INDIANAPOLIS – Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) has called a seasoned Disciples communicator to fill a transitional marketing position with the organization for the next 18 months.

Rev. Patricia R. Case, whose marketing and communications work in Disciples ministries spans decades, will serve as Transitional Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for DCEF.

“Patti walks in the door with a deep understanding of Disciples in every expression of our denomination – including her long-time close association with DCEF,” said President Belinda R. King, in announcing the news. “She can help from day one, as we actively transition for our new context for ministry.”

Besides serving as the first woman Editor-in-Chief of The Disciple magazine, Case joined the staff of the Office of General Minister and President from 2006 to 2012 to design worship and other plenary sessions of three General Assemblies. She has worked closely with DCEF and New Church Ministry for more than 20 years, including contracting to coordinate DCEF’s presence in the last in-person General Assembly in 2019.

She most recently served as the Indiana state organizer for Bread for the World, a Christian advocacy group that aims to end hunger. She built teams of leaders linked to congregations in each of the nine U.S. Congressional districts of the state.

“I am excited to be part of the church’s response as we emerge from a pandemic that is rewriting what it means to be in ministry,” said Case. “There is much to learn from congregations that have determined how to be faithful, effective, and innovative, despite the Covid crisis.”

An executive search is planned for 2023, to fill the position permanently.

Disciples Church Extension Fund inspires and empowers congregations to create Holy Places where people connect with God, each other, and the community.