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DHF Announces New Executive Director
January 8, 2026
Back in February 2025, the DHF Board and FCC Decatur staff gathered together in Springfield, IL to prayerfully discuss the future of DHF (pictured above). We all left that gathering united and excited for the next chapter of the ministry. Today we are elated to announce Randy Roberts as the next Executive Director of Disciple Heritage Fellowship.
It is the mission of DHF to empower churches and pastors to thrive and fulfill the Great Commission, and our mission will continue under Randy's leadership beginning in March 2026. Rick Grace will be moving into a part-time role, and the DHF Board and FCC Decatur team will continue to provide steady support and ensure a smooth transition.
We're grateful for your prayers and partnership as we move forward together!
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Meet Randy & Marita Roberts
Randy and his wife, Marita, have served in ministry for more than 40 years. He has been the Lead Pastor in three congregations and one congregation as a church planter. These ministries have been in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Illinois. This includes 24 years as Lead Pastor of his most recent congregation, Living Creek Christian Church in Monee, IL.
His leadership has always guided congregations through seasons of change, from small towns to mid-sized communities, young churches to historic ministries, and in the south suburbs of Chicago. He has actively served on church planting, missions, and civic group boards. Randy loves to communicate the scriptures and complex issues in simple, interesting, and practical ways. He enjoys encouraging pastors and churches who are navigating seasons of transition and renewal.
Randy and his wife have three adult children and enjoy spending time with their five grandchildren. Outside of ministry, Randy enjoys sailing, adventure cycling (having biked across 14 U.S. states), and playing bass guitar.
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Rick & Nancy Grace
We are thrilled that Rick Grace will stay on with DHF in a part-time capacity — connecting with and investing in our pastors and helping them get connected to each other.
So what will Rick do with all his extra time? The same thing he's done for the last 50 years... whatever Nancy tells him to do! 😁 Rick and Nancy plan to travel; Nancy has 7 more states to visit before she joins Rick in the “All 50 States Club.” They also will invest more in their six grandkids which includes a lot of time sitting in bleachers and running around cross-country venues.
"It has been a blessing to serve these last 6 ½ years with DHF. I will still be active within our network, supporting Randy as he leads us into DHF’s next chapter." - Rick
How can you pray for DHF? 🙏
There is an exciting future ahead for DHF, and we appreciate your prayers as we navigate this leadership change in the days ahead:
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Pray for Randy and Marita as they finish well at Living Creek Christian Church and move to Central Illinois
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Pray for the congregation at Living Creek Christian Church as they prayfully seek their next Lead Pastor
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Pray for good health for Rick and Nancy so they can enjoy a more relaxed pace of life together
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Pray for wisdom for the DHF Board and FCC Decatur team as they come alongside Randy and Rick
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Pray for the upcoming DHF National Conference that will be held April 29-30, 2026. Registration will open later this month.
We know many of you will want to get connected with Randy as soon as he starts so we'll keep you posted with his contact info as soon as he takes the reins in March 2026. If you have any questions until then, contact Rick at rgrace@discipleheritage.org.