Nazarene Theological Seminary

Below are just a few of the tributes we received regarding Dr. Ed Robinson and his time at NTS.

Ed was early in his role as Dean of the Faculty. He had established himself as a core professor. The middle 90s was a time of serious reflection on the future of NTS, and the systemic changes needed for NTS to be faithful to its mission. The NTS community, including trustees and faculty, reviewed ongoing concerns and objectives, listened to feedback from the 1995 PALCONs (Pastors and Leaders Conferences), and reflected on feedback from an alumni survey. In response Ed, with inclusion of the momentum from the deanship of Al Truesdale, began to organize strategic planning and action sessions within the faculty. Among the core drivers were our base convictions and the present and future needs of the church. The level of competence Ed demonstrated, both personal and professional, in his leadership of that planning and action process is, I submit, representative of the Ed Robinson I will remember at NTS. Dean Ed Robinson gave creative and compassionate leadership to a process that re-invented NTS for that time-frame.

I respect and appreciate Ed’s persona as a contributing member of the faculty. Ed is a team player. I have heard him defend his colleagues. I have watched him enable others to do their best. His profound appreciation for the place of worship in the seminary education is heart-warming. Thank you, Ed, for practicing what you teach and preach.

You are now incarnating NTS’ mission to resource the Body of Christ in its mission to send out Christians into every area of society. Let NTS continue to resource you through prayer and collaboration.

Dr. Gordon Wetmore
NTS President Emeritus

Ed was the Academic Dean who recruited me to join the faculty of NTS. His hospitality from the very beginning has contributed to this place becoming “home” for me. I’m grateful to Ed for inviting me to partner with him in ministry and for his modeling to me of a passion for teaching students. I have learned much from him and will greatly miss him as a colleague.

Dr. Doug Hardy
NTS Professor of Spiritual Formation

One of the things I admired most about Ed Robinson was his constant pursuit of theological and professional growth. Not only did Ed have students, he modeled being a student. And that helped set the pace for all of us.

Dr. Al Truesdale
NTS Professor Emeritus

When I think of Ed, two words come to mind: “Christian gentleman”. I have felt for some time that, with his tremendous skills in administration and communication, Ed needed to be president of something!"

Dr. Chuck Gailey
NTS Professor Emeritus

During Christmas vacation, 1999, my wife and I meandered on into this institution, notifying Ed that we would be moving here during the course of the coming year. No appointment – just intrusion! Ed received us kindly and thoughtfully.

“Would there be any role or responsibility that I could fulfill in relationship to NTS, given my past associations and present passions in urban and compassionate ministries,” I asked. You kindly suggested that I put my thought down on paper for formal airing and discussion.

Two months later, I was elated to learn that indeed a slot was open for an adjunct relationship, a course a semester, an office and some support staff. I was commissioned to help develop a center for urban training much as I had done so in Los Angeles, CA. Ed crafted together a working relationship that has expanded beyond any of my hopes.

Of course, Ed didn’t tell me at the time that Dr. Ron Benefiel was under consideration as President of the Seminary. That secret was let out within days of Ed’s letter, and to me, was a wonderful serendipity showing God’s hand in allowing us again to work together in common purposes.

From that point on, Ed has served as mentor, counselor, and gate-keeper (always with the gate open) for the initiatives and projects that I presented to him. His spirit of affirmation for what I represent and his resonance of care from the urban youth context of ministry has allowed much of what has happened to occur.

I admire your gifts, enjoy your person, appreciate your contributions, and celebration the expanded role you have in your service to the Church, to God and to young people.

Dr. Fletcher and Joyce Tink

I had the privilege of working as Dr. Robinson's Administrative Assistant from September 2000 - June 2002 while he served his last 2 years as Dean of the Faculty and before he went back to the classroom full-time. Ed was a great planner, organizer, and encourager. Taking time to relax and have fun with his staff was a priority at most any time. His bursts of song and laughter as he walks down the halls at NTS will not soon be forgotten. Thank you, Ed, for your friendship. May the Lord guide each decision as you lead the community of MNU.

Pamela S. Rider
NTS Administrative Assistant to Dean of the Faculty