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Remembering Dr. Myron S. Augsburger

Visionary Leader, Evangelist, Theologian, and Fifth President of EMU

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Dr. Myron S. Augsburger lived a life defined by faithful service, intellectual rigor, and an unwavering commitment to Christian higher education and evangelism. As a leader whose influence spanned local communities and international movements, his legacy endures in the institution he helped shape, the books he authored, and the lives he touched.

A Legacy of Leadership at Eastern Mennonite University

Dr. Augsburger served as the fifth president of what was then Eastern Mennonite College & Seminary from 1965 to 1980. His presidency was a transformative era for the institution, characterized by growth, spiritual vitality, and expanded academic vision.

In addition to his administrative leadership, he served as a professor of theology from 1963 to 1980, shaping generations of students, pastors, and church leaders with his deep commitment to Anabaptist theology and Christian witness.

National Voice & Evangelistic Ministry

Before assuming the presidency at EMU, Dr. Augsburger was a widely recognized evangelist, leading crusades across the United States and Canada under the auspices of InterChurch Evangelism. His compelling voice and vision for thoughtful, gospel-centered outreach gained national recognition:

  • National Recognition: In 1969, Time magazine listed him as one of the emerging young evangelical leaders in the United States.

  • Prolific Author: Over the course of his ministry, he penned more than 20 books on theology, Christian living, and church leadership.

  • Denominational Service: He served as moderator of the Mennonite Church General Assembly, guiding the broader denomination with wisdom and vision.

Broadening the Horizon: Washington, D.C. & Beyond

After completing his 15-year tenure as president of EMU, Dr. Augsburger and his wife, Esther, embarked on a new chapter in Washington, D.C.

  • Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU): He served as president of the CCCU, advocating for Christian higher education on a national stage.

  • Capitol Hill Ministry: Together, Myron and Esther founded Washington Community Fellowship, an interdenominational church serving the Capitol Hill community.

Following their years of active ministry in the nation’s capital, Dr. Augsburger and Esther returned home to retire in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where their journey in higher education leadership had begun.