The Church of the Brethren has named Rev. Dr. John Fillmore as director of ministry, effective Nov. 2, 2026. As part of the denomination’s Discipleship and Leadership Formation team, he will lead the Ministry Office, equipping ministers, supporting congregations and districts, and strengthening pastoral leadership across the denomination.
Fillmore has served as pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren since 2011. He also serves as district executive for the Idaho and Western Montana District Church of the Brethren and as a circuit rider for the Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program, supporting congregations and pastoral leaders across the denomination. Beginning Nov. 2, he will devote his ministry full time to the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office, working remotely from his home in Nampa, Idaho.
Fillmore earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northwest Nazarene University (Nampa, Idaho), a Master of Divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Portland (Ore.) Seminary at George Fox University. In addition to his congregational and district leadership, he has led numerous denomination-wide Zoom book studies, served on committees of the Council of District Executives, and held a variety of leadership roles within the Idaho and Western Montana District.
Fillmore succeeds Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, who retired in July after nearly nine years of service as director of the Ministry Office.