Ep. 455: Bob Jones University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Myanmar Relief

On today’s program, Bob Jones University President Josh Crockett announced this week that he may be transitioning into a different role—he’s served as president of the school for less than a year. We’ll have details. Faith Life Church in Ohio is facing backlash after sexual abuse allegations prompt further scrutiny into some of its financial and governmental practices. We’ll take a look. Plus, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is moving to Canada after agreeing to be acquired by another university. But first, Pastor Rodney Finch’s Calvary Chapel Cary has sold its 9.8-acre church property in Apex, North Carolina — and this time, it’s for real. Finch, whose rocky tenure at Calvary Chapel Cary tested the limits of the Calvary Chapel Association’s (CCA) ability to reign in misbehaving pastors, had previously put the church up for sale in secret. After his board and congregation found out in July 2024, Finch withdrew the listing, but the damage was done. He announced his resignation in August, then rescinded his resignation less than two months later due to a dispute over retirement pay. He removed the pastors who were slated to replace him and set up a new church board. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Tony Mator, Kim Roberts, Jessica Eturralde, Bob Smietana, Adam Macinnis, Marci Seither, Brittany Smith, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. A special thanks to byFaith Online for contributing material for this week’s podcast. Until next time, may God bless you. MANUSCRIPT:   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you this week from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado, and we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, Bob Jones University President Josh Crockett announced this week that he may be transitioning into a different role—he’s served as president of the school for less than a year. We’ll have details. And, Faith Life Church in Ohio is facing backlash after sexual abuse allegations prompt further scrutiny into some of its financial and governmental practices. We’ll take a look. And Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is moving to Canada after agreeing to be acquired by another university. Natasha: But first, Pastor Rodney Finch’s Calvary Chapel Cary has sold its 9.8-acre church property in Apex, North Carolina — and this time, it’s for real. Warren: Finch, whose rocky tenure at Calvary Chapel Cary tested the limits of the Calvary Chapel Association’s (CCA) ability to reign in misbehaving pastors, had previously put the church up for sale in secret. After his board and congregation found out in July 2024, Finch withdrew the listing, but the damage was done. He announced his resignation in August, then rescinded his resignation less than two months later due to a dispute over retirement pay. He removed the pastors who were slated to replace him and set up a new church board. Natasha: As MinistryWatch reported, the church then closed its doors late last year and began liquidating assets through estate sales. Now, the entire three-lot property, which includes two buildings totaling about 40,000 square feet, has been sold for $7 million. Warren: According to a deed filed with Wake County, the church was purchased on February 21 by a local LLC called LIWSP Apex, whose articles of organization indicate it was formed just two days prior. In a letter of no objection by the state assistant attorney general’s office, the buyer is identified as Longleaf Industrial, LLC, a real estate development company owned by former NHL hockey player Tim Brent. Calvary Chapel Cary board member Steve Youell, a real estate agent in Florida, confirmed to MinistryWatch that the church sold for $7 million, but said he did not know the buyer’s plan for the property. Natasha: Next, Bob Jones University President Josh Crockett Announces a Possible Role Change Warren: In the continued saga of leadership changes at Bob Jones University (BJU) in Greenville, South Carolina, current President Josh Crockett has announced he may be changing roles if he is called to pastor Morningside Baptist Church in Greenville. According to BJU’s Public Relations Director Courtney Montgomery, Crockett informed faculty and staff on April 7 that he is a candidate for senior pastor at Morningside, a position he held for nine years before taking the helm of BJU in May 2024. The congregation will vote on the pastoral call on April 27. Natasha: What will happen if he does get voted in? Warren: Should Crockett be called as Morningside’s senior pastor, he will shift responsibilities at BJU to one of primarily preaching, leading chapel, and interacting with and shepherding students. In a statement the school said, “The BJU Board of Trustees is confident that with the planned transition and the appointment of a new CEO, the University will continue to thrive in its mission to serve students, faculty, and staff.” Natasha: Let’s move to news from an Ohio Megachurch Warren: Faith Life Church, a megachurch in New Albany, Ohio, faces mounting scrutiny as a current abuse scandal prompts questions about past allegations to resurface. A recent string of sexual abuse allegations has an earlier financial investigation, and widespread criticism over its use of employee nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). Natasha: What were the allegations? Warren: The Licking County Sheriff's Office launched a criminal investigation in February 2025 after multiple women, including the daughter of church founders Gary and Drenda Keesee, accused former Chief Media Officer Tom Keesee—a son of the church founders— and another former youth leader of sexually abusing them. Some of the women—estimated to total at least 11—claim they were minors at the time of the abuse. The accused, Tom Keesee, stepped down as chief media officer in August 2024. Natasha: The criminal investigation has resurfaced questions about the church's financial governance. Can you tell us more about that? Warren: In 2022, a whistleblower prompted an inquiry into the church's leadership and financial transparency, particularly regarding its "Journey Campaign." Some critics and former church members have said the church is overly focused on framing donations as "sewing seeds" in exchange for rewards and healing. The Columbus Dispatch also reported that Gary and Drenda Keesee “operate several businesses, have book deals, appear on religious television programs and own a private plane.” Though the state found no legal violations, the state deemed the consolidation of power and lack of transparency "fertile soil…for mistrust." Recommendations included adding independent board members, enhancing financial reporting from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), and seeking third-party oversight. Natasha: What can you tell us about the Church’s use of nondisclosure agreements? Warren: Adding to the controversy, former employees have criticized the church's use of NDAs, claiming the church required staff to sign NDAs for continued employment. Some claim Faith Life Church used these documents to suppress concerns and protect the church institution over victims. Heidi Runion, a former administrative assistant and long-time church member, said she signed an NDA under financial pressure but was later fired for undisclosed reasons. Another staffer, Connie McVay, said her name was included without consent on her husband's NDA after losing his church controller job. Faith Life maintains that its NDAs are standard and do not prevent employees from reporting misconduct. "Our agreements safeguard confidential and proprietary information," said church attorney Katari Buck, noting the documents do not restrict whistleblowing or reporting abuse. Natasha: Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, a prominent but troubled evangelical seminary has agreed to be acquired by a Canadian university and move to British Columbia. I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.   BREAK   SECOND SEGMENT Natasha: Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast. Next, the story we promised before the break. Warren: Trinity International University’s divinity school will be acquired by Trinity Western University, the school’s leaders announced Tuesday (April 8). The move comes after years of financial struggle and declining attendance at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School — known as TEDS — an Evangelical Free Church school whose alums have played an outsized role in shaping American evangelicalism. Natasha: How will this impact the school? Warren: Trinity will continue to hold classes at its Bannockburn, Illinois, campus north of Chicago during the 2025-2026 academic year but will move to the campus of Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, in 2026. Current faculty will get a contract for the coming year but it’s unclear how many will move to Canada in the future. Natasha: What will happen to the school’s property in Illinois? Warren: The entire Trinity campus is currently under contract, and the school hopes to close on that sale in October. After the sale is complete, Trinity will lease back part of the campus for the rest of the academic year and use the proceeds to pay off a $19 million loan. About 100 students currently live on campus and their leases will become month to month for the upcoming academic year Natasha: Let’s move from Chicago to Detroit,...