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
Discipleship and Leadership Formation
‘What got us here won’t get us there’: Learnings from the L.E.A.D. Conference
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” This verse from Hebrews 11:8 was the theme of the second Church of the Brethren L.E.A.D. Conference held at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on May 1-3.
Largest congregations send leaders for a time of learning, sharing, and support
By Nate Polzin A few weeks ago, Church of the Brethren leaders from our largest congregations gathered in Orlando, Fla., for a time of learning, sharing, and support. Churches were invited that had an average of 200 or more in person at their worship services. Out of 11 congregations of that size, 9 sent pastoral
Participants brave ice and fire to attend leadership training in Western Plains District
Ice and fire. No, not the epic Game of Thrones saga but the very real elements some endured to gather for the Western Plains District Leadership Training in Great Bend, Kan.
Registration is open for second denominational L.E.A.D. Conference
Registration for the Church of the Brethren’s L.E.A.D. (Listen Equip Adapt Disciple) Conference is now open at www.brethren.org/dlf/lead-conference. This year’s conference is May 1-3 at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and also open to virtual attendees. The scripture theme is Hebrews 11:8, which talks about Abraham following God through unfamiliar territory—certainly an apt description of church leadership today!
Nancy Sollenberger Heishman to retire as director of the Ministry Office
Nancy Sollenberger Heishman will retire on July 17 as director of the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office, after holding the position for almost nine years. She started as director of Ministry on Nov. 6, 2017.
Discipleship and Leadership Formation convenes ‘Large Church Leaders Summit’
A meeting of leaders of the largest Church of the Brethren congregations, in terms of in-person worship attendance, is being convened by Discipleship and Leadership Formation on Feb. 23-25 in Orlando, Fla. Spouses of the leaders also were invited.
Intercultural Ministries hosts workshop ‘Why Can’t They See What I See?’
Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries is inviting you to an online workshop held via Zoom on the topic, “Why Can’t They See What I See?” The event is scheduled for Feb. 7 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Eastern time). The event will feature professor Jonathan Kim of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
‘Season of Peace’ webinar offers tools to care for mind, body, and spirit during the holidays
“A Season of Peace: Caring for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit During the Holidays” is the topic for a webinar offered by the Church of the Brethren’s Intercultural Ministries on Dec. 16 at 12 noon (Eastern time).
Ryan Braught to manage the Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church program
Ryan Braught began Nov. 17 as an independent contractor to manage the Church of the Brethren’s Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church program for 10 hours per week.