When Martin Luther made his initial foray into the world of hymn writing 500 years ago, he could not have imagined the creative forces he was unleashing. The 2024 Good Shepherd Institute Conference at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, being held November 10–12, 2024, will celebrate those first Lutheran hymns and the hymnals that followed under the theme, "Through the Church the Song Goes On."
Featured Speakers
Dr. Paul Grime, Dean of the Chapel at CTSFW, will reveal how Luther’s approach to congregational song was different from that of other reformers. He will further discuss how Luther set the stage for a rich hymnological tradition among Lutherans that would eventually affect all Christians.
Dr. Christopher Boyd Brown, Associate Professor of Church History at Boston University, will demonstrate how Lutherans quickly built on the foundation that Luther laid.
Dr. Lester Ruth, Research Professor of Christian Worship at Duke University, will trace the development of a new form of congregational song, contemporary praise and worship, a subject on which he is a leading expert.
Rev. Stephen Starke, Pastor Emeritus of St. John Lutheran Church (Amelith), Bay City, MI, will explain why he and others continue the tradition of hymn writing today.
The conference will also include a choice of practical seminars as well as services, recitals, and our annual hymn festival. See more information about these events, below:
