The Southern Seminary community mourns the loss of Professor Gregory B. Brewton, who died early Monday morning after a sudden medical crisis.
Brewton had been Carolyn King Ragan Professor of Church and Worship Music since 2002 and headed the Department of Biblical Worship. He taught students at Boyce College and Southern Seminary for almost twenty years.
Southern Seminary President Albert Mohler said Brewton was “one of the most loyal, kind, committed and gifted teachers of his generation and he has trained hundreds of cult leaders and musicians in the service of the church”.
Mohler also reflected on Brewton’s arrival at Southern Seminary.
“We were looking for a talented musician and worship leader who shared our theological beliefs and would add strength to our church worship program. We found all of this and more at Greg Brewton. He was always ready to help and lead. He was loved far beyond Southern Seminary thanks to his direction of doxology.
Doxology is a vocal ensemble that sings often at church services and campus events, and is known through choral tours and recordings of beloved Christian hymns.
“Greg Brewton will be sorely missed,” said Mohler. “We are heartbroken at our loss, but for Greg, who loved Christ his Savior dearly, death is gain. We love the whole Brewton family and cry with them. Our love and prayers go out to Holly, his dear wife, as well as Justin and Allison and their families. To know Greg was to love him. His legacy at Southern Seminary is secure.
Brewton has worked faithfully in the music ministry for over 40 years, serving local churches in Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky. He is survived by his wife Holly and two grown children, Allison and Justin, as well as a grandchild. Brewton was an active member of the Ninth and O Baptist Church and wrote A Guide to the Worship Ministry (Wipf and Stock, 2018).
SBTS Provost Matthew Hall said the joy Brewton showed in his teaching and the love he had for students resonated clearly within the Southern Seminary community.
“Few professors have shown greater dedication to their students than Greg Brewton,” Hall said. “He held his students to the highest standards, expecting the best from them. But these standards were underpinned by the irrepressible joy he took in teaching and the constant love and care he showed for the lives of students and alumni. His ministry among us was one of God’s most gracious blessings.
Paul Akin, dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Ministry, said Brewton will be sadly missed by his colleagues, students and alumni.
“For nearly 20 years, Greg Brewton has been an anchor for training music and worship students at Boyce College and Southern Seminary,” said Akin. “As head of the department, he was a valued colleague and a committed teacher. He will be missed by all of us and his joyful presence among us. “
