Advertise on podcast: It’s Elementary - An Asbury Theological Seminary Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 but transformative, helping listeners move from simply hearing Scripture to encountering Christ through it.  Dr. Watson and Dr. LaGrone also discuss the hidden work of preaching, the long, often unseen process of prayer, study, editing, and discernment that shapes every message before it is ever spoken.  They reflect on the challenge of communicating deep theological truth in ways that are accessible, faithful, and transformative—so that listeners don’t just understand the text, but are invited into God’s story.   KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Why preaching matters 2:00 What makes a sermon “good” 4:00 Scripture and the central idea 7:00 Connecting with the audience 10:00 Preaching with empathy and context 15:00 Growing as a preacher 17:00 Every sermon points to the gospel 23:00 Jessica LaGrone’s sermon preparation process 27:00 Finding clarity and cutting content 30:00 Content vs. delivery (“the container”) 33:00 Avoiding overly abstract preaching 36:00 Testimony and authenticity in preaching 38:00 Authority vs. humility 44:00 What makes preaching Wesleyan 47:00 The Holy Spirit and the power of a sermon MENTIONS Preaching — Tim Keller Preaching from the Soul — Ellsworth Kalas The Witness of Preaching — Thomas G. Long Novel Preaching — Alyce McKenzie Preaching with Empathy — Len Luchetti 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.