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 He announced his resignation in August, then rescinded his resignation less than two months later due to a dispute over retirement pay.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 ...