National Conference.
Representing DHF:
- Serve as the primary voice of DHF—building trust, casting vision, and cultivating relationships with churches, pastors, networks, and partners.Note: How each responsibility is fulfilled may vary over time and should reflect the evolving needs of the network. The Executive Director is expected to lead with initiative, creativity, and adaptability.

Appendix: Representative Activities

Below are examples of how previous DHF leaders have served churches and pastors across the network. These activities are not exhaustive or mandatory, but provide helpful insight into the kinds of relational, administrative, and pastoral efforts that support the mission:

Coordinating communication tools (e.g., newsletters, encouragement emails, social media updates).
Responding to crisis situations, offering pastoral support and referrals.
Organizing leadership gatherings such as Elder Forums, Round Ups, or regional meet-ups.
Assisting churches with search processes, church health assessments, or denominational transitions.
Encouraging pastors through phone calls, study groups, and in-person visits.
Serving as a preaching resource or DHF representative when requested.

The Executive Director will determine which activities to prioritize based on strategic goals and available bandwidth.