It’s Elementary - An Asbury Theological Seminary Podcast

Asbury Theological Seminary
  • 4.9 (27)
  • Christianity
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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. 4d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Sep 8

    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 next generation. Jeannie shares her personal journey from growing up in a multi-generational Asbury family, to serving in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to returning home to help shape the spiritual lives of college students. Along the way, she reflects on how God's work around the world transformed her understanding of the gospel and deepened her passion for raising up Christian leaders. The conversation also offers an inside look at the 2023 Asbury Outpouring. Jeannie recounts how a small group of students lingering after chapel became the beginning of a movement that would capture global attention. She shares remarkable stories of repentance, testimony, healing, and spiritual awakening that continue to shape lives years later. Listeners will also hear about Set Apart Retreats, a ministry designed to help students develop a biblical worldview, understand their identity in Christ, and encounter God in life-changing ways. Through stories of baptisms, conversions, evangelism, and personal transformation, Jeannie offers a hopeful vision for what God is doing among today's young adults. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that God is still moving, people are still hungry for truth, and the next generation is ready to respond to the full gospel. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction and Jeannie Banter's story 1:10 Growing up in an Asbury family 1:50 Running from God and returning to faith 3:20 Missions work in Uganda and Congo 4:10 Training pastors and seeing God's global church 6:20 Lessons learned from believers around the world 7:40 Serving as Asbury University's chaplain 8:50 Forming students into disciples who make disciples 10:00 The beginning of the 2023 Asbury Outpouring 11:20 Students longing for God's love and presence 12:30 How the outpouring spread across campus 14:00 Testimonies that reached the world 16:00 Why thousands traveled to Asbury 17:30 Hunger for God and the role of the local church 20:40 Signs of lasting revival among students 21:30 Evangelism and students sharing their faith 23:30 Prayer circles outside Lexington bars 25:00 The personal transformation God brought through the outpouring 28:30 Freedom from the lies “God is not good” and “God does not love me” 31:40 The birth of Set Apart Retreats 33:30 Helping students own their faith 34:40 Identity, biblical worldview, and God's story 36:20 Why retreat and solitude matter 39:00 What fills you forms you 43:00 Baptisms and decisions for Christ on retreat 44:30 Stories of transformation from death to life 48:40 Expanding Set Apart Retreats for new audiences 50:20 Why Jeannie has hope for the next generation 52:30 Making room for young people in the church MENTIONS • Asbury University: https://www.asbury.edu/ • Asbury University Set Apart Retreats: https://www.asbury.edu/undergraduate/life-at-asbury/set-apart-retreat/ 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 1

    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 movement. Drawing from his journey as a student-athlete at Vanderbilt University, campus missionary, church planter, and pastor, Dr. Taylor shares how God transformed his life during college and ultimately called him and his wife to plant a church in Cincinnati. He offers an honest look at the realities of church planting, the challenges of building a congregation from scratch, and the lessons he learned to trust God rather than carry the weight of ministry alone. The conversation also explores Every Nation’s vision for campus ministry and global missions, why reaching university students remains a strategic opportunity for the church, and how local congregations can embrace multicultural leadership and multiethnic community as a reflection of the kingdom of God. Dr. Taylor shares powerful stories from his ministry experience, discussing cultural blind spots, the importance of listening well across differences, and the practical challenges and joys of leading a diverse congregation. He also reflects on family life in ministry, raising children who love the church, and the lasting impact of theological education on faithful pastoral leadership. This encouraging conversation offers wisdom for pastors, church planters, ministry leaders, and anyone seeking to build Christ-centered communities that reflect the beauty of God's diverse kingdom. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction and Brian Taylor's story 2:00 Growing up in a Christian home and coming alive in faith during college 3:00 Playing football at Vanderbilt and life-changing campus ministry 4:20 From campus missionary to church planter 6:10 A surprising call to Cincinnati 8:10 Why God wanted to grow the pastor before growing the church 10:00 The hidden realities of church planting 12:00 Leadership lessons learned through ministry 13:20 Supporting church planters and serving the wider kingdom 15:20 Trusting God with the results of ministry 17:20 The vision and mission of Every Nation 19:20 Why the campus is one of today's greatest mission fields 21:30 The impact of Asbury Seminary on ministry and preaching 24:50 Teaching inductive Bible study to the next generation 26:10 Building multicultural and multiethnic churches 29:20 Why diversity must be a conviction, not a strategy 31:20 Navigating cultural tensions within the church 36:00 Leadership, representation, and organizational blind spots 39:40 Lessons learned from cultural misunderstandings 42:40 A powerful worship moment across cultures 44:30 Raising children who love the church 47:00 Family life and ministry together 49:30 The importance of integrity at home and in ministry MENTIONS • Every Nation Ministries - https://www.everynation.org/ • Every Nation Cincinnati Church - https://www.everynationcincinnati.org/ • Ready to Lead by Brian Taylor and Chris Johnson - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1664286128 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. Aug 25

    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 why traditions matter, why the Church must intentionally form believers, and why doctrine is not merely about drawing boundaries but about helping people know God and experience salvation. The conversation highlights the uniquely Wesleyan emphasis on doctrine, spirit, and discipline, and explores how practices such as worship, catechesis, liturgy, mentorship, and seminary education help preserve and transmit the faith across generations. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Teaching Methodist doctrine in an international context 4:00 Why doctrine still matters today 7:00 Doctrine, spirit, and discipline in Wesleyanism 10:00 Why institutions matter for preserving faith 14:00 Scripture as a means of grace 17:00 Teaching doctrine and Christian formation 21:00 Liturgy and the formation of belief 26:00 Apprenticeship and discipleship 31:00 The role of seminary education 37:00 Why theological education matters 42:00 Passing the faith to future generations 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. Aug 18

    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. Dean shares her journey from growing up outside the church to encountering Christ as a teenager and eventually finding her calling at the intersection of psychology and theology. Along the way, she reflects on the profound influence of Asbury Seminary, a life-changing experience of sanctification, and the ways God's love reshapes perfectionism, shame, and our deepest questions about identity. Drawing from years of work in forensic psychology, psychiatric hospitals, prisons, and pastoral counseling, Dr. Dean offers a compassionate vision of human brokenness. She challenges simplistic answers to suffering and reminds us that transformation begins not by trying harder, but by experiencing the love of Christ and being truly known by others. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Growing up outside the church 3:00 Meeting Christ as a teenager 5:00 Entering psychology and theological education 7:00 A transformative experience of sanctification 10:00 Following a call to counseling and ministry 13:00 Working in forensic psychology and prisons 18:00 Human brokenness and compassion 21:00 Faith, mental health, and healing 25:00 Sanctification and identity transformation 28:00 Christianity, gender, sexuality, and grace 32:00 The importance of relationship and discipleship 35:00 Why people need to be known 39:00 Lazarus and the role of community in healing 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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