ACU professor, ‘church doctor’ Charles Siburt dies at 65

Charles Siburt (Photo via www.acu.edu)

Charles A. Siburt Jr., a longtime professor at Abilene Christian University in Texas, once described by his son as a “church doctor,” died July 11 after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 65.
ACU Today reports:

Siburt was a respected churchman who committed his personal and professional life to understanding the complex needs of congregations struggling with communication, conflict resolution, administration, and leadership training. He was a beloved mentor and father figure to countless numbers of students, providing encouragement and counsel long after they transitioned into ministry.
He led ACU’s popular ElderLink Forum program since its inception in November 2000, as well as sabbatical retreats for more than 400 ministers and spouses over the past 15 years through the university’s Ministers Support Network, both designed as proactive and restorative services for church leaders.
“My son says I’m a church doctor,” Siburt once said of his role. “Which means they bring me in to diagnose the situation and prescribe treatments for getting better.”
“These ACU-based ministries – one very public and the other private – have made a profound difference in Churches of Christ because of Charles and his commitment to serving others,” said ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert.

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• Feedback
  Charles was the guy you wished was the elder in your church. He truly was a “church doctor”. It didn’t matter if your congregation had 20 members or 2000, he had time to advise and counsel you. A great man.

  Dan

  July, 11 2012

  A great tribute from Mike Cope: http://preachermike.com/2012/07/11/charles-siburt-the-almost-blind-prophet

  Nancy

  July, 11 2012

  Charles Siburt made a real difference in the lives of so many. Charles was both committed and driven to help the people he knew and the churches he served to be “healthy.” My wife and I are forever thankful for all the ways Charles loved and encouraged us. We extend our sympathy to the Siburt family; yet, we rejoice in knowing that we will be united with Charles on the great day of Resurrection!

  Wyatt E Fenno

  July, 11 2012

  Charles was a great blessing to me and my family id his ministry. His unfailing kindness and his determination to exhort everyone to live up to our high calling in Jesus are still a constant encouragement to me. My sympathy and prayers for God’s presence and comfort go to the family. Thanks be to God for the grace that has brought Charles home.

  Bruce Thweat

  July, 11 2012

  None better than he. The kingdom here is feeling a void today.

  Alan Henderson

  July, 12 2012

  Charles, by God’s grace, was always ready with the right question for churches, elders and ministers – penetrating questions, revealing questions, healing questions borne out of the “mind of Christ”. He loved us, and we are better for it. Charles was one of God’s tender mercies for His church.Well done thou good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord!

  Tim Pownall

  July, 13 2012

  As it is on earth so shall his good testimonies be in heaven. By all indication a good churchman has gone to rest with his makers. May his soul continue to find rest with God in heaven.

  Chinedum Nwankwo

  July, 13 2012

  A teacher affects all eternity; he can never tell where his influence ends. Charles was a doctor in the truest sense – a teacher of teachers. While he is being mourned, his influence for good is enduring. Thousands of us in his generation have benefited from his person and teaching. Perhaps tens of thousands in the next generation.

  Tom Torpy

  July, 14 2012

  A live stream of Dr. Siburt’s memorial service can be viewed here: http://uccabilene.org/
  Service starts at 1 p.m. Central.

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  July, 14 2012