Our Building and Capital Services Advisors are the hands and feet of our ministry.
Not only do they serve hundreds of faith communities across the United States and Canada by providing them with advanced financial and planning services, they also partner with communities in some of the most challenging times of church life.
“At Disciples Church Extension Fund, our Advisors are the front line of connection for all congregations and regions,” says President and CEO Rev. Dr. Courtney Stange-Tregear. “We’re really excited to have a full staff of gifted and talented leaders who will be ambassadors, supporters, and cheerleaders for all the new, ongoing, and revitalizing ministries that are in the Church.”
For us, a strong Advisor team means we are better prepared to help places of worship thrive, transform, and serve more readily. So, we are pleased to announce that we have expanded our Advisor team.
Please welcome Minister Rick Branch Jr. and Rev. Landon Wilcox to our staff.
Branch, a native of Atlanta, GA, is a leader whose calling blends ministry, business acumen, and community advancement. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies at Georgia Southern University, followed by an MBA in Finance and an MDiv focusing on Social Responsibility, both from Emory University.
He has cultivated a progressive and impact-driven career across banking, finance, venture capital, nonprofit management, partnership development, and fund management. His professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and the belief that financial knowledge is a powerful tool for community transformation.
“Rick has an extensive background at the intersection of ministry and finance,” says Senior Director of Services Rev. Richard Williams. “He is a real champion for congregations that need to get to another level. We were lucky to find him, and I think that he’s going to do great things in the Southeast.”
His ministry experience includes chaplaincy, leading men’s Bible study, and providing pastoral support. He serves as an associate minister at Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, where he also received his ministry license.
Branch will be advising faith communities in the Alabama-Northwest Florida, Georgia, Great River, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee regions.
An ordained minister with experience across a variety of ministry settings, Landon Wilcox previously served as Senior Pastor of Bethany Christian Church in Fort Washington, MD, and has also served in youth ministry, board leadership, and chaplaincy contexts.
“It was a blessing finding Landon. As a former pastor who did great things at his congregation, he is one of our denomination’s great young ministers,” says Williams. “He has a passion and a heart for Disciples and he is going to help ministries understand what resources they need to thrive.”
Wilcox holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Lynchburg and an MDiv from the University of Chicago Divinity School, where his studies included theology, theological ethics, and spiritual care. His formation and ministry experience have equipped him to work with diverse groups across theological, cultural, and organizational difference, and he highly values the Disciples and ecumenical relationships that strengthen the Church’s witness.
He will serve ministries in the Canada, Indiana, Living Waters, Northeastern, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia regions.
With the addition of Branch and Wilcox, some Advisor territories have shifted. Below is an updated list of all Advisor territories:
- Richard Williams: Capital Area, Florida, North Carolina, Southwest, and Virginia regions
- Jim Michel: Greater Kansas City, Kansas, Mid-America, Nebraska, and Upper Midwest regions
- Rosario Ibarra: Arizona, Central Rocky Mountain, Northern California/Nevada, Northern Lights, Oklahoma, Oregon/Southwest Idaho, and Pacific Southwest regions
- Rick Branch: Alabama-Northwest Florida, Georgia, Great River, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee regions
- Landon Wilcox: Canada, Indiana, Living Waters, Northeastern, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia regions
Does your faith community need help planning and funding its next project? If so, then contact your regional Advisor today.