Rev. Nathan Day Wilson
Rev. Nathan Day Wilson serves as the Associate Vice President for Strategic Development, where he will collaboratively advance a 140‑year legacy of compassion by strengthening philanthropic partnerships, expanding revenue streams, and supporting innovative health and social service initiatives across the life of the church. Known for his relational leadership and strategic clarity, Nathan brings experience weaving together generosity, mission, and impact.
Before joining NBA, Nathan spent several years with the World Council of Churches based in Geneva, Switzerland, where he led fundraising, planning, and reporting for global programs in more than 90 countries and was the chief connection to global partners for the WCC. He managed donor engagement, cultivated key institutional partnerships, and supported international teams working at the intersections of justice, peace, and unity.
Previous ministry includes directing communications at Christian Theological Seminary, pastoring DOC congregations, serving as director of public policy and as director of communications for Sojourners, and serving as executive director of the West Virginia Council of Churches – the youngest state director in US history.
Nathan’s vocational roots are in ministry and public life. He spent nearly two decades as a pastor, public policy advocate, and columnist, including ten years writing a weekly column for The Indianapolis Star. He has more than 600 published essays, book chapters, and columns, and his writing continues to explore themes of compassion, faith, social ethics, and community flourishing. His forthcoming nonfiction book, Faith for the Future, will be published in 2027, and his first novel is currently under consideration.
Ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Nathan is committed to widening circles of belonging and strengthening the systems that help communities thrive. He and his spouse, Janice—founder of an NGO supporting children and families in Eswatini—have two young adult children and a passion for work that makes tomorrow better than today.
Getting to know Nathan
Why do you feel “called to care” about Disciples health and social service ministry?
My calling has always been to collaboratively build communities of compassion and justice. With my family’s roots in the early Benevolent Association and my own commitment to wholeness and well-being, NBA’s mission feels like an invitation to live that calling fully. Caring about Disciples health and social service isn’t just professional for me; it’s personal and deeply aligned with who I’m called to be.
Who is a hero of yours, and why?
Lots of heroes—my spouse, my parents and grandparents, my children, multiple DOC ministers and scholars, others—each demonstrating a different virtue: curiosity, courage, compassion, creativity, commitment, more. But it is the lineage of strong women in my family who stand out the most. Well ahead of their time in perspective and action. Entrepreneurs. Innovators. Fighters for freedom. Lovers of life. Because of them, working with NBA feels less like a role and more like stepping into the sacred current of service that has flowed through my family for generations.
If I tried to find you in a supermarket, what aisle would you be in?
You’re more likely to find me at the farmer’s market. Food is better; I meet those who grew it; I support families and strengthen community. But I also know this is a privilege. Not everyone has the time, transportation, or budget to wander through stalls of heirloom produce. I give thanks for supermarkets – steady, necessary, and often the only affordable option for many. Food justice is real and an issue that deserves our work and witness.
