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FROM THE SEMINARIES: SBTS celebrates life of Gregory Brewton; Dustin Benge named SBTS VP of communications


SBTS celebrates life and ministry of beloved professor

By Travis Hearne/SBTS

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) – Colleagues, family, and friends remembered Gregory B. Brewton as a humble, godly professor and faithful minister in the local church Saturday afternoon at a memorial service in Alumni Memorial Chapel on the campus of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Brewton, who had served as the Carolyn King Ragan Professor of Church Music and Worship since 2002, died early Sept. 27 at age 65. He was the head of the Department of Biblical Worship at SBTS and a devoted member of Ninth & O Baptist Church.

SBTS President, R. Albert Mohler Jr. reflected on the impact of Brewton as an academic, churchman and ardent disciple of Christ.

“His skill in the classroom, his skill as a mentor and as an instructor, was all based on the fact that he was first and foremost called to Christ as a believer and then called as a minister of Christ’s church,” Mohler said.

Mohler spoke of Brewton as teacher, colleague and friend. Mohler also pointed to Brewton’s Christian character, demonstrated in his willingness to serve. Mohler described Brewton’s servant heart as indicated “smile first,” explaining that Professor Brewton would smile even before he knew what he was being asked to do for students.

Mohler also underlined the powerful influence of a Christian teacher, reflected in the promise that untold numbers of Christians, including some not yet born, will be blessed through the ministries of those taught. “He teaches on through his many students, now in ministry to the glory of Christ,” Mohler said.

Family members mourned his passing but touted the great hope Brewton had in his Savior – a hope all believers share.

“It’s a difficult time for us,” said Brewton’s son, Justin. “But we’re encouraged by the hope we have in Christ. And that’s what we are here to do today – to worship the Lord.”

Doxology, a vocal ensemble Brewton directed, led hymn singing. Family members also expressed their gratitude for Brewton’s life of faithfulness. In addition to teaching at Southern, Brewton labored faithfully in music ministry for more than 40 years, having also served local churches in Georgia, Florida and Kentucky.

“Greg lived a life of unconditional love,” said his brother Eric. “He loved music because it brought glory and honor to God. Right now, my brother is sitting with Jesus and it’s the greatest day of his life.”

Read the full story here.


Benge named SBTS VP of communications and associate professor

By Jeff Robinson/SBTS

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) – Dustin Benge has been appointed vice president of communications at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, SBTS President Albert Mohler announced Monday (Oct. 4).

Benge, a two-time graduate of SBTS and a former staff member at the seminary, will begin in his role Dec. 6. He was also appointed to the faculty as associate professor of biblical spirituality and historical theology.

“I have known Dustin Benge for years,” Mohler said. “He combines so many gifts and strengths, and he is exactly who we need to lead our communications program and to teach in our biblical spirituality program.”

“Dustin’s deep convictions, giftedness in communications, energy in the classroom, come together in a wonderful way. He is a true scholar-administrator, and we eagerly look forward to having Dustin and Molli back on the campus.”

Presently, Benge and his wife Molli live in Bridgend, Wales, in the United Kingdom, where he serves as provost and professor at Union School of Theology, a position he has held since 2020. Benge received an M.Div. from SBTS in 2011 and a Ph.D. in biblical spirituality from SBTS in 2018. From 2018 to 2020, he was creative director at the seminary. He has served for many years as a lecturer and senior fellow for the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies.

“Benge will be a valuable addition to the faculty,” said SBTS Provost Matthew Hall.

“Dr. Dustin Benge is a familiar and trusted leader on this campus and far beyond,” Hall said. “But he is also known as a faithful theologian, a gifted scholar and a proven churchman. I am delighted by his appointment to the faculty.”

A Kentucky native, Benge said coming back to SBTS is “a return home.”

“I am deeply grateful for Dr. Mohler’s kind invitation to return to Southern Seminary,” Benge said.

“Having completed my theological training at Southern, I continually draw from the investment made within my life and ministry by the faculty, staff, and administration. I’m humbled to now serve alongside the same godly men and women in training the next generation of Gospel soldiers. My wife, Molli, and I greatly anticipate returning home to give and be given in the work of our Lord.”

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