VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 10/11/07) - American Baptist Churches, USA regretfully announces the death of Rev. Dr. Charles Forsberg. He died in Royersford, Pennsylvania on October 8 at the age of 86. He was known for his counseling skills with congregations and clergy, especially during times of crisis.
A graduate of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Forsberg pastored churches in New York, Wisconsin and Illinois. From 1953 through 1960 he served as an Area Minister for the Massachusetts Baptist Convention; from 1960 through 1966 as Director of Field Staff for the Ministers and Missionaries Board; and from 1966 through 1985 as Executive Director of the Ministers Council. He also initiated and helped organize the American Baptist Convention (ABCON) Credit Union.
"Chuck was a caring leader of the Ministers Council for over forty years," said Rev. Dr. Kate Harvey, current Ministers Council executive director. "During his tenure as the first full-time Executive Director, the Council voted to move from being a 'fellowship organization' to becoming a 'professional society,' a self-definition that continues to guide our work to strengthen pastoral leadership. Areas addressed by the Ministers Council during his tenure included spiritual growth, collegiality and accountability, placement, clergy stress, women in ministry, and entry of non-ABC clergy into denominational pastoral leadership. Clearly Chuck left a significant legacy to the American Baptist Churches, USA."
He is survived by his wife Genevieve, and their six children, Lynn, Lahna, David, Dean, Dale, and Darrel; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Royersford Baptist Church, 452 S. Lewis Rd., Royersford, PA, on Friday evening, October 12 from 6-8 p.m.; a memorial service will be held at the church on Saturday, October 13 at 4 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. For further information or online condolences visit www.cattermoleklotzbachfuneralhome.com.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/