Interim New Church Strategist

As the Interim New Church Strategist, you will evaluate and evolve our congregational development models during this up-to-18-month term. Reporting to the President & CEO, you will spearhead data-driven program assessment and analysis to audit existing initiatives and measure performance, while building relationships across the denomination to align regional needs with organizational goals for successful church planting. You will leverage these insights to help DCEF develop a revised New Church Ministry framework that delivers structured, measurable impact across the wider church., * Project & Program Implementation: In collaboration with support staff, drives operational execution and day-to-day management of ongoing New Church Ministry (NCM) projects and programs to ensure milestones are met efficiently. Maintains continuity while identifying strategic operational improvements by coordinating timelines, administrative tasks, and program resources.

• Strategic Advocacy & Relationship Building: Cultivates and maintains positive, collaborative working relationships across denominational regions and ethnic constituencies to establish NCM as a trusted source of support for The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and its denominational leaders. Actively engages and partners with regional leaders, including New Church commissions, to understand local realities and support local church-planting efforts by connecting regions to resources, ensuring a unified, respectful approach to expanding and sustaining emerging and affiliating congregations. Champions the vision of NCM by leading inspiring workshops and presentations that captivate audiences, foster active participation, and generate renewed excitement for regional church development.

• Program Innovation & Evaluation: Leads the continuous improvement of NCM programming within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by concurrently assessing existing initiatives, activities, and events to evaluate their feasibility, viability, and impact. Collaborates with support staff and utilizes organizational technology systems to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to maximize overall ministry effectiveness.

• Strategic Thinking, Planning, and Reporting: Synthesizes quantitative and qualitative data to design, write, and present comprehensive reports that clearly communicate program performance to leadership. Translates these strategic assessments into actionable planning frameworks that deliver structured, measurable impact across the wider church. These evidence-based insights directly inform executive decisions regarding the future focus, resource allocation, and overall direction.

• Other Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission and objectives., This is a temporary interim appointment for up to 18 months, carrying no guarantee of permanent employment. This assignment is on an at-will basis, except where prohibited by law, where this 18-month term will serve as the employee’s designated probationary period. Transition to a permanent role is not automatic and requires a separate, external, and competitive application process, including meeting all location-specific pay and disclosure requirements at that time.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; graduate degree (M.Div., MTS, etc.) a plus.
• Clergy in good standing with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in faith-based nonprofit, congregational, or regional leadership, with a focus on program administration or strategic operations.
• Systems thinker with the ability to analyze and use data to identify inefficiencies, develop practical, measurable program plans, and integrate data points into a cohesive, measurable reporting system.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic, project-based environment, with the ability to deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines and defined budgetary constraints.
• Proven relationship-builder capable of establishing positive, collaborative working relationships across general, regional, and local Church, serving as a trusted source of support for local church-planting efforts.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex operational data into clear, objective presentation materials for executive leadership.
• Results-oriented self-starter capable of independently driving projects to completion, while remaining highly committed to shared accountability and collective success.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating an anti-racist, pro-reconciling environment and aligning work streams with the mission, vision, and core values of the Disciples Church Extension Fund., * Occasional lifting to 40 lbs.
• Long periods of sitting at a desk on a computer in a home office environment
• Must maintain a secure, private home office environment with reliable, high-speed internet connectivity.

Pulled from the full job description

• Travel reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program, We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents, employer-paid life insurance, generous paid time off that includes vacation and sick/personal time, fully funded pension plan, robust employee assistance program for employees and their dependents, paid parking, and ample opportunities for professional development and growth.

At Disciples Church Extension Fund, a faith-based nonprofit organization, we empower congregations to build vibrant, impactful ministries by providing ministry and financial resources and expertise. As a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, we are committed to serving with integrity, excellence, and a deep sense of partnership. We believe in creating Holy Places where communities connect with God and each other.

Join us and make a tangible difference in the lives of congregations everywhere.