Calvin Miller was born in Enid, Oklahoma. He graduated from Enid High School and attended Oklahoma Baptist University, graduating with a B.S. degree in 1958. He attended Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1961 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1975.

In 1959 he was married to Barbara Joyce Harman. They are the parents of two children: Melanie, born February 22, 1962 and Timothy, born July 30, 1963. His first full-time pastorate was Plattsmouth Baptist Church, Plattsmouth, Nebraska 1961-1966. He went to Westside Church, Omaha, Nebraska in January 1966, where he served as senior pastor for 25 years. During his pastorate the congregation grew from 10 members to more than 2500 members. From 1991-1998, Miller served as Professor of Communication and Ministry Studies and Writer-in-Residence at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas. In January 1999, he joined the faculty of Samford University's Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, where he is currently Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry.

He is the author of more than forty books of popular theology and inspiration. His poems and free-lance articles have appeared in various journals and magazines such as Christianity Today, Campus Life, Leadership, and His. He has served as an inspirational speaker in various assemblies and religious convocations, both in his own denomination and other Christian gatherings.