It’s Elementary - An Asbury Theological Seminary Podcast

Asbury Theological Seminary
  • 4.8 (26)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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

    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.

  2. Aug 11

    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, they discuss prophecy, healing, discernment, tongues, teaching, generosity, leadership, and more. The conversation explores how Wesley understood divine action, why he believed the gifts of the Spirit continued after the apostolic age, and how the famous Fetter Lane experience shaped early Methodism. Along the way, Dr. Watson and Dr. LaGrone discuss the role of humility in exercising spiritual gifts, the importance of discernment, and why the church must never separate power from character. Most importantly, they highlight Paul’s central point in 1 Corinthians: spiritual gifts matter, but love matters more. The gifts of the Spirit are given for the building up of the Church, while the fruit of the Spirit reflects Christ’s character formed in believers. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to spiritual gifts 1:00 John Wesley and divine action 2:00 The Fetter Lane Pentecost 6:00 Wesley on spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit 8:00 Romans 12 and the analogy of faith 12:00 Service as a spiritual gift 14:00 Encouragement and exhortation 15:00 Teaching as a spiritual gift 19:00 Generosity and mercy 23:00 Leadership and diligence 25:00 Why Paul gives multiple gift lists 27:00 1 Corinthians 12 and the common good 32:00 Words of wisdom and knowledge 34:00 The gift of faith 35:00 Healing and miracles 41:00 Obedience, humility, and spiritual gifts 46:00 Discernment of spirits 51:00 Tongues and interpretation 52:00 Why love is the greatest gift 57:00 Gifts versus fruit in Christian leadership MENTIONS Books • The Next Christendom — Philip Jenkins • A World Full of Gods — Keith Hopkins • A Secular Age — Charles Taylor • Failure of Nerve — Edwin Friedman Biblical Passages • Romans 12:3–8 • 1 Corinthians 12–14 • Galatians 5:22–23 • Philippians 2 • Romans 15:30 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. Aug 4

    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 Church.  The conversation examines gifts such as prophecy, teaching, healing, faith, wisdom, knowledge, leadership, discernment, generosity, service, encouragement, and tongues. Along the way, Dr. Watson explains why Paul repeatedly emphasizes humility, warning Christians not to use spiritual gifts as a source of status or self-importance.  They also explore questions many Christians wrestle with today: How do we test prophecy? Does God still heal people? What is the gift of tongues? What does discernment of spirits look like in today's world? And why does Paul place the famous "love chapter" of 1 Corinthians 13 right in the middle of his teaching on spiritual gifts?  From words of wisdom and knowledge to healing, miracles, and leadership, this conversation highlights the diversity of the Spirit's work while reminding listeners that every gift is given for the common good and the strengthening of Christ's body.  Ultimately, this episode reminds us that spiritual gifts are never given for personal glory. They are gifts of God's grace, designed to build up the Church, serve others, and point people toward Jesus Christ.  KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to spiritual gifts 1:00 Romans 12 and the purpose of spiritual gifts 5:00 Prophecy and the analogy of faith 12:00 The spiritual gift of service 14:00 Encouragement and exhortation 15:00 Teaching as a spiritual gift 19:00 Generosity and the gift of giving 22:00 Mercy and compassion 23:00 Leadership and diligence 25:00 Why there are multiple lists of spiritual gifts 27:00 1 Corinthians 12 and the common good 32:00 Words of wisdom and words of knowledge 34:00 The gift of faith 35:00 Healing and miracles 41:00 Humility, obedience, and spiritual gifts 46:00 Discernment of spirits 51:00 Tongues and interpretation 52:00 Why love is the greatest gift 55:00 Spiritual gifts and the building up of the Church MENTIONS • The Next Christendom — Philip Jenkins • A World Full of Gods — Keith Hopkins • A Secular Age — Charles Taylor • Failure of Nerve — Edwin Friedman 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. Jul 28

    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, and the future of the Church. Drawing from years of studying awakening movements and the prayer patterns that preceded the Great Awakenings, Thomas explores the role of desperation, repentance, and travailing prayer in preparing the Church for renewal. He argues that awakening is not simply increased church attendance or renewed enthusiasm, but deep personal wholeness, the renewal of the Church, the evangelization of a generation, and the transformation of society. The conversation also offers a firsthand reflection on the 2023 Asbury Outpouring, its lasting impact, and the spiritual hunger emerging among Gen Z. Thomas shares why he believes young adults may be at the forefront of a new movement of God and why the Church must learn to listen, encourage, and journey alongside them. Whether you're longing for renewal in your own life, your church, or your community, this episode offers hope, encouragement, and a compelling vision for awakening in our time. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to David Thomas 1:30 From finance to pastoral ministry 2:00 Studying awakening history and revival 3:00 The meaning of travailing prayer 5:00 Marks of genuine awakening 8:00 Why we need more than human effort 9:00 What is travailing prayer? 15:00 The Asbury Outpouring of 2023 18:00 Spiritual hunger and the next generation 19:00 How the outpouring reshaped leadership 21:00 Signs of lasting fruit from the outpouring 24:00 Prayer, presence, and consecration 27:00 What makes Gen Z different? 36:00 The Awakening Project 41:00 Advice for leaders longing for renewal 43:00 Prayer, repentance, and the path to awakening MENTIONS The Awakening Project — https://www.awakeningproj.com/ Seedbed Publishing — https://seedbed.com/ New Room Conference — https://newroomconference.com/ Alpha International — https://alphainternational.org/ Asbury University — https://asbury.edu/ 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. Jul 21

    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 thoughtful conversation on mission, discipleship, Islam, and the future of the Church. After spending sixteen years in the Middle East, Dr. Watkins reflects on his experiences among Arab communities, his research on conversion among Muslims, and why relationships and Scripture remain at the heart of Christian witness. He challenges common Western assumptions about Islam and offers a framework for understanding mission that is rooted in friendship, humility, and a Christ-centered focus. The conversation explores frontier missiology, the growth of Muslim background believers, refugee ministry, theological education in majority Muslim contexts, and what it means to point people toward Jesus without imposing Western cultural expectations. Along the way, Dr. Watkins offers a hopeful vision for the future of Christianity in the Middle East and North Africa. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to Wes Watkins 1:00 Moving to the Middle East and learning Arabic 3:00 Mission, discipleship, and personal transformation 4:00 Research on conversion among Muslims 7:00 Common misconceptions about Muslims 10:00 Understanding Islam's diversity 13:00 What is frontier missiology? 16:00 Church, discipleship, and movement-building 20:00 Following Jesus in a Muslim context 22:00 Individualism vs collectivism 24:00 Developing a Christian theology of Islam 30:00 Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? 33:00 Working with refugees and displaced people 36:00 Theological education in the Middle East 40:00 Muslim background believers and the future of the Church 43:00 Advice for cross-cultural ministry MENTIONS • One Collective - https://onecollective.org • Arab Baptist Theological Seminary - https://abtslebanon.org/ • Dr. Watkins' Academia Page (Under Pseudonym) https://independent.academia.edu/WarrickFarah MORE RESOURCES BY DR. WATKINS • Margins of Islam: Ministry in Diverse Muslim Contexts -https://amzn.to/4wAZECI • Movemental Ecclesiology, Podcast with Asbury's Center for Church Multiplication - vimeo.com/1183507774  • Dr. Watkins' Substack - https://substack.com/@warrickfarah 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. Jul 14

    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 wide-ranging conversation about faith, theology, war, and Christian hope.  Growing up in Soviet Ukraine, Gavrilyuk had little religious instruction until his mother obtained a Russian translation of the Bible. What began as curiosity eventually became a life-changing encounter with Christianity, leading him from studies in physics at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology to theological studies and a distinguished academic career.  The conversation explores the spiritual senses, the role of theology in Christian formation, the legacy of Billy Abraham, and the significance of the Nicene Creed for the Church today. Dr. Gavrilyuk also reflects on Russia’s war against Ukraine, the theological challenges it raises, and the work of Rebuild Ukraine in supporting children, refugees, and communities affected by the conflict.  Whether you're interested in Orthodox theology, church history, Christian unity, or the question of how faith endures amid suffering, this episode offers wisdom, insight, and hope.   KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to Paul Gavrilyuk 1:00 Growing up in Soviet Ukraine 4:00 From physics to theology 8:00 Studying at Perkins School of Theology 11:00 The influence of Billy Abraham 16:00 What are the spiritual senses? 21:00 Cultivating awareness of God's presence 25:00 Rebuild Ukraine and humanitarian work 31:00 Theology in the midst of war 33:00 The Russian Orthodox Church and the war in Ukraine 40:00 The International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA) 42:00 Why the Nicene Creed still matters 48:00 Orthodoxy, modernity, and the future of the Church   MENTIONS • War and Peace — Leo Tolstoy • Canon and Criterion — Billy Abraham • The Epistle to the Romans Commentary — Karl Barth • International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA) - https://iota-web.org/ • Rebuild Ukraine - https://rebuild-ua.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.

  7. Jul 7

    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 fascinating conversation on the origins of Pentecostalism, the Wesleyan tradition, and the future of Spirit-filled Christianity. Drawing from his work as a theologian, historian, and leading interpreter of Pentecostal theology, Dr. Coulter argues that Pentecostalism emerged from the global Wesleyan movement and cannot be understood apart from its Methodist and Holiness roots. Dr. Coulter shares his personal story, from growing up in a Pentecostal church to studying theology at Oxford University, and explains how the Christian tradition, especially medieval spirituality, helped him better understand Pentecostal faith and practice. The conversation also explores some of today's most important theological questions, including apostles and prophets, spiritual gifts, political theology, and how Christians can recover a richer vision of holiness that leads to wholeness, healing, and transformation. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Growing up Pentecostal and a personal calling to theology 6:00 Why medieval theology shaped his faith 12:00 Pentecostal spirituality and Christian mysticism 15:00 Why “Pentecostals Are Wesleyans” 18:00 Spirit baptism and the influence of John Fletcher 20:00 Azusa Street and the global Pentecostal movement 23:00 Pentecostal, charismatic, and neo-charismatic Christianity 26:00 Apostles, prophets, and church leadership 35:00 The Protestant Mind and the future of Protestantism 39:00 Evangelicalism, politics, and R.J. Rushdoony 47:00 Wesleyan political theology and natural law 55:00 Holiness, sanctification, and the Christian life 1:00:00 Why holiness is about becoming whole MENTIONS Newsletter The Protestant Mind — Dale Coulter (https://protestantmind.com/authors/dale-coulter) Books The Desire of the Nations — Oliver O'Donovan Resurrection and Moral Order — Oliver O'Donovan Nine Modern Moralists — Paul Ramsey The Four Books of Sentences — Peter Lombard Institutes of Biblical Law — R.J. Rushdoony By What Standard? — R.J. Rushdoony Steppenwolf — Hermann Hesse   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. Jun 30

    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 and leadership. Drawing from her widely discussed Firebrand article, “10 Scriptural Truths About Women in Leadership,” Dr. Nicholson explores key biblical passages that have shaped the debate for generations and offers a framework for reading them in their historical, literary, and theological contexts. Dr. Nicholson argues that understanding Scripture requires careful attention to context, culture, and the broader biblical story. Rather than focusing only on disputed passages, she points listeners to the many places where God raises up women to teach, lead, prophesy, and serve His people. The conversation also explores how churches can cultivate healthier patterns of leadership modeled after Christ's humility, encouraging believers to pursue collaboration, service, and the fruit of the Spirit rather than power and status. KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to Dr. Suzanne Nicholson 1:00 Why she wrote “10 Scriptural Truths About Women in Leadership” 3:00 Women and leadership in Genesis 1–2 5:00 The Fall and broken power structures 8:00 Philippians 2 and Christ-like leadership 11:00 Understanding 1 Timothy 2 in context 17:00 Phoebe and women in the early church 18:00 Interpreting 1 Corinthians 11 and 14 22:00 Women as witnesses to the resurrection 24:00 Current trends in the church 28:00 Leadership, collaboration, and service 31:00 Disagreeing graciously within the Church 35:00 Hope for the next generation MENTIONS “10 Scriptural Truths About Women in Leadership” — Suzanne Nicholson (Firebrand Magazine) - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/10-scriptural-truths-about-women-in-leadership-firebrand-big-read 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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