In Memoriam: Rev. Dr. Joel H. Nederhood

Joel Nederhood was a humble, faithful servant of the Lord who proclaimed the gospel for over 30 years through the Christian Reformed Church’s radio and television ministry, The Back to God Hour (now ReFrame Ministries). In a recent post, ReFrame described Nederhood as “the media voice of the CRC.” He died Dec. 2 at age 94.

After graduating from Calvin College (now University) in 1952, Nederhood served in the U.S. Army for two years, including in Okinawa, Japan, during the Korean War. He continued studies at Calvin Seminary, graduating in 1957, and then completed a doctorate from the Free University of Amsterdam.

In 1960 Nederhood was called to be the associate radio minister of The Back to God Hour, serving alongside Peter Eldersveld, the ministry's first radio pastor. In 1965, following Eldersveld’s death, Nederhood became the primary minister of the radio program, remaining in this capacity until retiring in 1996. By then The Back To God Hour had nine major language ministries.

For 10 years after retirement Nederhood was the preaching pastor at Cottage Grove CRC in South Holland, Ill. He enjoyed running, which he did every day into his 80s. He also taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and Trinity Seminary in Deerfield, Ill., and was the chancellor at Eastern Ukraine Theological Seminary. In 2005 he received Calvin Seminary’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Nederhood is survived by Mary Lou, his wife of 71 years; three children; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.