By Bob Allen
Calvin Miller, a longtime pastor, author and seminary professor, died Aug. 19, of complications from heart failure.
Miller, 75, research professor of divinity and distinguished writer in residence at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Ala., since 2007, wrote more than 40 books.
His first The Singer, published in 1975, sold more than a million copies and introduced a trilogy along with The Song and The Finale. His latest, a book and DVD compilation titled Letters to Heaven, is a collection of letters written to individuals who were influential on his life who preceded him into eternity.
“Calvin Miller had a palpable love for Jesus Christ and his church and he will be greatly missed both here at Beeson and throughout the Body of Christ,” said Timothy George, dean of the divinity school at Samford University. “But heaven now shines brighter because he is there.”
A native of Enid, Okla., Miller was a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For 25 years he was pastor of Westside Church in Omaha, Neb., which grew during his pastorate from 10 members in January 1966 to more than 2,500 members.
From 1991 until 1998 Miller was professor of communication and ministry studies and writer-in-residence at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
According to his Facebook page, Miller underwent surgery Aug. 9 to repair a heart valve and do four bypasses.
He is survived by his widow, Barbara, and two children. Funeral arrangements are pending.