Peder Eide: A Life of Love and Grace

Dear friends,

Our friend, Peder Eide, died yesterday. Peder had been battling colon cancer since last summer. And after a long struggle, yesterday, Peder experienced the promises of God fulfilled.

Peder was a regular music leader at youth gatherings and events all over the country. He sang in congregations and at music festivals. He provided music in hotels for community life at the ELCA Youth Gathering.

He was so gifted at what he did. Peder taught my youth group how to worship. I remember our group at a youth gathering in St. Cloud. Peder had this way of engaging and involving young people in the music. As he led and encouraged them to step into the lyrics, they were immersed in the work of the Spirit. I saw it happen, over and over and over.

Peder’s sense of humor, on stage and in person, drew people in. And his heart was genuine. Peder knew that God loved him with all of God’s heart. And Peder’s passion for Jesus ran deep. It was in his DNA. 

Peder helped us to start the Network. He sang at the very first Extravaganza in Las Vegas, and then at many Extravaganzas after that. In that first year, the musicians all performed and led music for free, and paid for their own way to get there. They believed in the formation of the Network that much. In this, Peder led the way. 

Peder was so proud of his family. His wife, Sheri, and their kids meant everything to him. He would talk about them all the time, and when he did, he would always get this giant smile. He loved them all in ways words could not describe.

Peder was a good friend. We would occasionally meet for lunch. When we’d sit down, he would ask me how I was doing. But not in a superficial or trite kind of way. It was like he was reaching deep into my heart. He really wanted to know how I was…in ministry, in life, and in my family. Every time we’d talk, I’d walk away with a new wisdom. I loved meeting with him.

I am going to miss Peder. I am grateful for all he gave to Christ’s church. And I’m grateful for our friendship. But most of all, I’m grateful for how God worked through him, and for all of the lives that were changed because Peder opened his heart to the work of God in his life.

Please join me in praying for the Eide family, and for the people of Hosanna in Rosemount, Minnesota, as well as all of Peder’s friends and family.

One of the songs Peder would often end concerts with was “Abba, I Belong to You.” He’s sing it…and then stop playing his guitar. The crowd would keep singing acapella…and then as they sang, he would just slip off of stage and let the group finish. Because it was never about him. It was always about Jesus. The song would end and there would be a hush. This became one of my favorite songs to sing with our youth group. 

Peder believed that he belonged to God with all of his heart. Today, Peder lives this, as he walks with Jesus.

Well done, good and faithful servant.  You belong to God.

Peace,
Todd Buegler
Executive Director; ELCA Youth Ministry Network
Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church; Owatonna, Minnesota