Posts by Paul J. Yoder

Nate was to me a beloved brother in Christ, a seminary professor, a parishioner full of grace and truth, a friend. Nate brought Scripture to life. I specifically recall times of meeting God anew as Nate spoke on Mt. 11:28-30 (Come to me, all you who are weary …), Ps. 42 (thirsting for God), and…

A dear mentor and teacher between the years of 2003 and 2011. I knew him to always be faithful to the Lord. Christlike. Prayers for his family.

Back in 2009-2010, Nate was my professor in Christian history for two semesters. I remember him as kind and generous, even-tempered, and a fair task master. I’m saddened by his passing and grieve with his family who are in my prayers.

I met Nate at the start of my first year of college when I began my work-study job in the EMU archives. I quickly realized that this was a vocation I was very interested in pursuing, and Nate was a steadfast supporter of my dreams. We worked together in the EMU Archives for nearly a…

Nate was my brother-in-law. I personally have a health condition called cervical dystonia. It causes my neck and my head to do a lot of tremoring and it is very uncomfortable! But Nate, in his battle with Parkinson’s was a tremendous encouragement to me as I never heard Nate complain or grumble about his health!…

Nate came to EMS when I was finishing my seminary degree, so I never had him as a teacher. When I returned to EMU as a teacher myself, I noted quickly that Nate was always one to reach across divides. Since I was placed in the undergraduate program, it mattered a lot to me to…

Nate was a model of how faculty collaborate, support each other, and work at being colleagues. At all times, he was professional. He had a great sense of humor, and we saw this during Kairos Place retreats in May where he often shared with us what he was writing. Nate represented the seminary on the…

I am grateful for the way Nate’s life, intellect, faith, and pastoral wisdom enriched my own, especially in his last several years. For many years prior, we were friendly acquaintances, speaking only occasionally when our social circles overlapped. From a distance, I admired how Nate functioned as a bridge between the conservative heritage he faithfully…