It’s Elementary - An Asbury Theological Seminary Podcast
This is a weekly podcast that explores theological curiosity, featuring conversations with interesting people and discussions on topics connected to Asbury Theological Seminary. Hosted by Dr. David F. Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone, each episode aims to engage listeners in thoughtful exploration of faith and seminary-related subjects.
Episodes
Peacemakers in a Divided World | Andrew Hanauer | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 48
Can Christians disagree about politics without becoming divided? And what does faithful peacemaking look like in an age of polarization, outrage, and tribalism?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson welcomes Andrew Hanauer, founder and CEO of the One America Movement, for a thoughtful conversation about faith, political polarization, and the calling of Christians to be peacemakers.
Growing Fruit on Other People’s Trees | Rev. Dr. Jorge Acevedo | It’s Elementary Podcast Ep. 47
What does faithful ministry look like over a lifetime? And how does God use our brokenness, struggles, and relationships to shape us into the people He calls us to be?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcomes pastor, coach, author, and longtime ministry leader Jorge Acevedo for a deeply personal conversation about calling, recovery, discipleship, leadership, and the power o
Sharing Christ in Cuba | Adria Nuñez Ortiz | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 46
What does revival look like in the middle of poverty, scarcity, and spiritual darkness? And what can the global Church learn from Christians who depend on the Holy Spirit every day?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Adria Nuñez Ortiz, pastor of the Spirit and Truth Church (Iglesia Espíritu y Verdad) in Havana, Cuba. Alongside her husband, Bishop G
The Beauty of Holiness: GMC General Conference | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 45
What happened at the 2026 General Conference of the Global Methodist Church? And what does it reveal about the future of Methodism around the world?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone reflect on their experience at the Global Methodist Church (GMC) General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. Just days after returning home, they share personal insight
Love Divine: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology | Drs. McCall & Vickers | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 44
What makes theology distinctly Wesleyan? And why does every generation need to wrestle anew with the great doctrines of the Christian faith?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Tom McCall of Asbury Theological Seminary and Dr. Jason Vickers of Baylor University's Truett Seminary to discuss their landmark new book, Love Divine: A Wesleyan Systema
A Generation Set Apart | Jeannie Banter | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 43
What happens when a generation becomes hungry for God? And what can the Church learn from young people who are eager to live boldly for Christ?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcomes Jeannie Banter, Associate Dean of Student Spiritual Life and University Chaplain at Asbury University, for a powerful conversation about discipleship, spiritual formation, revival, and the ne
Church Planting and the Multiethnic Community | Brian Taylor | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 42
What does it really take to plant a church from the ground up? And how can the church become a genuine reflection of God's kingdom across cultures, generations, and backgrounds?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcomes Rev. Dr. Brian Taylor, pastor of Every Nation Cincinnati Church, a church planter, an Asbury Seminary alumnus, and a leader within the global Every Nation mo
Teaching the Faith as an Act of Love | Dr. Tesia Mallory | It’s Elementary Podcast Ep. 41
Why is it so important to teach the Christian faith to the next generation? And what happens when the Church stops doing it?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Tesia Mallory explore the importance of passing on the faith through Scripture, doctrine, worship, discipleship, and theological education.
Reflecting on recent experiences teaching Methodist doctrine, they discuss
Christian Counseling & Mental Wellness | Dr. Janet Dean | It’s Elementary Podcast Ep. 40
What happens when psychology, theology, and the transforming love of Christ come together?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Janet Dean, Professor of Pastoral Counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary and ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, for a powerful conversation about grace, trauma, sanctification, identity, and healing.
Dr.
Spiritual Gifts and the Wesleyan Witness | It's Elementary Ep. 39
What does the Bible actually teach about spiritual gifts? And how do we hold together the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit in the Christian life?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone continue their exploration of spiritual gifts from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective. Drawing from Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12–14, and John Wesley’s own writings,
Apostolic Spiritual Gifts and the Early Church | It's Elementary Ep. 38
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and how should Christians understand them today?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone and Dr. David Watson explore one of the most fascinating and frequently debated topics in the New Testament: the spiritual gifts. Drawing from Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12–14, they discuss how God equips believers for ministry and the building up of the
Awakening Hope in the Next Generation | Dr. David Thomas | It’s Elementary Podcast Ep. 37
What if the Church's greatest need is not better strategies, resources, or programs, but a fresh move of God?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome David Thomas, leader with Seedbed Publishing and New Room Conference, board member of Alpha International, and a leader in The Awakening Project, for a powerful conversation on revival, awakening, prayer,
Christian Mission in the Muslim World | Dr. Wes Watkins | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 36
What does it mean to share the gospel in a Muslim context? And what can the global Church learn from Christians living and serving in the Middle East?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson sits down with Dr. Wes Watkins, missiologist with One Collective, faculty member at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, and longtime practitioner of ministry in the Middle East, for a tho
Moscow Physicist to Patristic Scholar | Dr. Paul Gavrilyuk | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 35
What happens when a future physicist in the Soviet Union secretly reads the Bible and discovers a calling to theology instead?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Paul Gavrilyuk, Aquinas Chair in Theology and Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas, noted Orthodox theologian, scholar of the early Church, and founder of Rebuild Ukraine, for a
Pentecostals Are Wesleyan | Dr. Dale Coulter | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 34
Are Pentecostals actually Wesleyans? And what does the global Pentecostal movement have to do with John Wesley, holiness, and the work of the Holy Spirit?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Dale Coulter, Professor of Historical Theology at Pentecostal Theological Seminary and ordained minister in the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), for a
Women, Ministry and the Bible | Dr. Suzanne Nicholson | It’s Elementary Podcast Ep. 33
What does the Bible really say about women in leadership, and why is this conversation still shaping the Church today?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Suzanne Nicholson (Asbury University professor, ordained minister, and member of the Firebrand Magazine editorial board) for a thoughtful and deeply biblical conversation on women in ministry
What Makes a Good Sermon? | Dr. Jessica LaGrone | It's Elementary Podcast IE 32
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson sits down with Dr. Jessica LaGrone, a beloved and widely respected preacher, teacher, and leader at Asbury Theological Seminary, for an in-depth conversation on the art, theology, and practice of preaching.
Drawing from years of experience in the pulpit and the classroom, Dr. LaGrone offers insight into what makes preaching not just effective bu
Leadership for a New Generation | Dr. David Gyertson | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 31
What sustains leaders through the hardest seasons—and why do so many fail to finish well?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone are joined by Dr. David Gyertson (Affiliate Professor of Leadership Formation and Renewal and Distinguished Leader in Residence at Asbury Theological Seminary) for a deeply personal and practical conversation on calling, leadership,
Faith and Fire with Watson & Watson | Dr. Kevin Watson | It's Elementary Ep. 30
What does it mean to be truly Methodist—and why does it matter today?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone sit down with Dr. Kevin Watson (Associate Professor at Asbury Theological Seminary and Senior Director of Christian Formation at Asbury Church, Tulsa) for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on Methodism, revival, and the future of the Church.
This e
Stewarding the Flames of Revival | Robin Lim | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 29
How can faith move beyond the church into the marketplace, and what happens when revival touches everyday life?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone sits down with Robin Lim (an Asbury Theological Seminary alumnus and professor at Asbury University) to explore calling, revival, and what it means to live an integrated life of faith.
This conversation dives deep into:
-Moving from
Worship, Community and the Triune God | Rev. Dr. Alan Torrance | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 28
What is Christian theology really about—and how do we actually know God?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson sits down with Rev. Dr. Alan Torrance (Professor Emeritus, University of St. Andrews) to explore some of the most important questions in Christian theology, faith, and knowledge of God.
This conversation dives deep into:
-The Trinity and Christian life
-How we come to belie
Investigating Truth for the Church | Daniel Silliman | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 27
Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone are joined by Daniel Silliman, senior reporter and editor for The Roys Report and former senior news editor at Christianity Today, for a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation on journalism, truth-telling, and the life of the Church.
Silliman shares his fascinating background from growing up in the Jesus People movement to becoming a crime reporter and ev
The Way of the Kingdom | Dr. Kim Maas | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 26
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Kim Maas, preacher, prophetic leader, and founder of Kim Maas Ministries, for a rich and candid conversation on the Holy Spirit, theological formation, and discernment in today’s charismatic and Pentecostal movements.
Dr. Maas shares her powerful testimony from a dramatic encounter with God that transformed he
Burning With The Holy Fire | Rev. Matt Reynolds | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 25
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone are joined by Rev. Matt Reynolds, President of Spirit and Truth Ministries and alumnus of Asbury Theological Seminary, for a candid and compelling conversation about renewal, evangelism, and the cost of real obedience to Jesus.
Rev. Reynolds shares his personal journey from local church pastor to renewal leader, reflectin
Women Witness in Christ | Dr. Lynn Cohick | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 24
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Lynn Cohick, Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Director of Houston Theological Seminary at Houston Christian University, for a wide‑ranging conversation on Scripture, scholarship, women in the church, and the global body of Christ.
Dr. Cohick shares her faith journey and scholarly path, shaped both
The Gift of Higher Education | Dr. David Hoag | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 23
What is the purpose of Christian higher education—and why does it still matter today?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone are joined by Dr. David Hoag, President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), for a rich conversation on the calling, challenges, and enduring gift of Christian higher education.
Dr. Hoag reflects on how colleg
Global Anglicanism | Archbishop Foley Beach | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 22
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Archbishop Foley Beach, former Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America and current Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the South, for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, leadership, renewal, and the global Church.
Archbishop Beach shares his personal journey of faith—from a turbulent childhood and a lif
Asbury to Asbury | Dr. Kevin Brown | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 21
In this episode, Dr. David Watson is joined by Dr. Kevin Brown, President of Asbury University, for a wide-ranging conversation about Christian leadership, higher education, and spiritual formation in an age of rapid cultural change. Drawing on his journey from banking to Christian higher education, Dr. Brown reflects on leading through unprecedented moments—from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Asbur
Discipleship in the Fast Lane | Dr. Ellen Marmon | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 20
Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone are joined by Dr. Ellen Marmon, Professor of Discipleship at Asbury Theological Seminary, to explore what faithful discipleship looks like across a lifetime. Drawing from her decades of ministry in the local church, classroom, and global settings, Dr. Marmon reflects on her own Emmaus Road faith journey, one marked by faithful relationships, gentle formatio
It’s Elementary - Episode 19 - “Theological Musings from the Road”
In this episode, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone step back from interviews to share insights gathered from months of travel across the country. From seminary conferences and campus ministry visits to worship gatherings and leadership meetings, they explore how theology is lived, questioned, and rediscovered in real places by real people.
As they recount conversations with students, pastor
It's Elementary - Episode 18 - “Participating in the Divine Nature”
It’s Elementary hosts Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone, who welcome Rev. Dr. Bernie Van De Walle, District Superintendent of the Canadian Midwest District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Dr. Van De Walle reflects on his spiritual journey, the history and theology of the Alliance, and the profound Christian claim that believers are called to participate in the divine nature.
The
It's Elementary - Episode 17 - "The Art and Science of Christian Persuasion" with Dr. Laurynas Jacevičius
In this fascinating episode, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Laurynas Jacevičius, Asbury Seminary Visiting Scholar from Lithuania, for a rich and wide-ranging conversation about apologetics, belief formation, and the unique challenges of sharing the gospel in a secular culture. Dr. Jacevičius shares how missionaries, Scripture, and persistent discipleship led him to faith at a
It's Elementary - Episode 16 - "It Matters How We Worship" with Rev. Dr. Tesia Mallory
In this episode, Dr. Tesia Mallory, Dean of Chapel at Asbury Theological Seminary, shares how her call to ministry dates back to her baptism. She and Dr. Watson explore how worship forms Christian identity, why Word and Table belong at the center of congregational life, and how Wesleyans understand the Eucharist as a holy mystery that resists both memorialism and overly mechanical explanations.
Dr
It's Elementary - Episode 15 - "Connected in Christ" with Bishop John Mark Richardson
Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Bishop John Mark Richardson, jurisdictional bishop in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and Executive Director of the Wesleyan Holiness Connection. Bishop Richardson shares his remarkable story from a multi-generational ministry family to his early career in law enforcement, and ultimately to his leadership role shepherding churches on the West Co
It’s Elementary - Episode 14 - “Christian Mentoring”
Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone explore the deeply biblical and deeply human practice of mentoring, guiding, and walking alongside others in the journey of faith. Together they discuss how mentoring forms both the mentor and the mentee, why younger Christians today are longing for intergenerational wisdom, and how the church can reclaim a healthier vision of discipleship rooted in communi
It’s Elementary - Episode 13 - “Dr. Watson Goes to Washington”
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson checks in from Washington, D.C., fresh from attending the National Prayer Breakfast, sparking a rich conversation with Dr. Jessica LaGrone about what it means to live out Christian faith in public today.
Together they explore the tension between the desire for national unity and the deep ideological divides within American culture, and why the c
It's Elementary - Episode 12 - "How Beauty Will Save the World" with Dr. Winfield Bevins
In this inspiring episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome artist, author, and Asbury Seminary’s Artist in Residence, Dr. Winfield Bevins, to explore themes from his newest book, How Beauty Will Save the World: Recovering the Power of the Arts for the Christian Life.
Dr. Bevins shares candid stories of how beauty has shaped—and even saved—his own life, from an a
It’s Elementary - Episode 11 - “What is Wesleyan Theology” with Dr. Ken Collins
In this theologically rich episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Ken Collins, Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, explore themes from Dr. Collins’ new book, Generous Divine Love: The Grace and Power of Methodist Theology. Dr. Collins shares his faith journey from upbringing to discovering Wesleyan theology through a retired Free Method
It's Elementary - Episode 10 - “Ministry of Healing” with Dr. Steve Seamands
Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone sit down with Dr. Steve Seamands, Professor Emeritus of Christian Doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary and one of the most beloved voices in the Wesleyan world. Drawing from 35 years of teaching, ministry, and personal experience, Dr. Seamands reflects on the changing needs of the church, the essential role of mystery in Christian theology, and the ongoi
It’s Elementary - Episode 9 - “How an Independent Methodist Church Faces Cultural Challenges” with Rev. Arthur Jones
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson talks with Arthur Jones, senior pastor of St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, about life and ministry in an independent Methodist context. Arthur shares his journey from denominational to local church leadership, the challenges and opportunities of being independent yet connectional, and why catechesis is key to sustaining Wesleyan theo
It’s Elementary - Episode 8 - “Love Goes First” with Rev. Andrew Forrest
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Rev. Andrew Forrest—author and senior pastor of Asbury Church in Tulsa—for a thought-provoking conversation on evangelism in a post-Christian culture. Andrew shares insights from his new book Love Goes First, exploring why accommodation, judgment, and withdrawal fail—and how moving first in love opens doors for th
It’s Elementary - Episode 7 - “Telling the Story Well” with Dr. Nicole Massie Martin
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Nicole Massie Martin—author, speaker, and Chief Executive Officer at Christianity Today—for a powerful conversation about leadership, surrender, and the presence of God in ministry. Nicole shares her journey from Baltimore to global Christian leadership, her calling story, and why authentic encounters with God
It's Elementary - Episode 6 - "Adventures in Anglicanism" with Rev. Anne Kennedy
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Rev. Anne Kennedy—writer and Anglican priest—for a compelling conversation about faith, writing, and the future of Anglicanism. Together, they explore Anne’s journey from missionary roots to shaping global Anglican conversations, her role in drafting the Kigali Statement, and the challenges facing the church today
It's Elementary - Episode 5 - "Bible Nerds" with Dr. David F. Watson and Dr. Bill Arnold
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson welcomes Dr. Bill Arnold, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary, for a deep and engaging conversation about the enduring significance of the Old Testament. Together, they explore the relationship between the Old and New Testaments and the theological foundations that shape our understanding of God.
It's Elementary - Episode 4 - "Triumphant Death" with Dr. Jessica LaGrone and Dr. Christine Johnson
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcomes Dr. Christine Johnson, Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. Together they explore John Wesley’s profound theology of death and what it means to “die well” in a culture that often avoids the topic. From Wesley’s own struggles with the fear of death to the early Methodists’ rep
It's Elementary - Episode 3 - "Holiness is Not the Opposite of Fun" with Dr. Jessica LaGrone and Dr. Chris Bounds
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcomes Dr. Chris Bounds, Professor of Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary, for a rich conversation on one of the most defining themes of the Wesleyan tradition: holiness. Together, they explore why holiness matters, how it is inseparable from love, and what it means to flourish in relationship with God and others. From unpacking the nat
It's Elementary - Episode 2 - "What the Church is Supposed to Be" with Dr. David Watson, Dr. Jessica LaGrone and Rev. Andrew Thompson
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Rev. Andrew Thompson, Lead Pastor at First Methodist Tulsa. Together they explore Andrew’s remarkable journey through 25 years of ministry, his passion for global missions, and his deep commitment to intergenerational discipleship. From learning Spanish to preaching in Latin America, to mentoring younger pastors a
It's Elementary - Episode 1 - "Howdy From Your Hosts!"
Kick off Asbury Theological Seminary's It’s Elementary with a warm welcome from your hosts, Dr. David F. Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone! In this introductory episode, they share the heart behind the podcast, what you can expect in future conversations, and why we’re excited to journey with you.
For more information about Asbury Theological Seminary, please visit: asburyseminary.edu
