The professor and composer honored at 100th Commencement, premiers original hymn
June 2025 – Drew Theological School’s Professor of Church Music, Composer in Residence, and Director of Craig Chapel was recently presented with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) at their 100th Commencement ceremony in May.
The celebration included the debut of Our Story Started As a Dream, a new hymn commissioned by CTS and composed by Miller specially for the occasion. The powerful piece offers a moving reflection on community, calling, and the shared journey of faith—hallmarks of Miller’s music and ministry.
Internationally known for his work as a composer, performer, and justice-seeker, Miller’s music inspires communities of faith and beyond to transform hearts and minds.
“Music is the humanities’ most profound language, where dissonance resolves into harmony and diverse voices find unity,” said CTS Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Worship Nicholas Peterson upon presenting Miller at the ceremony. “In this sacred interplay, we discover that our differences, when properly orchestrated, create not division but transcendent beauty. The composer dares to put sound to air and call us into community.”
A lifelong United Methodist, Miller’s passion for inclusivity led him to participate in the United Methodist Church’s General Conference as a lay delegate in 2000, 2004, and 2012 and as Director of Music in 2008.
In addition to his roles at Drew, Miller is a Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University and the Minister of Music of Christ Church in Summit, New Jersey. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Yale University and his Master of Music in Organ Performance from Juilliard.
