Columbus, Ohio (June 30, 2025)

Paul Lattimer, founding pastor of ChristCore Brethren Church, was ordained as an elder in The Brethren Church during a worship service held Sunday, June 29, at the former Columbus First Brethren Church.

The ordination service was led by the Rev. Terry Hofecker, pastor of Agora Church, with worship led by musician Josh Coffee. A host of Brethren elders participated in the service, including Dale Stoffer, Brenda Colijn, Ron Waters, Art Carr, Scott Fetter, Cory Smith, Rudy Bocanegra, and Rob Starnes.

Drew Meziere, North Central Regional Resource Coordinator, was in attendance, along with leaders from the North Central Regional Leadership Team.

Lattimer delivered a short sermon during the service, drawing from Exodus 4 and reflecting on God’s call to ministry amid personal hesitation. He also shared his ministry journey, which began at age 19 as a student at Ashland University and continued through his seminary studies at Ashland Theological Seminary.

“I grew up spiritually in The Brethren Church,” Lattimer said during his reflection, thanking those who had invested in his life and calling.

Lattimer serves as pastor and church planter of ChristCore Brethren Church, a Columbus congregation ministering to the city’s metal and hardcore music scene. ChristCore is part of a growing cluster of Brethren ministries meeting at the historic Columbus First Brethren Church, now home to Agora Church, ChristCore, and other local expressions of The Brethren Church.

Following the service, a dinner reception was held in the church’s basement fellowship hall, offering time for fellowship, celebration, and encouragement.

The ordination marks a significant milestone for both Lattimer and the North Central region as The Brethren Church continues to support creative and contextual church planting efforts.

The full service is available to stream on Agora Church’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMygwORgwr8