EF 2643 Pastor Ed Lindemann - "Dean" of NWC (1974-1995)

Abstract

This oral history interview with Pastor Ed Lindemann, conducted in 1997, offers a reflective and personal account of his life and ministry, especially his twenty-year tenure as Dean of Students at Northwestern College (NWC). Lindemann shares his journey from a football-focused youth to a devoted servant of the Word, detailing his early pastoral experiences and his multifaceted role at NWC as teacher, counselor, disciplinarian, and “pastor of the college.” The interview explores his philosophy of student formation, discipline, and collegiality with tutors and faculty. Lindemann candidly discusses his views on the amalgamation that led to Martin Luther College, expressing concern over its process and implications. He also voices worries about pastoral student debt and the need to remain focused on the Word. The interview concludes with Lindemann’s encouragement to the WELS to uphold doctrinal purity and trust the Holy Spirit’s work. Abstract generated with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).