2024 Good Shepherd Institute Conference: “Through the Church the Song Goes On”

The 25th annual conference of the Good Shepherd Institute (GSI) will be held November 10–12, 2024, on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, under the theme “Through the Church the Song Goes On.”

When Martin Luther made his first foray into the world of hymn writing 500 years ago and urged others to do the same, he could not have imagined the creative forces that he was unleashing. A celebration of those first Lutheran hymns and the hymnals that followed is a natural focal point for our 2024 conference.

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.

The Rev. Stephen Starke, noted hymn writer, 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.

Registration for the GSI Conference will open later this summer and will be available at ctsfw.edu/gsi.

GSI Art Exhibit: Last Call!

Entries are being accepted through July 10 for “Singing of Jesus Christ,” the art exhibit being held in conjunction with the Good Shepherd Institute Conference. Artists are invited to create and submit works inspired by one of four selected hymns from the 1524 hymn collection, each penned by Luther. For details, visit ctsfw.edu/gsi-sacred-art.