About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Who is the Brehm Center named for?
Why is Fuller interested in the arts?
What do the arts contribute to worship and the church?
What are the specific programs of the center?
Does the Brehm Center grant degrees?
How is the Brehm Center funded?
Where is the Brehm Center located?
Where can I go to get information about upcoming events?
Is there a Brehm Center gallery?
Answers
What is the Brehm Center?
The Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts, founded in 2001, is a division of the seminary with a mission to revitalize the church through the arts as part of Fuller's larger commitment to equip men and women for the manifold ministry of Christ and his Church. We pursue this mission in many ways: by promoting degree programs and courses that advance knowledge about worship, theology, and the arts; by fostering creativity on campus; by developing ties among diverse groups of scholars and artists; and by reaching out to students, faculty, administrators, alumni/ae, and artists beyond Fuller.
The center hosts performances, lectures, and conferences that explore a wide range of artistic forms and theological issues. We have welcomed such visionaries as architect Bill McDonough, author Dr. David Morgan, film producer Jack Hafer, dramatic artist Craig McNair Wilson, painter Wayne Forte, and legendary mime Marcel Marceau. Whether they're entertaining, teaching, or mentoring, our speakers bring the complexities of our faith and practice into focus through the lens of theological scholarship.
Who is the Brehm Center named for?
The center is named after William K. and Delores S. Brehm, the founding sponsors. Bill Brehm has served on Fuller's Board of Trustees since 1983, including a term as board chair from 1994 - 1997. Among his many gifts, Bill is a talented pianist and composer. In seeking to enrich the worship experience at Fuller, the Brehms continue to be enthusiastic supporters of the seminary's focus on worship, theology, and the arts.
Why is Fuller interested in the arts?
The Brehm Center and Fuller Theological Seminary seek to reclaim the church's profound artistic heritage. God is the original artist, the first Creator. He created ‘ex nihilo', out of nothing. God endows each of us with creative gifts and resources to express our humanity and praise for Him.
What do the arts contribute to worship and the church?
The visual and performing arts offer ways to celebrate the Divine, moving us beyond words. From the extensive attention to detail in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, to the joy and pain expressed in the Psalms, people have always used imagery and songs to worship God. The Brehm Center encourages pageantry, theological reflection, creativity, diversity, and beauty in the revitalization worship.
What are the specific programs of the center?
The Brehm Center is developing five distinctive institutes focused upon worship and music, film and moving images, art and architecture, the dramatic arts, journalism and creative writing, preaching arts and the study of the emerging church. The Center and its institutes sponsor research, community outreach, arts education and a wide array of cultural activities. Scholars, artists and students gather in this cross-disciplinary environment to investigate the connections between worship, theology, and the arts.
Does the Brehm Center grant degrees?
No, all degrees are granted by Fuller Seminary. The Brehm Center collaborates with Fuller's graduate schools of Intercultural Studies, Psychology, and Theology to develop curricula that relate to worship, theology, and the arts. The Brehm Center offers special advising to prospective and current students enrolled in worship, theology, and the arts-related degrees.
How is the Brehm Center funded?
The generous gifts of William F. and Delores S. Brehm established the center's endowment and its continuing growth. The Brehm Center uses its financial resources to develop courses, degree programs, and events, but draws no income from tuition or student fees. As part of Fuller Theological Seminary, we are a non-profit educational center.
Where is the Brehm Center located?
We are currently housed in two locations on the Fuller campus. The administrative office is located on the first floor of Slessor Hall. There you'll find our Executive Director, Program Manager, and support staff. Our academic programs office is on the second floor of the Preaching Arts Building. There you'll find the office of our Academic Director and Assistant to the Academic Director.
Where can I go to get information about upcoming events?
Event notifications and news items are posted weekly for members of the public at http://www.brehmcenter.com/. Fuller students can additionally check our kiosk in the Garth and Campus Pipeline. Give us your contact info and we will keep in touch via e-mail and US Post. If you're a Fuller student, alumn/a, faculty or staff member, you can get regular updates about events and special offices on Campus Pipeline.
How can I get involved?
Visit or contact the Brehm Center if you are interested in volunteering or attending any event. If you have suggestions for upcoming events or partnerships, contact our .
Who can get involved?
We want to involve the entire community in our events. Unless otherwise stated, Brehm Center events and activities are open to students, employees, faculty, alumni/ae, family members, and the general public. If you have a talent or skill, please let us know who you are!
Is there a Brehm Center gallery?
We are a new center and do not yet offer permanent gallery space. We have however initiated a partnership with our neighbor the Pasadena Museum of California Art where we host periodic exhibitions.
