Herbert Brokering
1926–2009 · USA · Modern
Herbert Brokering (1926-2009) was an American Lutheran pastor, poet, and hymnodist who made significant contributions to contemporary Christian worship music. He served in parish ministry and as a professor at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he influenced generations of theological students and musicians. Brokering was prolific in creating modern hymn texts that bridged traditional Lutheran theology with accessible, poetic language for 20th-century congregations. His hymns, including works such as "God Loved the World" and numerous others, are found in major Lutheran and ecumenical hymnals and reflect his commitment to making the faith relevant and singable for modern worshippers. His legacy represents an important transition in American Lutheran hymnody toward contemporary expression while maintaining theological depth.