Discipleship Director/Pastor

Purpose: To lead the process of transitioning people from first hearing about Heartland to work through their next steps and become a connected member of Heartland Community Church through the Discipleship Pathway. Manage the first impression by overseeing the Welcome Ministries Teams (Parking and Hospitality) and lead invested volunteers to lead a Group or participate on a Team. The person in this role may provide the leadership necessary to motivate our people to make a significant impact in our community and around the world through missions efforts and/or pastoral care, while also overseeing the staff teams responsible for these ministries.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the Congregational Experience – 25%

• Welcome new guests and provide next steps in our Discipleship Pathway toward connection and spiritual transformation. 
• Engage with new guests and other attendees before and after each Sunday service.
• “Owns the Lobby” before and after in-person services to help people get connected.
• Schedule volunteers to serve in the Welcome Ministries team at worship services and extra events as needed, ensuring those roles are covered if someone is a no-show.
• Assist in planning, hosting, and teaching at discipleship pathway events.
• Ensure signage in the lobby and on the property are up to date for events, sermon series, etc

2. Oversee Groups and Teams - 25%

• Lead either the Men’s or Women’s Ministry by training up 1-2 volunteers to assist in the creation of impactful and fun opportunities for individuals to welcome their friends and family and introduce them to HCC.
• Lead efforts to help connect individuals in the congregation with Groups.
• Assist in launching new Groups as defined by Team Lead.
• Recruit, equip, and lead volunteers to help lead the Welcome Ministries teams (Welcome, Parking, and Hospitality teams) and Groups of the church. 

3. Church Management Database Administrator - 20%

• Administer the church’s database; Planning Center, creating workflows, forms, events, etc. on the system. Protect the database from inaccuracies and actively innovate for ways to improve system use.
• Implement and maintain systems to promote engagement and relationships.
• Assist in the assimilation process by adding new attendees to the database, completing and mailing welcome letters, assigning Welcome Team members to track attendance, etc.

4. Relational Ministry Duties - 5%

5. Volunteer Leadership Development - 5%

• Identify, foster, and develop leadership within the volunteer team, giving others an opportunity and platform to lead, while coaching them towards excellence.  

6. Serve as a Team Lead - 5%

7. May serve on the Teaching Team leading people through theology and the process of how to think instead of what to think - 5%

8. Serve on the Leadership Team to collaborate with other Ministry leaders - 5%

9. Serve on the Programming Team - 5%

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry or related field required. Master of Divinity (mDiv) preferred.
• A minimum of five years of relational ministry experience required, experience in Connections strongly preferred.
• Experience leading ministry staff and volunteers experience required.
• Evidence of long-term experience serving on a volunteer Group or Team. 
• Ordination required.
• Satisfactory results on background check process.
• Member of Heartland Community Church within six months of hire.
• Able to read, write, and follow verbal instructions in Standard English.

Required Skills: 

• Prioritize your own spiritual formation.
• Passionate about living out the Heartland Mission to Find, Follow and Share the love of Jesus by being Welcoming, Real and Transforming.
• Extroverted with the ability to connect with a wide-range of people to make them feel welcome.
• Prior Church Management Database experience required. Familiarity with Planning Center is preferred.
• Computer literate in Google suite required.
• Prefers working in a fast-paced, always-changing environment.

Physical/Other Requirements:

Must regularly lift or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds, using proper lifting techniques such as lifting or moving equipment or help from another staff member.

Working Conditions:

This is a hybrid position with set core office hours at the church, available specifically for collaboration as needed. The remainder of work hours are flexible and can be completed on-site or remote.

Disclaimer:

Please note this position profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Life is messy and sometimes trusting God can feel that way, too. We think church should be a place where you can be honest about both. Around here, we’re learning to follow Jesus right in the middle of real life and all that comes with it.

At Heartland, you don’t need to have all the answers or be a perfect, polished person to fit in. We’re just ordinary people learning to live like Jesus would if he were in our shoes.

We believe that following Jesus isn’t just about gathering on Sundays. It’s about what we do Monday – Saturday. It grows in everyday moments like when we’re at the dinner table or on the job. We want to be people who bring others closer to Jesus right where life actually happens.

So wherever you’re coming from know you’re welcome here! Bring your story, your questions, your laughter, your doubts—all of it. We’re glad you’re with us on this journey!