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 He announced his resignation in August, then rescinded his resignation less than two months later due to a dispute over retirement pay.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, what’s new there?
Warren:
Dan Millward looks for three characteristics when interviewing prospective church planters.
First, they have to be evangelists who will make connections and share the gospel. Second, they must possess an entrepreneurial spirit to get a church off the ground.
And third, they must be crazy.
“Because you have to be crazy to plant a church,” he says.
Natasha:
He says he is honored to work with a group of men who check all three boxes.
Warren:
Millward is the director of The Detroit Project, a movement to establish PCA churches in the greater Detroit area. He knows it’s going to take people with a healthy dose of tenacity to reach every corner of metro Detroit.
This story defies easy summary, so I recommend that anyone who is interested in church planting or the PCA go to our website and look for the story, which is on the front page.
But with tenacity and confidence in the gospel, these church planters see the Lord working in the Detroit area as people come to faith and new churches gain traction in diverse communities. In 13 years The Detroit Project has planted seven churches in metro Detroit.
Natasha:
Next is the latest from our generous living series.
Warren:
When Tom and Mary Vande Guchte attended a Generous Giving Conference in 2014, they had no idea it would change the way they viewed money.
Less than a decade later, they were on stage themselves, sharing how their first conference opened doors for them to serve together, and prompted them to be part of providing over 280,000 people with clean water and the Gospel.
Again, this is a story that should really not be summarized. I’ll just say here that this is the latest series in our Generous Living series, and you should check it out at MinistryWatch.com
Natasha:
Warren, we’re going to take another break. When we return, our lightning round of ministry news of the week.
I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith. More in a moment.
BREAK
THIRD SEGMENT
Natasha:
Welcome back. I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch Podcast.
Warren, we like to use this last segment as a sort of lightning round of shorter news briefs.
What’s up first?
Warren:
Christian philanthropist Hugh Maclellan Jr. of Lookout Mountain, longtime leader of the Maclellan Foundation, died on April 4. He was 85.
Maclellan was involved in leading the influential private Christian foundation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for 55 years, according to its Executive Director David Denmark.
“For over 50 years, Hugh was faithful to continue the Foundation’s Founders’ passion for the advancement of the Gospel. It will be our honor, privilege and duty to continue Hugh’s legacy and passion for the next 50 years, and beyond,” Denmark wrote in a statement.
The Maclellan Foundation was established in 1945 and is “focused on establishing and strengthening the local church, promoting discipleship and leadership development, sparking community transformation, promoting the power of prayer, advocating for generosity, and increasing access to Scripture.”
Hugh Maclellan took the helm at the foundation in 1987 as its president and treasurer.
Under his leadership, the foundation was among the earliest to invest in indigenously-led ministries, and also supported The Jesus Film in an effort to accelerate the proclamation of the gospel, Denmark said.
In the early 1990s, Maclellan began his World Strategy Conferences with other wealthy Christians in order to “cast a vision for Kingdom investing.”
Maclellan also served on the board of trustees for King University in Bristol, Tennessee.
During the 1990s, Maclellan started a fundraising campaign with a matching gift of $12 million, and eventually, under his leadership, the university raised more than $50 million.
Maclellan was also active in the local community, helping to start several local ministries, including First Things First, Pray Chattanooga, and the Maclellan Shelter for Families.
Natasha:
Next, MinistryWatch Index for the month of March
Warren:
The MinistryWatch Index was unchanged during the month of March, at 152.
The MinistryWatch Index is based on the revenue of 38 large Christian ministries, ministries that represent all of the 21 ministry segments tracked by MinistryWatch.
This month’s sideways move means that the MinistryWatch Index has been essentially unchanged after a significant drop last October.
The no growth and slow growth of the MinistryWatch Index over the past six months could suggest concern about the future of the economy.
A recent survey conducted by MinistryWatch of ministry executives found that fundraising has now replaced finding and recruiting staff as their top leadership concern. This concern seems well-founded. A recent survey found that giving by evangelicals is down.
Natasha:
And who is in our Ministry Spotlight for this week?
Warren:
This week AnGeL Ministries’ Financial Efficiency Rating in the MinistryWatch database fell from 4 to 3 stars, placing it among the top 60% for financial efficiency in the Christian Growth sector.
The organization, founded by Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham, now has a Donor Confidence Score of 56 or “Exercise Caution.” The reason for the low donor confidence score is, in part, because the ministry is not a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and does not make its Form 990s or audited financials available to the public.
According to a spokesperson, however, the organization will provide these documents upon request.
From 2022 to 2023, the organization’s revenue jumped from $1.1 million to $14.7 million. The spokesperson told MinistryWatch this came from “private donations received in 2023 to help expand our ministry.”
This, in turn, raised the organization’s net assets from $4.6 million to $18.4 million. AnGeL Ministries now has a reserve coverage ratio of 1,444%.
The ministry says they “are in prayer now for the Lord’s guidance where to invest those resources” and that it’s working on a variety of ministry initiatives.
According to its website, AnGeL Ministries, based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, “serves as the umbrella organization for the diverse ministry of Anne Graham Lotz — including her many books, DVDs, CDs, and speaking engagements as well as special events such as ‘Just Give Me Jesus.’”
AnGeL Ministries’ total expenses in 2023 were $1.2 million, with 14% spent on general and admin costs.
Natasha:
On Friday, March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, devastating an already tumultuous region where 1.6 million people are displaced by an ongoing civil war. The death toll has exceeded 3,500, with bombings and military attacks threatening rescue and recovery efforts. The following ministries have boots on the ground in Myanmar—either through local partners or by sending teams—and are providing relief to quake victims.
Warren:
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Teams from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) and local Church of the Nazarene congregations in Myanmar are providing relief care to communities impacted by the earthquake. They are “conducting trauma debrief sessions, translating materials for local use, installing water filters in key areas, and distributing relief goods.” NCM is one of MinistryWatch’s Shining Lights, with 5 stars, an “A” transparency grade, and a donor confidence score of 100—the highest scores in each of our three ratings.
Partners Relief & Development
Over the weekend, a team from Partners Relief delivered rice, eggs, and drinking water to people affected by the quake. They also delivered supplies to people living near Inle Lake in Shan State, where 2,700 homes had collapsed, according to Mindy Belz of Globe Trot. Altogether, one week after the earthquake, the ministry had helped 2,421 victims. Partners Relief has 2 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 77.
Water Mission
According to an April 8 update from Water Mission, its team is working to install two safe water systems—one in Mandalay at a local humanitarian organization’s main office, and one in a monastery located between a slum and a community, where the need for safe water is critical. Its team is also passing out hygiene kits with items like soap, toothbrushes, diapers, and sanitary pads. They are also planning to distribute jerrycans. Water Mission has 3 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 100.
Samaritan’s Purse
On Monday (April 7), doctors and nurses with Samaritan’s Purse began performing life-saving surgeries for quake victims. Teams are also in process of building the ministry’s Emergency Field Hospital with an ICU, emergency room, lab and operating theaters. Over the weekend, Samaritan’s Purse also deployed a cargo plane carrying 104 tons of relief supplies, including water filtration systems, emergency shelter materials, solar lights and hygiene kits. Samaritan’s Purse has two stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence of 56 (“Exercise Caution”).
Free Burma Rangers
Free Burma Rangers was already on the ground providing emergency medical help when the earthquake hit Myanmar. Since then, they have continued to train frontline medics and provide support for surgical teams despite the constant threat of airstrikes in Karenni State. “We have two kinds of devastation, one natural and one unnatural and completely manmade,” Free Burma Rangers head David Eubank told reporters, according to Belz. Free Burma Rangers has 5 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 95.
World Relief
World Relief is responding to the devastation in Myanmar through partners with long-standing roots in the area. As of last week, World Relief was still assessing needs, which they said include emergency shelter, food and clean water, medical aid, and trauma counseling. They were preparing to provide food and clean water. World Relief has 4 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 95.
Natasha:
Warren, any final thoughts before we go?
Warren:
Warren Ad-Lib April Recurring Donor Appeal. Diane Landberg’s book: When the Church Harms God’s People
Ad lib webinars
Natasha:
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.
I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado.
Warren:
And I’m Warren Smith, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Natasha:
You’ve been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.
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