Disciple Heritage Fellowship (DHF) Executive Director

Position Description: Disciple Heritage Fellowship (DHF) Executive Director
April 2025
Position Overview
Position Scope: Full-Time
Reports To: DHF Board
Ministry Mission and Vision
We empower churches and pastors to thrive and fulfill the Great Commission.
Role Purpose
The Executive Director is 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.
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 & 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.