Calvin Miller, Preacher, Poet and Christian of Influence

I read recently of the passing of Dr. Calvin Miller, a retired professor at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham Alabama.http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=38539

I first met Calvin when we were speaking together at the Evangelism Conference of the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists in Wichita Kansas.  That was in 1972, and I was a very naive and inexperienced 'preacher' at the 'too young' age of 22. 

Miller was already famous - both as a writer and a successful church planter - and this was years before church planting was cool.  He had begun a new church in the suburbs of Omaha Nebraska with just 10 people, one that had grown to a congregation of several hundred members, and I was mesmerized by him. He could do it all, plus... he was 'bright.'  And I was attracted by his talent and gifts while at the same time drawn to his unabashed love for Christ and ability to express it in ways seldom heard.  In short... our souls were knit.  

Calvin had me at his church the next winter for a youth revival, and I remember us having such a great time talking. Like him, I had a deep love for literature - as this was my major in college - and sometime afterward, as I was wrapping up my undergraduate degree, he called to ask if I would consider coming to Omaha to serve with him as his associate. I was flattered, thrilled, and considered this, of course, but... it was not to be.  
Years later, by the sweet grace of God, I was blessed to answer the call of my youth and from 39-44 attend seminary and complete my MDIV while planting parkwayhills. One of my classes in seminary was titled, 'Spiritual Formation', and to my joy Dr. Calvin Miller was listed as professor.  Nearly 19 years later we had reconnected! So that I could not help but pause today and reflect on all this, then post the following on Facebook to his family. 

Dear family of Dr. Miller, 

I knew Calvin, first, as a young preacher in my 20s when he had me preach at Westside for a weekend youth revival. I remember it being very cold in Nebraska - and him taking me to watch ice skating in the park near the church. Cold as it was, Calvin was a warm soul that day as we sat there talking - and he has remained that way, always.

After this, years would pass before we were to meet again- but that day came when, as a man now in his early 40s, I sat in his class at SWBTS. Much had happened to me in the 18 years since our last conversation. I had drifted away from my call, but was now returned  - by the precious grace of God - and was planting a church of my own, so that his wisdom and bits of conversation with me before and after class were of great encouragement.

I am sure to be but one of many whom you will hear from in the days to come, but please know that I count your husband and father as one of those persons possessing of talent and sincere Christian spirit who made an extraordinary difference in my life. I majored in Creative Writing as an undergraduate, but have never pursued that love and gift as I might, or should. Dr. Miller was forever encouraging me to do so. Perhaps it is time.

Love in Christ, Pastor Sam Dennis, Plano Texas 

Yes, Dr. Calvin Miller was a fresh soul to me.  A reminder that...

Preachers are made of varied things - of flesh and blood, and souls that sing.  
And when, at best, they write or speak -  they tell those who hear of the gift called Christ.  

You were this and more to me - a soul that soared with words that rang.  
And if in life I dare the same - like you, I pray, I'll but sing of Him!   
(In Memoriam of Dr. Calvin Miller, at news of his passing to Glory) 

Pastor Sam Dennis
20 August, 2012