Claim: Asbury won't survive with current leadership
Posted December 3, 2006
Former Asbury Seminary president Jeff Greenway, driven from office by the school's board of trustees in October, didn't stay out of work for long.
This weekend, he's preaching his first sermons as pastor of Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church, a Columbus, Ohio megachurch. His wife Beth and their grown children Nathan, Joe and Paige, plan to attend. His parents have also traveled from Pennsylvania to show their support.
Greenway preached one message last night and will deliver four more today. Chances are, he'll say little about the folks who forced him to resign, his brother Brian said during a phone interview yesterday. "Jeff took the high road. He always has and he always will," he added.
Brian Greenway, who lives in Vermont, says he spoke with his family via phone yesterday. When the school was mentioned, in the hours before Saturday night's service, Rev. Greenway encouraged relatives to drop the subject, his brother said.
It's unclear precisely why the board was unhappy with Greenway's job performance. The school's faculty opposed his removal, giving him a lopsided vote of confidence. The ouster hit the former college president hard. "He was devastated. That's putting it mildly," Brian Greenway added.
In an e-mail to this blog, Brian Greenway suggested Asbury's board of trustees should step down, adding, "Asbury will not survive with the management they have now."
Members of Asbury Seminary's board of trustees are welcome to respond. Their comments will be posted prominently and in their entirety.
To read Brian Greenway's e-mail, click below.
To read a message from ex-president Greenway's father, United Methodist Elder Harold Greenway, go to:
http://spirituality.typepad.com/biblebelt/2006/11/claim_asbury_se_1.html
(The comment thread also includes comments from ex-president Greenway's sister, Dawn Lovely.)
I am the youngest brother or the former President. I am also amazed how my brother and his family handle this mess. I AGREE WHAT MY SISTER WROTE 100%. My father is a fantastic writer, he is the leader of our family, but the chairman of the board (by e-mail) did NOT answer one question for us!! All he said that they are seeking help. DAH!! I could help them. Like the old saying "when you want to kill a snake--you cut the head off"
You ( the bot) need to get on your knees and asked God for forgiveness and publicly
appoligize to my brother and his family for putting them through hell!! Then put the seminary before you. RESIGN OR BE FIRED---does that sound familiar!! MY FAMILY's name has been tarnished by the BOT and I WILL NOT STAND BY ANYMORE!
My brother loves Asbury, he loves the faculty, he loves the students but Asbury will not survive with management they have now.
Brian Greenway
Archived Comments
NO I WILL NOT KEEP QUIT, The Greenway family has kept silent until now. My brother has been ATTACKED!! Why are you ashamed or afraid to let the world know who you are ( by not writing your last name)? WHAT ARE YOU BENEFITING FROM THIS? This was politics NOTHING else.
YOUR right, you don't have to answer any questions--but why not? Because the ET and the BOT are hiding and lying with false accusation with their own personal agenda.
Folks, thats polictics 101!
I AM SPEAKING FOR MYSELF (NOT JEFF) Folks its called FREEDOM OF SPEECH and I WILL NOT KEEP QUIET!
I have been watching the comments on this blog for a couple of days now. And it seems to me that everybody has something to say about this situation. The only thing that confuses me is why won't someone tell the truth about it. Everybody seems to be judging everyone on this blog. In order for forgiveness and healing to take place the truth has to come out for people to move on. God will be the one to judge the ones involved and they will pay dearly when they stand in front of him. It is not up to me to say who is wrong and who is right but in order for this to go away the truth has to come out.
The words of the Master from the fifth chapter of Matthew come to mind:
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
43 ΒΆ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
And from the sixth chapter:
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
No, it is not always easy to follow the Savior. I certainly cannot claim to be able to 100% of the time. Too often I let my temper get away from me. But things always work out better when keep his commandments.
The Lord's command to forgive all men is really meant for our benefit. Why let bitterness and hurt cancor your soul? Let it go. It doesn't hurt the person who caused it. It only hurts you.
Besides: "Love thine enemy. It will drive them crazy", works too! :-D
Peace
Dear Mark H.... You are pretty liberal with your comments considering your family has not been involved and unsubstatiated lies have been spread. Yes I agree, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall inherit the Earth. I do love my enemy but that does not make what the ATS board be corrected and allowable because they are ATS leadership. You have sadly underestemated the name of Greenway. We were raised to believe that the name you came into this world was untarnished. It is our responsibility to carry on that name with the same honor in which our ancesters have passed it on to us... ATS board has attempted to tarnish our heritage. They have demonstrated that thru their behavior of the excutive committee the last three months.. Our family is in one accord. We are not bitter.... Jeff and his family are in a much better place and we thank God because if he had not been for ATS he would never have been granted this priveledge to be at RUMC in Columbus, Ohio. We praise the Lord because God has opened windows that would never have been opened but for ATS. But for every Christian there has to be accountability. Is the ATS excutive committe been accoutable... I THINK NOT. Otherwise they would have behaved much different since October 17 in Atlanta. Jeff and his family have been treated unjustly and yes the Seminary will go on but at what cost. For me the cost of my name and integrity is too high... What about you?
Blessings,
Dawn Lovely
I want to comment on the last part of Frank's opening sentence.
"Former Asbury Seminary president Jeff Greenway. . . . .didn't stay out of work for long."
First, in the UMC appointments to pastor a church or churches on a circuit are normally made once a year in June.
Second, when looking for and taking an appointment in another conference, it takes some time for the Bishops to talk with each other, the person to meet with some representatives of that conference's board of ordained ministry and the cabinet of that conference plus commuicating with the people from the possible appointment before everything is worked out. All that takes time. Add to this a move in another conference to the second largest church in the northeastern jurisdiction would possibly involve more time than between August-October.
Third, I may be totally wrong. There is a possibility he perceived how the wind was blowing months ago and began working on a safety net. So, why even go back to the committee with the review once you hear the storm is here when a safety net is already planned. Many CEOs and Executive Diretors do the same kind of thing and it is good planning.
Forth, in light of Greenway's own request for to his family to drop the subject as mentioned in this article, their failure to cease and desist must bring him and his immediate family of wife and children some embarressment. Thus, they are shaming their own family name but moreso themselves.
Fifth, writing on the internet in all caps is understood as equivalent to yelling which is also considered poor internet ediquete. However hurt or passionate one may feel, it is not excuse to yell.
John M. Crowe, D.Min., APC
ATS 1983, 2001
Member, Board NAMI-NC
Incapacity Leave
Brian,
I am a friend of Jeff and believe he was mistreated. I am in his corner. However, I do not think it is appropriate nor helpful to the entire situation--and mostly to your brother Jeff--for you or your family to continue to respond. I am frustrated and hurt right along with you, but please know that there are many other people who are standing up for and with your brother. I think the best thing the entire Greenway family can do is to love and support Jeff and let his other friends go to bat for him.
With respect and understanding.
A
Dawn,
No, I have not been directly involved with your specific problem. I am not familiar with either you, your family, or the institutions involved. Nor do I wish to imply that anyone involved in the situation is or is not following Christ's teachings. That was not my intention. I am in no position to judge anything about the case.
However this is not the first time in the history of the world that something such as this has happened, nor will it be the last. Speaking from sad experience, it is always better to follow Christ's teachings. It leads to a much happier life. It may be a hard thing to do, but it will be worth it.
Remember the words of Christ as he hung upon the cross. He had been been scrouged, spat upon, humilated, falsely accused, and had had nails driven through his hands and feet. He looked upon his tormentors and said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
Peace
In response to Dr Crowe's assertation that A place was being solidified for Dr Greenway long before the infamous August 31st Torquemada trials. I would put forth that the acts against Dr Greenway by ATS were so egregious, and so shocking outrageous, so publicly embarrassing, that immediate ecclesiastic damage control was necessitated by powers higher than ATS's simple little board of directors. Again, I stand in awe of your collective egos.
"Speaking from sad experience, it is always better to follow Christ's teachings. It leads to a much happier life."
I agree that it is always better to follow Christ's teachings... however it doesn't necessarily lead to a much happier life. We don't follow Christ's teachings because they make us happier.
A
To the unsigned posting from 2:51. You have made a broad statement which may be based on your assumptions or suppositions. You have included nothing of fact nor any insight as to your knowledge of what transpired between the ATS and Dr. Greenway. Your post has done nothing more than to show how ambiguous statements and unfounded rumors can continue to tarnish one's reputation.
A.
I am afraid I am confused. Following Christ's teachings will always lead to a happier life than not following them.
Do you disagree?
I think that the truth needs to come out and it will in the end. I agree with Karen Lee 100% nothing is getting resolved in till the truth does come out. Why aren't they giving us answers ? Do they have a hidden agenda that we don't know about ? Why does Brian and his family need to keep it quiet ? The desevere answer that no one has given. GUESS WHAT! NO ONE CAN TELL THEM TO BE QUIET ABOUT IT .IT'S COULD FREEDOM OF SPEECH and you dont have that right to say that. God will take punishment on they people he thinks desevere it and I wish Jeff and his family a happy new beginning and what they did was not right to this family.
I can say with 100% accuracy that the Greenways had absolutely no intention, or plans, or predetermininant purpose of leaving either Wilmore or Asbury this year or any time in the future. This entire abomination came as a total, and complete, and mind numbingly stunning occurrence to Dr Greenway and his family.
I place my hand on the bible and swear that this is the truth.
You may want to note that there are two bishops on the BOT and they are the ones who got this job for Jeff.... you should look at Jeff Greenway's letter that was posted a few weeks ago!
James H. says, "I am afraid I am confused. Following Christ's teachings will always lead to a happier life than not following them."
"Do you disagree?"
Yes I disagree... I do not think that Following Christ's teachings will always lead to a happier life... Happiness is not the goal of the Christian life...and I think there are a good deal of Christians who have not recieved happiness as a result of following Christ's teachings...indeed, it may have caused them discomfort and inconveneience... That doesn't make it less necessary or right to follow Christ's teachings though... I don't think we can promise happiness to those who would follow Christ... there may be a cross and suffering involved though...
A
First, I'd like to thank everyone who has prayerfully, openly, fearlessly,financially and passionately supported my family in this time. I know that you have taken heat for it. For that I am sorry, no one should have to go through any like this. Thank you for all that you have done- You do not know what a witness each of you have been to me. This chaos is not the way any freshman in college wants to start her first semester, but you all have made it less difficult.
Next, I need to express some confusion. Why are so many people who aren't involved in any way, shape or form, giving input or criticism to either side of this situation? I am guilty of "yelling" or writing in "CAPS" over lesser issues than this- injustice is something to stand against. There is no man in the world that I am more Proud of than my father. He has taken a higher road than anyone I know. Some people lack a respect for their own family, or family name, Greenways do not fall into that category.
I am proud of and stand by family. That being said, their defense greatly appreciated. For those who don't feel my grandfather was justified in what he did, it doesn't really effect you- making your opinion irrelevant. The truth hurts, which contributes to why it hasn't really been told. I will tell you, the truth about my family does not hurt my family, or my father's reputation at all.
Now I ask that all of those who are not involved or effected by this to stop. Stop trying to rip open wounds that are just starting to heal, stop looking for a fight, stop acting as though you KNOW what is/has gone on. Just please stop. It is sad to me to realize that the people on these blogs are older, "wiser" "Christians", whose goal is to argue with those they are called to love.
My family is trying to move on. My brothers and I have finals next week and my parents are starting at a new appointment. (For questions about the appointment process, my answer is that GOD saw this coming, and opened this amazing church. -Our God is Faithful to those who Serve him. -Guess Dad did the right thing.)
These blogs are getting old, anger is being encouraged, and the amount of antagonism in most of the messages is ridiculous. I would venture to say the time spent arguing on these sites, should have been spent in scripture and prayer. It is evident that those fundamental components of living a Christian life have been lost in serving these blog sites.
My family chose to DEFEND one of our own, whom we are very proud of. If you wouldn't do that for your family, you all don't know what family is-which is sad- because my family has never been more important to me.
I have posted very little about this topic, because frankly I don't know anything about any of the people involved, don't particularly see Asbury in a positive light generally, and can't figure out what's going on here.
Greenway's family seems to have generated a fair amount of heat on this issue, but little light. I've read a dozen posts on this subject, but still don't know even the most basic facts about the situation.
For example, what was the conflict between Greenway and the Trustees? Was it just a power play, as I suspect, or is there some meat somewhere? Everyone says that Greenway did nothing wrong, and yet he was thrown out. Why?
Is there a theological dispute here? If so, what is it? The Methodista powers that be obviously don't think there's much of an issue, or they wouldn't have put him in as pastor of a big time church in the middle of Methodist Country in Ohio.
What were those thousands of documents that were mentioned so prominently at the time of his firing? Why was it so important for lawyers to examine them before he left?
In short, what's the real story here? Cause I for one sure can't get it from the copious weeping and gnashing of teeth on this board.
very well said Caleb--very well said. All these post have left me in a state of confusion as well, which hasn't seemed to hard a task to do lately--you don't have to say a word bro. John (grin).
Lisa, my confusion is rarely lifted, so I'm used to it.
But I do have to chuckle a bit at some of the posts here. We're discussing, after all, a theological seminary here, a graduate school for people interested in theology. I realize that this is a different institution from Asbury College, the undergraduate college, but I suspect that many people interested in one are interested in the other as well.
And in looking at these posts, I am amazed at how the level of grammar, spelling, and usage has dropped from the average set of posts on this blog. You would think people interested in a college and seminary, and particularly the family members of the former president of the latter would have studied the English language at some point. But perhaps they don't teach the English language at Asbury any more.
Apparently, my relatives have generated heat for this dispute, but not shown light. Why would my grandfather write to the EC and BOT with questions if he didn't want
the truth to be revealed? Thus, he wasn't afraid of exposing light. His approach was not to blog about this, but to confront the issue head on. His actions were not with petty blogs, but by "taking the bull by the horns".
I realize we each have the freedom of speech. However, freedom is not free; therefore, at what cost is putting your "two cents" in taking?
For those who are frustrated by confusion: I suggest research. Weblogs are primarily opinions, so you may want to avoid such places if you are indeed searching for facts. Ofcourse, temptation and the desire to see ourselves type can get the best of us. Show some will power and avoid evil, unlike certain members of the BOT.
Paige: My father (God rest his soul) was not an educated man, as your father-my dad got his ged in WW2 in the navy when he was 16. But my father was a very wise man. He always said that "the truth wins out in the end and the more you open your mouth the more foolish you will look. Let God take care of your reputation he will do a better job." Your brother Jeff-has taken care of your family's reputation by keeping his mouth shut, the Bot is looking more foolish everyday. Jeff has chosen God's path which did not include Asbury--God has a better purpose in life for him.
The rest of the family's insistence on vengeance is only going to hurt your brother in the long run. And although it may be difficult to turn your head and not look at whatever blog-post-or comment that may be expressed about your brother-the better off he would be. Sincerely Lisa
Good Lord! Jeff Greenway was the most unqualified individual for the presidency of Asbury Theological Seminary. Shame on the BOT for appointing him in the first place. And as a southerner, I'm admittedly unfamiliar with the clan-ish zeal the Greenway family has demonstrated . . . Could it be that dear daddy Jeff was simply in over his head?
A southerner? Unfamilar with clan-ish zeal?
Robert Penn Warren, Marjorie Kenon Rawlings, Carson McCullers, Flannery O'Connor, Truman Capote, James Lee Burke, William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, James Agee, Shelby Foote, L'Abner cartoon strips, The Hatfields and the McCoys, the Harlan county miners wars, Kentucky state government. One must only read and simply open ones eyes to question this comment.
Getting beyond this leaves me speechless.
I simply can't.
Could it be that DG doesn't know what he is talking about? Could it be that DG won't read the material that says that the faculty gave Greenway a 80% vote of FULL confidence? Could it be that over 300 people signed an online petition and many other paper petitions were sent to the board? Could it be that Greenway was too good for the seminary?
OR.... Could it be that DG has intentionally only looked at evidence that supports his cruel beliefs? Could it be that is the reason that "DG" only goes by DG and won't post his full name?
Interesting fact: The application for the Presidency was send to Dr. Greenway twice. They sought him out. If he was so "over his head" then why was ranked in the top ten of Christian School Presidents only his second year in? How did he actually make the seminary operate in the Black for the first time in ten years?
It's quite possible that the very reason he was dismissed was indeed his northern approach to things. Serve God, stand on the truth, live by the faith, and obey the rules. It is amazing to see how the BOT, being primarily southern, is against those crucial ideals.
Why is it necessary to lie about Dr. Greenway?
Folks,
I have read a majority of this informantion. I have one quesiton, can someone explain to me how the conduct on this page which is "the bible belt blogger" reflects a Christ like attitude? does this conduct show us as loving, compassionate people, or argumentative and irrational? Most of the people on this site have at one point or another made claim to Jesus Christ, God, or some name that refers to them.... let me go back to a teaching og Jesus now. If a person has a problem with another, they are to go to that brother first, alone. why do you ask? you go alone because the fewer people involved in the conflict the better, there is less damage that way. the Jesus says, "If your brother does not conceed or an agreement is not reached, take one or two with you and meet with the other again." again this keeps the conflict into a more confined area to minimize the damage. thirdly Jesus says, "if then, he is still unwilling to heed correction, bring the issue to the whole community. if the person is not then willing to conceed or change, through him out of the community". This third option is mentioned third becuase it causes the most damage. everyone gets dirty.
I have noticed that on this page, everyone airs their thoughts and comments for all to see... which pat of Christ's teaching does that look like? I state that it looks a lot like the thid... all of you want to have your opinion heard, and I don't blame you, but i ask is bloggin about the topic of the termination of a man's employment really something that we as brothers and sisters in Christ ought to really be wasting our time on? it is over. there is nothing with in our power, or conversation on this web blog that will be fruitful. if anything this just gives more feul to an already violent Christian civil war. do you think that if a person who didn't beleive in Jesus Christ as savior read this page they would be convinced that they need him in their life? i say not, the venom on this pages areguments would be enough to turn any seeker off.
Brothers and sisters, we are called to be better than this gossip. Whether you put out facts, or not, there is nothing more we can do but cause damage. The whole situation is in the hands of the accrediting agencies.
Our job now, is to pray for them, that they would be open and seeking of the Truth and not a personal agenda.
The book od James states that the tongue is a double edge sword; with it, we curse our brothers and bless our saints. On this site, there has been a great deal more cursing than blessing. it also says that we are to tame our tongue. Paul writes in several of his letters that we are to obstain from quarrelsome talk. If this is not enough to make you change your mind, Jesus calls us to repent of our sin, gossip is a sin and this page is full of it. Borthers and sister,s we have managed to murder eachother with out words, now do you think it is possible for us to stop that, trun around, live in repentence and ask for forgiveness and give it. the old question from the 90's, What would Jesus do?
God has more instore for us than pointless arguing on a blog site. It is time for us to grow up, get out of sandbox 101 and begin to get along, for the worlds sake. We are teh salt of the earth, if we don't add a different flavor by our actions of love, joy and peace, why do we even exist? The Bride of Christ, (the church) exists to tell the good news through word and deed. as my mother always told me when i was younger Actions speaks louder than words. out words and actions on this page Are damming to our witness as Followers of Jesus Christ. We need to repent of our poisonous words.
breathofGod....
You need to look at the big picture. You say that we need to just let it go. Let me ask you... what good will come out of letting this go? How long do you think it will be before the seminary does this to its president? The Greenway impasse brought a lot of problems with the seminary to light. How wasteful would it be to let that light go away in vein? Greenway paved the way for the community to FIX the problems that were found. Step one to fixing it is ADMITTING THERE IS A PROBLEM. Blogs like this keep the issue alive and I would guess that they will keep it alive until the BOT admits that there is a problem and they are willing to fix it. All of this would go away if Jim Smith and the rest of the EC would stand up in chapel and say "we screwed up and we are very sorry and we are doing everything we can to learn from this troubled time." That is the one and only thing that everyone is looking for.
Do we now speak in tongues and bang on tambourines? I am unfamilar with the protocol.
Lexingtonian: If you are unfamiliar with the protocal Breath of God brought up, then you really ought to read your bible, or perhaps go to church??? It is biblical.
Breath of God is right. As much as I agree that the board has to admit guilt, the only way they'll do it is if enough pressure is put on them...call,e-mail,write. Do not snarl with each other, but confront those whom we have the problems with. My guess is that if you arent' comfortable enough to contact the board, you shouldn't be blogging about them.
Lexingtonian,
I don't think that is in the ethos!
Haha... thanks for the laugh none-the-less.
Northerner, who is to say that those posting on here have not contacted the board?
Excellent point. I must admit I had hardly considered that other people would actually take a stand rather than just rant.
Please, tell me three unique things Greenway accomplished during his tenure in Wilmore.
Greenway was twice offered the "application" for the presidency because the BOT were simply afraid to enter a new academic year without a new president.
Jimbo
Jimbo, In your defense of the BOT you make them appear like a group of desperate simpletons...frantic, scared, and inept. I know this was not your intention, but your own words speak volumes.
President Greenway's well documented record of excellence speaks for itself.
I know I'm entering this conversation late...but someone once said that if there are any overt incongruencies (did I spell that right?) in life, or people taking bold stands on any issues..."Follow the Money." I may be totally wrong here, but I find it very interesting that some 12 million dollars was given to the seminary so close to the resignation of Jeff Greenway. That's all I'm going to post. I just find it curious...
Hmmmmm...very interesting indeed.
Well I am a student at Asbury and had a chance to meet Dr. Greenway last summer and found him to be a very nice person. On the other hand, Dr. Kalas strikes me as one that is more "business-like" in his character. Personally, I feel that perhaps Dr. Greenway has a pastor's heart and our Dr. Kalas has the personality necessary for a seminary president. As a reminder, God grants different gifts and graces. A pastor is certainly not a CEO (though it is often expected) or vice-versa. Personally, I am pleased with the outcome and perhaps things turned out for the best and am confident that the seminary is in excellent hands with Dr. Kalas.
Judgmental comments by Dr. Greenways's family help no one. The Board of ATS does NOT have to answer to each of them...only to Dr. Greenway. Ironically, it appears that his family wants a higher degree of accountability from ATS than the Board was able to acquire from Dr. Greenway himself, and he was under their employ!
The family would be best served to keep silent except in their private affirmation of Dr. Greenway. They, along with everyone, need to show grace, show forgiveness, and move on.