James Arne Nestingen

Though I am very late to this party, I am nontheless deeply affected by learning of the death of Jim Nestingen. He was an idol (in a good sense) of mine. I learned from his teaching, was inspired by his preaching, and thoroughly admired his faith and scholarship. I am 73 years old and can sincerely say that Jim Nestingen and Gerhard Forde were the two figures in my theological and faith life who influenced me the most. As a matter of fact, in 1996, the congregation I served in Montana gave me a three month sabbatical which I spent at Luther Seminary so that I could audit a summer course in church history taught by Jim. Every class, I looked forward eagerly to learning from him and was never disappointed. Just today, I went onto YouTube to listen to a little Jim in preparation for our worship service and my preaching tomorrow (Yes, at 73, I still serve a small congregation. To quote St. Paul, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.") I discovered a Service of Christiam Comfort for Jim. I was surprised, hurt, but happy for Jim to have been taken Home. Godspeed, Jim!

I was a voting delegate to the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly and became a supporter of his nomination to become bishop of ELCA after listening to his responses to questions prior to the voting process. My wife and I had the surprise privilege of meeting him in a hallway and had a really nice visit with him. We have treasured that time with him ever since.

I remember hearing Jim speak at a national convention when my husband was a pastor in either New Jersey or Ohio and we heard a lot of Scandinavian jokes! Years later when we moved to Minnesota we had the privilege of meeting Jim in person at the Storaasli-Knutsons and he was so jovial, welcoming, and fun to be with. I remember seeing his name on many articles and in many journals in addition to his books. My heart goes out to the immediate and the extended family members. I know it is hard to loose a loved one so suddenly, but you know he lived his life following his Calling and now you can be comforted that he has entered a New Life in God's Care.
Shirley Wuchter, Duluth, Minnesota

I will never forget the classes I took at LNTS with Dr. Nestingen. He always sung the story of God´s love and grace, and God´s habit of whispering love songs in our ears. One never wanted to miss his classes! After my ordination, during a difficult patch in ministry, he was a great encourager. God´s peace and comfort to all the family.

As a lay person, Jim ministered to me the good news of the Gospel for many years. He nurtured the Faith of many during his lifetime. Thank you, Jim.

Dr. Nestingen was a tremendous spiritual blessing to me while I was a student at Luther Seminary from 1986-1988. Rest in peace, Dr. Nestingen.

I was Dr. Nestingen's student at what was Northwestern Seminary in the 1970's. His casual style carried a brilliance that has informed my ministry to this day and has helped me convey the faith to countless others. I give thanks to God for his life and work and mourn his loss.

Our beloved cousin Jim will be so very missed! So heartbreaking to hear the shocking, and very sad news of his passing.
His love, great sense of humor and giving of himself is a great example to follow! He will always be remembered, and in our heart's. God be with all the family, and all the people who had the blessing of knowing him. Sincerely, Joanie Mitchell
Loved how he called me Joanie.

I was fortunate to take 2 classes from him at Luther. I loved his passion for teaching. He was incredibly compassionate and treated each of us as individuals.

My prayers are for comfort for Jim's loved ones.

One of my favorite concepts of Theology came from Dr. Nestingen's teaching while I was his student at Luther. He said that the gospel was wild, it cannot be controlled. We are to speak the gospel, and God will do the rest. Dr. Nestingen will always be near my heart for the way he opened scripture to me. My sincerest condolences to Jim's family. May God's peace be with you all in your grief.

I was in several of his classes...the best secret class... in the spring...no books, no papers, no tests... Jim would just show up and teach... talk, insprire... and standing room only-show up early if you wanted a seat... I am better... because he was in my life, my ministry, my faith, my hope in Christ... his legacy remains. Rest now, in Christ- our eternal hope and joy... Christ who reaches down- even in our graves- to grab us and bring us to Him. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Sympathies and prayers to you at the passing of your husband, father, grandfather and brother. Dr. Jim was not only loved, but also respected by so many of us that knew him as our teacher and leader in the Church. I trust in all faith that he has now received the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous judge, has bestows on those who have loved His appearing.

LNTS 1990
NALC Dean - Eastern South Dakota

I can't help but smile when I think of Jim's booming, infectious laugh ringing throughout Heaven. Jim was a wonderful, kind, and a little bit ornery, but always an extraordinarily bright light of God's grace and joy. He will be truly missed. We know that God's strength will carry you through, and we pray that His Peace will comfort you.

I knew him only through his books and recorded messages. The Lord truly used him to change my life. I look forward to meeting him in heaven. Grace and Peace be with his family and friends.

Prayers for God´s peace for the Nestingen family. I only had a few brief interactions with Jim. Most back in 2009-2010 but I remember vividly his kind assertiveness in searching for pastors. Loved the accent and his humor. I treasure greatly a prominent Lutheran theologian taking time for me.