Project B2 examines the Weimar-Jena area around 1800 with regard to the structure and organization of the ministry. It addresses questions concerning specific persons as well as institutions related to the church. The research focuses on the organization, training and practice of theologians in their central spheres of activity (church, school, university). The starting point during the first project phase (2001-2004) was the highest church representative in the duchy, Johann Gottfried Herder. For almost three decades (1776-1803) he presided over the regional church in his position as general superintendent. After the analysis of Herder's leading function within the church, the delivery of sermons has become the focus of the research. In this context, the research during the second project phase (2004-2007) has continued to concentrate on Herder and contextualizes his sermons within the Weimar-Jena phenomenon. more >>