A servant of Christ whose life reflected gospel conviction and cultural faithfulness, Rev. Dr. Gerald Isadore Yellowhawk passed into the presence of the Lord on January 13, 2026, at age 89.
Known by his Lakota name Eyapaha Wakan (“The Sacred Herald”), Dr. Yellowhawk was widely respected across The Wesleyan Church as a pastor, mentor, cultural bridge-builder and spiritual elder in The Wesleyan Church (TWC).
Born October 8, 1936, in Green Grass, South Dakota, he was raised on the Cheyenne River Reservation, where his early life shaped a calling that would span decades of ministry among Native communities. He married Johanna Pierce on July 20, 1957, and together they began studies at Brainerd Indian School, where he graduated in 1960. In the early years of their marriage, Dr. Yellowhawk served as assistant pastor at the Pierre Indian Mission. He was ordained in TWC in 1966, and that same year pioneered a congregation (Cheyenne River Lakota Chapel) in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, pastoring there for 18 years.
In 1985, he was elected district superintendent of the Native American District of TWC, a role through which he strengthened churches, leaders and ministries across Native communities.
Fluent in Lakota and deeply committed to seeing Scripture available in the language of his people, Dr. Yellowhawk contributed to Wycliffe’s Lakota Bible translation effort. His life consistently demonstrated that faithfulness to Christ and faithfulness to one’s God-given culture need not stand in tension.
Over the years he served with multiple ministries and boards, helped promote Native Christian fellowship initiatives and mentored younger leaders. In recognition of more than five decades of ministry, he and his wife Johanna received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 from TWC for 50 years of service to Christ and the church. In 1994, Oklahoma Wesleyan University honored him with an honorary doctoral degree for his leadership and commitment to spiritual formation.
Those who knew Dr. Yellowhawk often pointed to his wisdom, humility and steady faith. He believed reconciliation and healing between peoples were essential for the gospel to be fully received and urged the church to reconsider methods that hindered ministry among Native communities.
Even after retiring from full-time pastoral ministry in 2001, he continued speaking in churches and schools and working on Bible translation, while also devoting time to painting, beadwork, and traditional regalia artistry that reflected both his heritage and his faith.
He is survived by his wife Johanna, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a wide circle of spiritual sons and daughters who carry forward his example.
Speaking at his funeral, former General Superintendent Jerry Pence said, “As the most significant Native American minister our denominational tribe has yet produced, it will be another lifetime before anyone else ever comes close to matching Dr. Yellowhawk’s contributions as a pastor, church planter, evangelist, missionary, district superintendent, Bible translator, cultural translator, influencer and leader. He not only modeled the Lakota virtues of generosity, courage, respect and wisdom — he was also living proof that we all can be made new and live a holy life through faith in Jesus Christ.”
The Wesleyan Church gives thanks for the life and witness of Dr. Gerald Yellowhawk: a leader whose message, ministry and legacy continue to call others to Christ.
Read Dr. Yellowhawk’s obituary here.
Rev. Ethan Linder is the pastor of discipleship at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana, and contributing editor at The Wesleyan Church’s Education and Clergy Development Division.
