* The Rev. Samuel F. Middlebrook; Minister

The Rev. Samuel F. Middlebrook, who oversaw a Christian ministry training program at The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, has died at his Valencia home. He was 58.

Middlebrook died Friday of a heart attack, said the Rev. Jack Hayford, senior pastor at The Church on the Way.

Born in Meridian, Miss., Middlebrook came to California in 1952 and graduated from LIFE Bible College in Los Angeles, completing his doctoral work at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. From 1963 to 1987, Middlebrook taught classes in the Bible, theology and Biblical languages at LIFE Bible College and upon his departure received an honorary doctorate from the college with a commendation from the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.

He taught in foreign schools of theology on six continents.

After leaving his teaching position at LIFE, Middlebrook went to The Church on the Way where he was active in the founding of the King’s Institute, which provides Christian ministry training for 400 students from more than 30 churches. Middlebrook served as dean and executive director of the program.

At the Foursquare church, Middlebrook also served as director of the West Coast Extension of the Graduate School of Theology at Oral Roberts University, the first such U.S. extension established by the university.

Middlebrook is survived by his wife of 36 years, Pat Middlebrook; son Michael Middlebrook of Valencia; daughter Judy Moyal of Valencia; mother Irma Middlebrook of Valencia; brothers Charles Middlebrook of San Dimas and Bill Middlebrook of Spokane, Wash.; and four grandchildren.

A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at The Church on the Way, 14300 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Burial will follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 N. Sierra Highway, Newhall. Eternal Valley Mortuary is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made to the Sam Middleton Memorial Fund at The Church on the Way, which will be used to award scholarships to Christian ministry students.