Dr. John M. Miller, Senior Pastor
Dr. John M. Miller was born in Dixon, Illinois and grew up in Madison, Wisconsin where his family relocated when he was twelve years of age. As could have been predicted, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin. Upon completion of a degree in history John began his study for the ministry which had been his vocational choice since the fifth grade.
Midway in his studies at the McCormick Theology Seminary in Chicago, he took his second year of seminary studies in Glasgow, Scotland. Ultimately he received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.
Dr. Miller served as resident minister in two churches in the upper Midwest and one along the Eastern seaboard before being called to the ministry at The First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island in 1979, where he preached for seventeen years. He has written and published six books including The Irony of Christianity: A Pastor’s Appeal for a Higher Theology and a Lower Christology, which was published by The Institute for Religion in 2002. The book remains available thru Amazon.
His writings reflect the constantly evolving process of his “trying to get things right”. He has said of himself, “I enjoy writing sermons more than preaching them.” Many find that hard to believe, for his spoken words filled with historic perspective, personal values and command of languages give expression and meaning to his riveting presentations.
In recognition of his many community activities, John received the Hilton Head Island Citizen of the Year Award in 1989. He has also planned and conducted many tours abroad, including the Oberammergau Passion Play in Bavaria, Germany and other European destinations. Only Israel with its historic orientation in the monotheistic religions keeps bringing him back; he has conducted many tours there.
John regularly teaches courses at Lifelong Learning of Hilton Head Island and in the University of South Carolina’s Osher Program. He conducts Bible Study courses on weekdays at the Chapel during the academic year and worship services at The Seabrook on Sunday afternoons. And of course, his passion for research and writing sermons is forever in progress.
Dr. Miller’s sermons since 2012 are posted in the archives of the Chapel website.