We Believe: The Hymn Society 2025 Annual Conference
July 13 - July 16
The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada invites all who love congregational song to its Annual Conference, taking place July 13-16, 2025, on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit. With the theme “We Believe: Faith, Community, and the Holy Act of Singing,” this year’s gathering will explore how singing together shapes faith and strengthens community, especially in times of change and challenge.
As churches navigate new realities, the conference will reflect on the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, asking: How do we sing our faith today? Through vibrant worship, rich learning opportunities, and powerful communal singing, participants will celebrate the transformative role of song in healing brokenness and renewing peace.
Each evening, participants will experience a dynamic hymn festival led by renowned musicians and scholars, including Jan Kraybill, FHS, Mary Louise Bringle, FHS, Robert Batastini, FHS, Phillip Morgan, and C. Michael Hawn, FHS. A special highlight will be the joint hymn festival on Monday, July 14, at historic Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, presented in partnership with the National Association of Negro Musicians, which will also be gathering in Detroit.
The conference will feature engaging plenary speakers, including:
- Margaret Aymer – Professor of New Testament Studies, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Jennaya Robison – Artistic Director, National Lutheran Choir
- Peter Marty – Publisher and Editor, The Christian Century
Attendees will also have access to dozens of sectional presentations, the Emerging Scholars Forum, a hymnal showcase, interactive connection zones, and an Organ Institute on leading congregational song, led by Nicole Keller (University of Michigan).
Whether you are a church musician, scholar, poet, composer, worship leader, clergy member, educator, or simply someone who loves to sing, this conference is for you!
Register today at www.thehymnsociety.org. Early-bird rates are available through March 15, and advance rates through June 15.
About The Hymn Society
Founded in 1922, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada is an ecumenical community dedicated to the transformative power of congregational song. Our members include scholars, musicians, poets, composers, clergy, worship planners, educators, and passionate singers. We believe that the holy act of singing together shapes faith, heals brokenness, transforms lives, and renews peace.
For more information, contact:
Michael McMahon, Executive Director
The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada
5 Thomas Circle, NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20005-4153
mike@thehymnsociety.org | 800-843-8966