Considered by many to be the greatest composer and church musician to ever live, Johann Sebastian Bach's legacy leaves encouragement and insight for how we too might glorify God in our music-making. The Bach Lecture series is aimed at educating, encouraging and delighting both the musician and  the curious listener. This year we will feature lectures by John Mason Hodges, Scott Aniol, and Paul Buckley. There will be performances of Bach's Cantata 51 and times of fellowship together. If you are eager to grow in your understanding of music in the life and worship of the church, join us as we examine this topic in relation to the testimony and works of J.S. Bach.

John Mason Hodges is a conductor, lecturer, composer, and writer. He holds degrees in music from University of Maryland and Indiana University, and worked as a professional conductor from 1983-2009. He lectures on the subjects of aesthetics, classical education, and music, and writes for various publications on the arts. He held the position of Associate Professor of the Arts and Culture at Crichton College where he taught classes on worldview, history of music and visual art, and reader’s theater; directed theater productions, and was founding director of the Institute for the Arts and Cultural Apologetics.  He is founder and director of the Center for Western Studies, and serves as scholar-in-residence for the National Fellows movement.

Scott Aniol, PhD, is a teacher of culture, worship, aesthetics, and church ministry philosophy, he lectures around the country in churches, conferences, and seminaries, and he has authored several books including Changed from Glory into Glory: The Liturgical Story of the Christian Faith and Biblical Foundations of Corporate Worship, and dozens of articles published in theological journals. In addition to his role with G3, Scott is Professor of Pastoral Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary in Conway, Arkansas. Scott holds a masters degree in theological studies (SWBTS), a masters degree in aesthetics (NIU), and a PhD in worship theology (SWBTS). Scott and his wife, Becky, have four children: Caleb, Kate, Christopher, and Caroline.

Paul Buckley recently joined the staff of Colleyville Presbyterian Church in Texas. Before that he was in Ocala, FL. He is a gifted musician whose passion for church music is evident, particularly Psalm Chanting. He has worked with Theopolis Institute as frequent music instructor. We are delighted to have him back in West Monroe this summer.