I Come With Joy

Brian A. Wren

Short Name: Brian A. Wren
Full Name: Wren, Brian A.
Birth Year: 1936
Death Year: —

Brian A. Wren was born in 1936 in Romford, Essex, England. He is a British hymn writer, theologian, and minister associated with the renewal of contemporary hymnody in the English speaking world.

Wren studied French literature at New College, Oxford, and theology at Mansfield College, Oxford. He was ordained in 1965 in the Congregational Church, later part of the United Reformed Church. From 1965 to 1970, he served as pastor of the Congregational Church in Hockley and Hawkwell, Essex.

After parish ministry, Wren worked with the British Council of Churches and other organizations focused on social justice, peace, and poverty issues. His work in these areas informed several of his non hymn publications, including Education for Justice published in 1977 and Patriotism and Peace published in 1983.

Wren later relocated to the United States, where he became active as a freelance lecturer, preacher, and full time hymn writer. His hymn texts have been widely included in modern hymnals across denominations.

Major published collections of his hymn texts include Faith Looking Forward (1983), Praising a Mystery (1986), Bring Many Names (1989), New Beginnings (1993), and Faith Renewed: 33 Hymns Reissued and Revised (1995). He also authored What Language Shall I Borrow? (1989), a study addressing inclusive language in Christian worship.

Brian A. Wren remains an influential figure in contemporary hymn writing and liturgical studies.