AFRICAN DESCENT LUTHERAN ASSOCIATION (ADLA)

 

For those who knew the Rev. Dr. Nelson W. Trout, his teachings went beyond the classroom. Former students and colleagues remember him not only as an educator, but as a mentor who helped guide their lives and ministries.

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Ken Wheeler, a former student of Trout’s, reflected on the impact Trout had on his life. Wheeler had left Luther Seminary and was considering whether to continue pursuing ministry when Trout visited him and his wife.

“I had left Luther Seminary and was contemplating not continuing with my pursuit of ministry. All of that changed because of that visit and the powerful witness embodied in Dr. Trout,” Wheeler wrote.

For Wheeler, those lessons remain part of his life years later. He recalled Trout as a voracious reader who would call him after discovering a book, he wanted Wheeler to read.

“When I go downstairs in my house today and look on the bookshelf, a fourth of the books were recommended by Dr. Trout,” Wheeler wrote.

 

Wheeler also remembered Trout as “a man of intellect, with a big heart — full of wisdom and grace.”

For Pastor Albert Starr, Trout’s influence extended beyond his role as a professor. Starr first knew Trout through a personal connection before later becoming his student at Trinity Seminary. As Starr got to know him, Trout became someone he could turn to for guidance and support.

“We depended heavily on Bishop Trout, Professor Trout, as our father confessor, counselor, advocate and someone who we knew and trusted,” Starr said.

Trout’s influence also came through the way he taught his students. Rev. Bob Ahern, Ph.D., a former student, remembered Trout as a professor who taught lessons that extended beyond academics.

“He cared about students with a depth of kindness and taught us about life, ministry, liberation theology, preaching and how to have hope when life is empty,” Ahern wrote.

 

The stories of Trout’s former students and colleagues help show why his legacy continues to be remembered. On Sunday, Sept. 20, the African Descent Lutheran Association Los Angeles Chapter will host a worship celebration honoring Trout at Ascension Lutheran Church in Los Angeles.

For those who were taught and mentored by Trout, the celebration is an opportunity to remember not only what he accomplished, but the lessons and relationships he left behind.