It’s Elementary - An Asbury Theological Seminary Podcast

Asbury Theological Seminary
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A weekly podcast about exploring theological curiosity, where we talk to interesting people and explore topics that come through Asbury Theological Seminary. Hosted by Dr. David F. Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone.

  1. 2D AGO

    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 community. Drawing on their own experiences, they offer practical, encouraging insights for anyone seeking to invest in others or to receive guidance themselves. Asbury Theological Seminary Links: Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material presented here is for general information purposes only. #AsburySeminary #Mentoring #Faith #WesleyanDiscipleship #SpiritualFormation

    41 min

  2. FEB 10

    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 church’s public witness so often struggles to rise above the noise. Their conversation moves from the Prayer Breakfast to the broader state of Christianity in the public square, asking what it means for Wesleyans to reclaim a faithful, distinct, and compelling voice. Mentions National Prayer Breakfast - https://npbfoundation.com/ Asbury Theological Seminary Links:  Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material presented here is for general information purposes only.

    45 min

  3. FEB 3

    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 art teacher who helped pull him out of a dark teenage season to a transformative encounter with music that rekindled his faith after burnout. Join this conversation on why beauty is not merely decoration but a profound doorway to encounter God in a fragmented age.   Mentions Books How Beauty Will Save the World: Recovering the Power of the Arts for the Christian Life by Dr. Winfield Bevins - https://www.creoarts.org/beauty Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer Other Creo Arts – https://www.creoarts.org Dr. Bevins’ Personal Website – https://www.winfieldbevins.com   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material presented here is for general information purposes only.

    50 min

  4. JAN 27

    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 Methodist minister, a turning point shaped by reading John Wesley’s 52 Standard Sermons. Together they discuss the heart of Wesleyan theology: God’s generous and transformative love, the optimism of grace, the relational nature of the Triune God, and the breadth and sufficiency of grace for every human need. Mentions Books by Dr. Ken Collins Generous Divine Love: The Grace and Power of Methodist Theology Jesus the Stranger: A Daily Lenten Reader A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley The Sermons of John Wesley. A Collection for the Christian Journey. Edited by Prof. Kenneth J. Collins and Dr. Jason E. Vickers. Other Books John Wesley’s 52 Standard Sermons Søren Kierkegaard, Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing Randy Maddox, Responsible Grace Albert C. Outler, The Works of John Wesley (Four Volumes) Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

    53 min

  5. JAN 20

    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 ongoing ministry of Christ through healing and deliverance. He shares candidly about his own journey into healing ministry, the pain and restoration that shaped his calling, and the deep work of God that often takes place in seminary communities—where future ministers not only learn doctrine but are themselves mended and transformed. Books Mentioned Wounds That Heal – Steve Seamands Follow the Healer – Steve Seamands Deliverance from Evil Spirits – Francis MacNutt The Next Christendom – Philip Jenkins Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

    53 min

  6. JAN 13

    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 theology for future generations. They also discuss mental health ministry, the role of networks, the future of denominationalism, and how churches can respond to cultural shifts, including the rise of AI and the need for authentic community. Guest Arthur Jones – Senior Pastor, St. Andrew Methodist Church, Plano, TX Hosted by Dr. David F. Watson – President, Asbury Theological Seminary Mentions Books Key United Methodist Beliefs by William J. Abraham and David F. Watson (soon republished as Key Christian Beliefs) Articles / Podcasts “Surprising Rebirth: A Belief in God” podcast by Justin Brierley Organizations / Programs St. Andrew Methodist Church, Plano, TX - https://standrewmethodist.org/ Invite Resources - https://www.inviteministries.org Beacon of Light - https://standrewmethodist.org/resources/beacon-of-light/ Hope Squad - https://www.hopesquad.com Asbury Seminary Asbury Theological Seminary – https://asbury.to Asbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – https://asbury.to/podcasts Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the official position of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

    51 min

  7. JAN 6

    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 the gospel. Together, they discuss cultural shifts, the “negative world,” and practical steps for Christians to live incarnationally and courageously in today’s polarized society. Guests Rev. Andrew Forrest – Senior Pastor, Asbury Church (Tulsa, OK), Author of Love Goes First Hosted by Dr. David F. Watson – President, Asbury Theological Seminary Dr. Jessica LaGrone – Executive Director, Beeson International Center for Biblical Preaching and Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary Resources & Mentions Love Goes First by Andrew Forrest – Available on Amazon Asbury Church – https://asburytulsa.org Asbury Theological Seminary – https://asbury.to Asbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – https://asbury.to/podcasts Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

    54 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    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 matter more than ever. Together, they explore themes from her book Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender, the dangers of perfectionism, and practical wisdom for leaders navigating new paths in a changing world. Guests Dr. Nicole Massie Martin – Author of Nailing It, CEO at Christianity Today, Founder of Soulfire Ministries Hosted by Dr. Jessica LaGrone – Executive Director, Beeson International Center for Biblical Preaching and Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary Resources & Mentions Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender – Available on Amazon Soulfire Ministries – https://www.sfiministries.org Christianity Today – https://www.christianitytoday.com Asbury Theological Seminary – https://asbury.to Asbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – https://asbury.to/podcasts Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

    50 min
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

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A weekly podcast about exploring theological curiosity, where we talk to interesting people and explore topics that come through Asbury Theological Seminary. Hosted by Dr. David F. Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone.

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