Bruce Timothy Yocum, age 73, died Friday, January 21 , 2022 in London, England. He was one of the pioneers and leaders of the Charismatic Renewal, of the covenant community movement, and of the “The Servants of the Word,” a brotherhood of celibate men.
Bruce was born in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Bruce Vincent Yocum and Mary Helen (Hobby) McQuillan. He attended Queen of the Miraculous Medal school and St. John's High School there and graduated in 1966. He enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he studied philosophy. It was during this time that he met Steve Clark, Ralph Martin, Gerry Rauch and Jim Cavnar, and became involved in the Charismatic Renewal, a renewal movement which impacted millions of people around the world.
In 1967 Bruce was involved in the founding of “The Word of God,” an ecumenical, charismatic Christian community in Ann Arbor. Together with Steve Clark and several others, he decided to live a dedicated, celibate life in community. In 1971 they made the first commitments to what became “The Servants of the Word,” an international brotherhood of celibate men.
Bruce was a revered teacher and speaker. In 1976, he published a widely influential study, Prophecy. He served for many years in the leadership of an international network of Christian communities (the “Sword of the Spirit”) and as moderator of “Christ the King Association.” From 1989-2003, he served generously as the Presiding Elder—the overall leader—of the Servants of the Word.
Bruce travelled widely over many years: in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific. He helped to found communities in Brussels, Belgium and London, England. He lived in some of those communities, notably in Belgium, London, Belfast and Monterrey, Mexico. He was dearly beloved by thousands of people all over the world.
Bruce is survived by his eight siblings and their spouses: Thom and Kaye Yocum, Jim and Jennifer Yocum, Helen Yocum, Mike and Jeannie Yocum, Marian and Tom Weber, John Yocum, Joe and Susanne Yocum, Carrie and Tony Zahm, 15 nieces and nephews, 14 grandnieces and grandnephews and one aunt, Jane McQuillan of Jackson, MI. Bruce also has cousins too numerous to name in Michigan and surrounding states. He is also mourned by all the brothers in the Servants of the Word, his spiritual family for the past fifty years.
There will be a Memorial Service on Monday, February 7, 2022 in London, UK, at 2:00 p.m. London time. It will be live-streamed. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/R24OBA6bwMw.
On Sunday, February 13, 2022 there will be a Visitation at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, MI from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
On Monday, February 14, 2022 there will be the Funeral Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. The Mass will be live-streamed. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/EqgsOTkMHJA . The burial will take place afterward at the Brotherhood Center, for family and brothers only.
Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation to University Christian Outreach using this link or by sending a check to UCO, 1417 1/2 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.
Please feel free to leave a brief memory of Bruce in the section below.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118.
