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
districts
‘Frontliners’ certified to serve in their districts on behalf of Intercultural Ministries
On April 24, after two hours of training, the Intercultural Ministries office awarded the participants certificates of completion as new “frontliners.” Four people attended the training that evening, and three were assigned to this role in their districts.
Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center and Brethren Press partner to offer Faith Formation Series
By Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center and Brethren Press are partnering to offer a Faith Formation Series on Zoom: “Advancing Small Group Online Ministry” will be led by Julie Guistwite on April 28 at 6:30-8 p.m. (Eastern time). Skillfully cultivating sacred spaces for spiritual growth in online environments extends a church’s ministry beyond
Council of District Executives winter meeting includes intercultural connection
The Church of the Brethren’s Council of District Executives (CODE) held its winter meetings Jan. 28-Feb. 1 in Miami, Fla., combining business sessions with an intercultural continuing education experience that connected with local congregations.
Intercessory prayer and action needed as TPS is ended for Haitians living in the US
Members of the Church of the Brethren Deportation Defense Response Team were in Miami, Fla., this past weekend, meeting with Church of the Brethren denominational and district leadership. We worshiped with Haitian sisters and brothers in Church of the Brethren congregations in southern Florida, and were part of fervent prayers for God’s intervention and protection as the federal government moves to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians living in the US, as of 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Third round-table discussion focusing on interim/transitional ministry
A third round-table discussion sponsored by the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren will focus on the questions of placement surrounding interim/transitional ministry, including lifting up the resources and guidance that districts are able to supply.
DDR Legal and Mutual Aid Grant Fund enters second phase, announces $250,000 goal
The Deportation Defense Response team is incredibly grateful for the generous support of the Legal and Mutual Aid Grant Fund. At the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference on July 7, 2025, On Earth Peace challenged the denomination to raise $100,000. And the church did it, and more. As of Dec. 1, 2025, $138,300 has been raised to support individuals and families caught in the immigration system.
Greg Davidson Laszakovits to lead Northern Plains District on interim basis
Greg Davidson Laszakovits will begin on Jan. 1, 2026, as interim district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Northern Plains District. He lives in Elizabethtown, Pa., and will serve half-time in a hybrid working style that will involve traveling to the district as needed.
$100,000 raised for Legal and Mutual Aid Fund, On Earth Peace shares need for $150,000 more
The Deportation Defense Response Team is incredibly grateful for your generous support of the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund. At Annual Conference, On Earth Peace challenged the denomination to raise $100,000. You did it! As of Oct. 31, $107,380 has been raised to support individuals and families caught in the immigration system.
Don Mitchell named director of Intercultural Ministries for Atlantic Northeast District
Don Mitchell has begun in a newly created role as director of Intercultural Ministries for the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Northeast District. He has been serving as director of Church Development for the district since August 2006.