Fred R. Coleman

Fred R. Coleman serves as Professor and Head of the Church Music Department at Bob Jones University's School of Fine Arts and Communication since 1988. He concurrently teaches in the School of Theology & Global Leadership and Bob Jones Seminary.

His educational background includes:

• DPasTh in Pastoral Theology (Bob Jones University Seminary, 2014)
• MA in Sacred Music (Bob Jones University, 1977)
• BS in Music Education (Ball State University, 1975)

Postgraduate studies were completed with Eph Ehly, James Jordan, Rene Clausen, and Robert Shaw in choral conducting.

Dr. Coleman's research centers on historical and practical aspects of Christian worship, with emphasis on congregational song development, Protestant hymn traditions, and liturgical design. His fieldwork integrates church history with contemporary worship practices, particularly examining the evolution of hymnody from early church traditions to modern expressions. As an active practitioner, he connects academic study with real-world church music leadership through decades of pastoral experience.

As an ordained pastor, he has served 47 years in church music ministry, currently at Hampton Park Baptist Church (Greenville, SC) for 18 years. The Colemans have published choral arrangements through Shawnee Press, Lorenz, and Soundforth, plus the hymn supplement Hymns: Modern & Ancient (Heart Publications). Dr. Coleman co-produced seven SoundForth Singers recordings and authored the "SoundForth Select" newsletter for church choirs.

Personal interests include international travel focused on church history sites, horticulture, bicycling, and hiking. He and wife Ruth have two adult children and four grandchildren.