Brian Wren

In this memoir, internationally acclaimed hymn-poet Brian Wren outlines his life story, describes his writing process, and explores the relationship between words and music. Although (because) Christian hymns are typically sung by untrained voices, they exemplify the abiding and universal appeal of human voices joining together in song. This book will be useful and interdenominationally appealing to students and teachers of church music, theological students, pastors, choir members, and worshipers who care about the words they sing. ""With courage and honesty Brian Wren writes about his life and work as a hymn-poet and theologian. This book provides a rare glimpse into the life and driving forces behind one of the finest hymn writers of our time. I have been blessed to know him and to learn the craft of hymn text writing with his patient encouragement."" --Dan Damon, United Methodist pastor; Associate Editor, Hymnody for Hope Publishing Company ""More than simply a memoir, Barefoot in the Dust reveals Wren's calling as a hymn-poet. From inspiration through the crafting process, this poet and teacher reflects on such essential factors as language choices and the relationship of words and melody. Aspiring poets, hymn lovers, worship leaders, and theological students will find tremendous value here, and the collected hymn texts, along with Wren's comments, are a bonus treasure. Thank you, Brian, for this gift of yourself to all of us."" --Deborah Carlton Loftis, PhD, FHS, Executive Director, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada ""Wren is one of the mentors whose work honed my life and vocational trajectory. In this book, memoir and wisdom are woven effortlessly together bringing us not only a glimpse of a hymn-poet's journey over time but also reiterating in concise form the lessons he learned along the way about creativity, language, and music. It is an inspirational look at life and vocation passionately embraced. What a gift "" --Marcia McFee, PhD, Creator, The Worship Design Studio ""When I was a brand-new assistant professor at Columbia Seminary, I had the incomparable experience of teaching worship and preaching with Brian Wren. I knew every day that I was in the presence of greatness. Reading this book is like sitting at his feet once again, or--as Brian always preferred it--stopping by his office for tea and conversation about life's deep mysteries. Every page glows with quiet wisdom, humanity, and brilliance. What a gift, to have this glimpse into the life and creative process of the leading hymn-poet of our time."" --Anna Carter Florence, PhD, Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching, Columbia Theological Seminary Brian Wren is English by birth and Reformed by tradition. He is Emeritus Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. As an internationally published hymn-poet, he has entries in denominational hymnals in North America, Britain, and Australia. Brian holds undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Oxford University. A retired Minister of the United Reformed Church (UK), he is a Fellow of the Hymn Society U.S. and Canada. His hymn publishers are Hope Publishing Company (USA) and Stainer & Bell (UK).

'Takes us through a daringly comprehensive argument ... the simplicity and sheer readability of his writing and the lucidity and humaneness of his overall position deserve, and will attract, one hopes, a wide readership. For Wren, education in justice consists in the development of a critical awareness of ourselves as oppressor or oppressed in the unjust society . He shows us something of what justice might be and why we should aspire to it. He also offers vivid illustration of what injustice and cultural oppression mean in the contemporary world' (Epworth Review). 'It is a measure of Brian Wren's achievement that he has caused at least one world-weary reader to think again about the possibility of radical and effective political change. His analysis of contemporary institutional oppression and our implication in it, particularly in its damaging effect upon the Third World, is a well-stated repetition of the socialist critique of the use and abuse of power. The new thing here, however, is the tone of the book: there is a calm and loving but utterly piercing description of the pathology of power and the lengths to which we'll all go to justify our share in it' (Church Times)

If all naming of God arises out of human experience, then societies and cultures with a male-dominated tradition are bound to have affected religious attitudes and practices. That is the presupposition of Brian Wren's new book, and it aims at remedying the situation, at least in worship. His particular concern is language: the systematic and almost exclusive use of male God-language in a faith where God is revealed as incarnate in a male human being distorts Christianity. But many people find this distortion hard to recognize and accept—as indeed Brian Wren himself did originally. After analysing the situation, his book goes on in an evocative and creative way to show how much can be learned from feminist insights and how many sensitive Christians need not be faced with the alternative of being true to their own insights and leaving the church or suffering under a warped tradition and practice. At a time when there is so much discussion about the role of the feminine in theology and the church, especially in connection with the ordination of women, Brian Wren makes an important contribution towards achieving a better future.

Few can argue with the power of music to touch the heart. Voices shared in worshipful song allow us to honor God in a truly beautiful way. In Hymns for Today, renowned hymn writer Brian Wren helps us understand why this is so. Wren surveyed hundreds of hymns written since the 1960s to compile this discussion of forty hymn poems and to share the insights they provide for Christian faith. These contemporary hymns are analyzed for how they express Christian faith and traditional themes in fresh ways. Questions for discussion are included for each chapter, making this book an excellent group study resource.The For Today series was designed to provide reliable and accessible resources for the study and real life application of important biblical texts, theological documents, and Christian practices. The emphasis of the series is not only on the realization and appreciation of what these subjects have meant in the past, but also on their value in the present--"for today." Thought-provoking questions are included at the end of each chapter, making the books ideal for personal study and group use.

Preeminent hymn writer and liturgist Brian Wren offers this new collection of worship resources suitable for use in a variety of worship traditions. These theologically sound and creative worship resources include orders of worship (liturgies) and worship elements such as litanies, calls to worship, thanksgivings, and affirmations of faith, all crafted to encourage rhythmic public responses during worship.This book is Scripture based and Scripture oriented. All the worship materials are compatible with the Revised Common Lectionary, but can also be used in churches that do not use the RCL. Additional features include a Scripture index and a topical index listing items that can be used on other occasions during the church year.