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

    Adventures in Adaptive Christian Leadership | Dr. Tod Bolsinger | It’s Elementary Podcast Ep. 51

    Why is leading change so difficult? And what kind of leadership is needed when the challenges we're facing don't have clear solutions? In this episode of It's Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Tod Bolsinger, leadership expert, author, and Senior Congregational Strategist at Fuller Theological Seminary, for a timely conversation about adaptive leadership, resilience, and the future of church leadership. Drawing from years of pastoral ministry, denominational leadership, and organizational consulting, Dr. Bolsinger explains the difference between technical problems and adaptive challenges. While technical problems can be solved with expertise and established methods, adaptive challenges require leaders and communities to learn, change, and grow in entirely new ways. The conversation explores why churches and institutions often struggle with change, how leaders can navigate resistance, and why people tend to resist loss more than change itself. Along the way, Dr. Bolsinger shares insights from his books Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered Resilience, offering practical wisdom for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone navigating uncertainty. TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to Dr. Tod Bolsinger 1:30 Faith journey from Roman Catholicism to ministry leadership 4:00 Discovering adaptive leadership through pastoral challenges 5:30 Technical problems vs. adaptive challenges 11:00 The shift from Christendom to a post-Christian culture 12:00 How politics and media shape faith formation 14:00 Institutions, trust, and the modern church 16:00 Why people resist loss more than change 18:00 Lessons from Canoeing the Mountains 20:00 Forming congregations for change 22:00 Leadership, resistance, and disappointment 24:00 Why leaders face sabotage 25:00 The importance of tempered resilience 27:00 Community, mentorship, and spiritual formation 31:00 Advice for seminary students and future leaders 32:00 Discernment and lifelong discipleship 34:00 AI, disruption, and the future of leadership 34:40 What gives Dr. Bolsinger hope MENTIONS Canoeing the Mountains — Tod Bolsinger Tempered Resilience — Tod Bolsinger Failure of Nerve — Edwin Friedman Grit — Angela Duckworth ASBURY SEMINARY Podcast: https://asbury.to/podcast Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary   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.

  2. Oct 27

    Faith, Service, and Space | Chaplain (Col.) William Spencer | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 50

    What does a chaplain do in the newest branch of the U.S. military? And what happens when ministry, leadership, mental health, national service, and even space exploration intersect? In this episode of It's Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone and guest host Dr. Steve Bruns welcome Colonel William Spencer, Director of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Chaplains and Chief of Space Religious Affairs, for a fascinating conversation about military chaplaincy, the U.S. Space Force, and the spiritual care of those who serve. An Asbury Seminary graduate, Chaplain Spencer shares his unexpected journey from chemistry and biology student to Air Force chaplain, and ultimately to leadership roles shaping religious support for the Space Force. Along the way, he reflects on the professors, experiences, and calling that prepared him for nearly three decades of ministry in military settings.  The conversation explores how chaplains care for service members and families facing unique challenges, from deployments and isolation to grief, resilience, and ethical decision-making. Spencer also discusses his doctoral research on military suicide prevention, arguing that character formation and meaningful human connection remain essential ingredients for long-term well-being. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction and meeting Chaplain William Spencer 1:10 From pre-med student to military chaplain 7:20 What the Space Force is and why it was created 11:00 How Air Force chaplains serve the Space Force 13:00 Building chaplain support for a new military branch 16:30 Ministry and leadership inside the Pentagon 20:50 Caring for chaplains and supporting caregivers 23:00 Ministering in remote Space Force locations 26:10 Serving at Arlington National Cemetery 31:00 Military suicide prevention and character formation 36:50 Asbury Seminary's New Doctor of Ministry emphasis in military chaplaincy 39:50 Could chaplains serve in space one day? 43:40 Why people will always need chaplains ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary 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.

  3. Oct 20

    History is Not the Past | Dr. Steve Hoskins | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 49

    What can the history of the Church teach us about faithfulness today? And why do stories from the past still matter for the future of Christian ministry? In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Steve Hoskins, Professor of Religion at Trevecca Nazarene University and ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, for a lively and insightful conversation about church history, holiness, denominational identity, and the power of remembering God's work across generations.  Drawing from his experience as a historian, teacher, and lifelong Nazarene, Dr. Hoskins shares stories from his upbringing in South Carolina holiness camp meetings, explores the origins of the Church of the Nazarene, and reflects on the movement's passion for revival, evangelism, and holy living. The conversation also highlights why history is far more than nostalgia. Hoskins argues that church history serves as a roadmap to a better future, helping Christians remember what works, avoid repeating mistakes, and draw wisdom from those who have faithfully followed Christ before us.  Along the way, he shares remarkable stories of holiness leaders, camp meetings, denominational pioneers, and forgotten heroes, including Nazarene pastor Charles Johnson, who testified during the Mississippi Burning trial and stood courageously for justice during the Civil Rights era.  Filled with humor, wisdom, and memorable storytelling, this episode is a compelling reminder that the Church's history is not merely about the past. It is about understanding who we are, where we've come from, and how God continues to work through His people today. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to Dr. Steve Hoskins 1:00 Growing up Nazarene in South Carolina 3:00 Camp meetings, revival culture, and holiness preaching 6:20 What makes a Nazarene a Nazarene? 7:30 The origins of the Church of the Nazarene 10:30 Organizing for revival and evangelism 12:00 H. Orton Wiley and Nazarene theology 13:30 Becoming a historian 18:30 Why church history matters 20:00 Learning from the successes and failures of the past 22:30 The sons of Sceva and the importance of storytelling 25:30 History as a roadmap to a better future 27:30 Augustine, memory, and Christian tradition 29:20 Charles Johnson and the Civil Rights Movement 31:00 Race, holiness, and Christian witness 34:00 Testifying in the Mississippi Burning trial 35:40 The virtues of faithfulness and staying power 36:20 What gives hope for the future of the Church 37:00 Friendship, the Wesleyan tradition, and Christian unity 39:00 How history may judge our generation MENTIONS Called to the Fire — Chet Bush How the Irish Saved Civilization — Thomas Cahill Confessions — Augustine Wesleyan Theological Society - https://www.wtsociety.org/ ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary 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.

  4. Oct 13

    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. Drawing from his experience building relationships across political, religious, and cultural divides, Hanauer argues that America's growing polarization is not merely a political problem. It is a spiritual one. Andrew shares the personal story that led him to launch One America Movement, from growing up in a secular Jewish home and becoming a Christian in college to navigating profound political and cultural differences within his own extended family. These experiences shaped his conviction that faith communities have a unique role to play in healing division and fostering understanding. The conversation explores the difference between healthy disagreement and toxic polarization, the impact of social media on public discourse, and why outrage has become such a powerful force in American life. Hanauer explains how political tribalism can become a form of idolatry when politics replaces faith as the lens through which people understand the world. They also discuss the challenges pastors face in politically divided congregations and why churches should focus less on telling people what to think politically and more on helping believers think biblically about difficult issues. Along the way, they reflect on the role of humility, truth, and genuine relationships in creating healthier communities. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to Andrew Hanauer and the One America Movement 1:00 Why Andrew founded the One America Movement 2:20 Why division is a spiritual issue 2:50 Healthy disagreement versus toxic polarization 4:00 How team-based politics creates division 5:20 Social media, outrage, and attention economics 7:40 Why polarization is profitable 8:20 Faith traditions and peacemaking 10:30 Why relationships require honest disagreement 11:00 Lessons from Israel and Palestine dialogue 12:20 Growth of the One America Movement 14:40 Faith and the search for meaning in a secular age 15:30 The limits of the New Atheism 16:40 Politics as a substitute religion 17:20 The wrong filter for evaluating faith 18:10 What shapes and forms us 19:20 Supporting pastors during election seasons 20:40 Learning from other faith leaders 22:40 Leading politically diverse congregations 24:30 Teaching people how to think, not what to think 26:30 Responding to criticism of bridge-building work 28:00 Living out Christian convictions through relationships 29:10 What success looks like for the One America Movement 30:00 A vision for biblical peacemaking MENTIONS One America Movement - https://oneamericamovement.org/ Matthew 5:9 Network - https://matthew59.org/ ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary 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.

  5. Oct 6

    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 of authentic Christian community. Drawing from nearly four decades of pastoral ministry, Jorge shares his remarkable journey from a childhood marked by alcoholism and addiction to a life transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ. Jorge reflects on his conversion through Campus Crusade for Christ, his calling to ministry, and the profound role that Asbury College (now University) and Asbury Theological Seminary played in shaping his life and ministry. Along the way, he offers an honest account of his struggles with addiction, the healing he found through therapy and recovery, and the patience God's people showed him as he learned what it meant to follow Christ. The conversation also explores the importance of covenant friendships and spiritual accountability. Jorge tells the story of a band group that has met faithfully for more than three decades, supporting one another through ministry challenges, family crises, and life's greatest joys. He explains why authentic community is not optional for Christian leaders but essential for long-term faithfulness. Listeners will also hear about the growth of Grace Church in Cape Coral, Florida, the influence of recovery ministry on church culture, and why appropriate vulnerability can become a powerful tool for ministry and healing. Jorge shares wisdom for pastors, church leaders, and anyone seeking to live a life of deeper authenticity and discipleship. Today, after 39 years of pastoral ministry, Jorge is investing in the next generation through coaching, mentoring, and leadership development. His story is a powerful reminder that God continues to call, shape, and use ordinary people throughout every season of life. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction and Jorge's story 1:30 Growing up in a home affected by alcoholism 5:00 Encountering Jesus through Campus Crusade for Christ 6:20 Accepting Christ and the beginning of a faith journey 7:00 The challenges of following Jesus while battling addiction 9:00 Discovering a call to ministry 10:00 Hearing God's voice in a physics class 11:00 Leaving everything behind to attend Asbury 13:00 How Asbury shaped his life and ministry 17:00 Formation through worship, chapel, and community 19:00 Recovery, therapy, and spiritual direction 22:30 The power of covenant friendships 25:00 A band group that has lasted more than 30 years 29:00 Friends who show up in life's hardest moments 31:00 Living life preventatively instead of prescriptively 33:00 Leading Grace Church through growth and transformation 40:00 Recovery ministry and church culture 41:00 Appropriate vulnerability in leadership 45:00 Ministering through family struggles and addiction 47:00 Why vulnerability builds credibility 49:00 A new season of coaching and mentoring leaders 54:00 Everybody Needs Some Cave Time 56:00 The spiritual lessons of the caves in Scripture MENTIONS Everybody Needs Some Cave Time — Jorge Acevedo (https://a.co/d/0iYRhE0R) Grace Church, Cape Coral, FL (https://www.egracechurch.com/) Getting Naked — Patrick Lencioni Practical Divinity — Thomas Langford ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary 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.

  6. Sep 29

    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 Guillermo Ortiz, Adria leads one of the fastest-growing church movements in Cuba, serving a congregation at the heart of a remarkable spiritual revival. Adria shares her extraordinary ministry among youth, vulnerable women, orphaned children, and families facing severe economic hardship. She offers a firsthand look at daily life in Cuba, where widespread shortages, limited transportation, and frequent power outages have created significant challenges for communities across the island. Yet amid these struggles, the church is growing. Spirit and Truth has expanded to 42 churches and more than 3,500 members in just two years, fueled by an emphasis on discipleship, evangelism, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit.  The conversation explores revival in Cuba, deliverance ministry, evangelism among young people, and why so many Cubans are turning to Christ. Adria also reflects on the role of spiritual mothers and fathers, the church's response to humanitarian needs, and what it means to bring the light of Jesus into difficult circumstances. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to Adria Nuñez Ortiz 1:50 Ministry, family, and serving in Havana 3:10 Ministry among orphaned children and vulnerable women 5:00 The growth of Spirit and Truth Church in Cuba 6:20 Revival and spiritual hunger across the island 7:30 Daily life in Cuba's humanitarian crisis 11:40 How the church serves people in need 13:30 Hope for Cuba and spiritual renewal 15:00 Evangelism and ministry among those involved in santería and witchcraft 16:30 Deliverance ministry and testimonies of transformation 17:20 What revival looks like in Cuba today 18:50 Stories of healing and the power of prayer 20:40 Why the Holy Spirit works so powerfully in Cuba 23:20 Dependence on the Holy Spirit in times of need 25:00 Spiritual mothers, fathers, and discipling young believers 26:00 Youth evangelism and creative outreach 29:20 Women's prayer ministry and intercession 30:00 The greatest challenges facing the Cuban church 31:00 How Christians can support the Church in Cuba MENTIONS Spirit and Truth Church (Iglesia Espíritu y Verdad)  ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary 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.

  7. Sep 22

    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 insights, memorable moments, and the significance of key decisions that will help shape the denomination for years to come.  The conversation explores the conference theme, “The Beauty of Holiness,” and how worship, preaching, and fellowship created an atmosphere marked by trust, unity, and spiritual renewal. Drs. Watson and LaGrone discuss the GMC's remarkable global growth, the joy of gathering with believers from around the world, and the experience of worshiping alongside Methodists from numerous nations and cultures. A major focus of the episode is the adoption of the new Articles of Faith, the result of years of theological work, churchwide feedback, and denominational dialogue. Watson explains why creating a unified doctrinal statement is a historic milestone and how it reflects the desire to preserve theological continuity while remaining faithful to historic Wesleyan Christianity.  The episode also highlights the election of eight new bishops, several with strong ties to Asbury Seminary, and celebrates a leadership culture grounded in service, humility, and holiness. Throughout the conversation, our hosts reflect on the importance of denominational life, doctrinal clarity, and the ongoing mission of spreading scriptural holiness throughout the globe.  Whether you are a member of the Global Methodist Church, a student of Methodism, or simply interested in how Christian movements are formed and sustained, this episode offers a thoughtful look at a significant moment in the life of a growing global denomination. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction and reflections from Johannesburg 1:10 The first true General Conference of the GMC 2:00 Why the conference exceeded expectations 3:00 The Beauty of Holiness as the conference theme 4:00 Recovering Methodist identity and scriptural holiness 5:20 Experiencing the global church firsthand 6:40 The growth of the GMC around the world 8:00 Building trust across cultures and continents 9:00 Worship, unity, and the conference atmosphere 10:20 Conversations about ordination and church leadership 11:00 Revising and adopting the Articles of Faith 12:20 Why this was a historic theological moment 14:00 The legacy of doctrinal confusion and theological pluralism 15:00 The process behind creating new Articles of Faith 17:00 Churchwide feedback and theological engagement 18:00 The near-unanimous vote that surprised everyone 20:00 Why doctrinal unity matters 20:40 The election of new bishops 22:20 Asbury's influence on GMC leadership 24:20 Servant leadership and conference culture 26:00 The work ahead for the Connectional Council 27:00 Why denominationalism still matters 28:00 Passing the faith to future generations 29:30 Final reflections on a memorable conference MENTIONS • The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: The Making of a Modern Methodist Myth — Ted Campbell • Methodist Articles of Religion • Evangelical United Brethren Confession of Faith • Global Methodist Church Articles of Faith ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary 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.

  8. Sep 15

    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 Systematic Theology. Drawing from years of scholarship, friendship, and theological reflection, McCall and Vickers explain why they set out to write a new one-volume systematic theology for the Wesleyan tradition and what they hope it will offer to pastors, students, scholars, and churches today. The conversation explores the challenge of articulating a theology that is deeply rooted in Scripture, grounded in the historic Christian tradition, distinctly Protestant, and authentically Wesleyan. McCall and Vickers discuss the collaborative process behind the book, the importance of theological formation, and why theology should never be separated from worship, discipleship, and the Christian life. At the heart of their vision is a profound conviction about the goodness of God. The authors explain why Holy Love serves as a unifying theme throughout the book and how God's love shapes creation, redemption, sanctification, and the ultimate hope of the Christian faith. This episode offers an accessible introduction to Wesleyan theology while inviting listeners to think deeply about God, Scripture, salvation, the church, and the future of the Wesleyan movement. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction and a new Wesleyan systematic theology 1:00 Why every generation needs theological work 2:10 Building on the legacy of Thomas Oden 6:40 Who this book is for 9:20 The theological friendship behind the project 12:20 How the book was written collaboratively 16:30 Why theology begins in friendship and conversation 16:50 Why they chose the title Love Divine 18:10 The goodness of God and Holy Love 20:00 Sanctification, the Spirit, and perfect love 21:20 Where critics may push back 26:40 The hardest doctrines to write about 28:30 Eschatology, heaven, and theological restraint 32:00 Wesleyan identity in a changing church landscape 33:10 Theology as worship, prayer, and discipleship 35:00 Why Wesleyans must remain both Catholic and Protestant 39:50 Which doctrine the church needs most today 40:20 The fundamental goodness of creation 42:20 Three chapters every pastor should read first 44:40 The central message of the book: God is good MENTIONS • Love Divine: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology - Dr. Thomas H. McCall & Dr. Jason E. Vickers https://www.amazon.com/Love-Divine-Wesleyan-Systematic-Theology/dp/0802876579 • Systematic Theology — Thomas Oden • Doxology: A Systematic Theology — Geoffrey Wainwright ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary 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.

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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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