DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR

General Description

We are looking for a highly relational and strategic leader to design and execute a thriving spiritual formation strategy at our Lake Zurich Campus. As our original and largest campus located in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, this is a critical, brand-new role for our team!

Leads and Manages

• Recruit, build, lead, shepherd, and oversee the staff, contractors, and high-level volunteer teams across our adult ministry environments, including, but not limited to: Groups & Growth Classes (Small Groups, Alpha, Rooted), Next Steps (Welcome & Assimilation), Outreach and Local Partnerships, Care/Counseling, and Men’s/Women’s Ministries.
• Develop and grow the team, set strategic goals, and design clear pathways to continually expand ministry reach and health within these teams.
• Lead the charge in mobilizing our congregation to reach new individuals and families in our community. By launching new discipleship initiatives and expanding our local missional footprint, they will ensure Heritage is actively making a tangible difference beyond our walls, living out our value - “for the one”.
• Participate in Campus Leadership meetings, contributing to vital, strategic conversations about Mission, Vision, Culture, Programming, Outreach, and the overall spiritual direction and growth of the Lake Zurich campus & beyond.

Essential Job Functions

• Discipleship Architect: Oversee and lead all aspects of Discipleship Team Meetings, Team Development, and Strategic Ministry Planning for all adult ministry group environments.
• Oversee and lead the Discipleship Ministry Calendar and spearhead New Ministry Initiatives (such as Rooted).
• Ensure all adult discipleship environments, mid-week gatherings, and connection spaces are executed with excellence.
• Lead strategic goal planning, shepherd, and grow the Lake Zurich discipleship staff, coaches, and key ministry leaders.
• Own each aspect of growth and discipleship efforts, work with staff, recruit volunteers, and develop leaders to take on/over. Then oversee and multiply impact.
• Campus Discipleship & Engagement: Give clear direction to Outreach, Groups, Next Steps, Care, and Men’s/Women’s ministries to ensure total alignment with Heritage Church’s Mission, Vision, Brand, and Culture.
• Grow the campus by relentlessly identifying, developing, and releasing lay leaders and volunteers for the work of ministry, moving the campus from "doing" ministry to "overseeing" multiplied leaders.
• Oversee and lead local Outreach efforts and Community engagement to increase Heritage’s presence and impact throughout the Lake Zurich area.
• Communicate and cast vision during weekend team huddles, serve regularly as a weekend service host, and teach consistently in weekend services as needed.
• Build, execute, and continually optimize a comprehensive, campus-wide Spiritual Formation Plan that seamlessly bridges Next Steps, Alpha, and multiplying Small Groups.
• Bring a sharp "Always Improving" mindset to all adult ministry environments, tracking health metrics, and constantly elevating the guest and believer experience.

Visionary Alignment

• Excited to work alongside and execute the discipleship mission, vision, and culture of the Senior Pastor and Campus Pastor.
• Execution & Accountability: Proven ability to lead staff, coaches, and volunteers through executable goals and clear accountability structures.
• Collaborative Nature: Thrives in a collaborative team setting, working seamlessly with others to create excellent environments and experiences across the campus.
• High Capacity Management: Excellent time management skills with the ability to lead multiple teams, ministries, and projects with ease.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong, engaging communication skills—both written and oral—with the presence required for consistent weekend teaching and hosting.
• Relentless Pursuit: Characterized by a relational posture that is relentless about pursuing people, moving them from the fringes into deep community.