Abstract:
During 2017, churches with roots in the 16th century Reformation look back at five centuries
of reformed Christianity. Much attention is given to important leaders of the Reformation such
as Luther and Calvin. However, there are many forgotten ‘heroes’ who will receive no
accolades, nor will they be mentioned in any publication. In this contribution the author tells
the story of dr Johannes Dreyer, the forgotten reformer of Herford in Westphalia (Germany).
After giving some biographical and contextual information, Dreyer’s church order, which was
published in 1534 in Wittenberg, is discussed in terms of language, structure and theological
content. The conclusion is reached that the implementation of new church orders were an
integral part of the reformation process as well as applying reformed doctrine to the practical
situation of churches.
