It’s Elementary - An Asbury Theological Seminary Podcast

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.

Episodes

4 days ago

47 min

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 theology1:00 Why every generation needs theological work2:10 Building on the legacy of Thomas Oden6:40 Who this book is for9:20 The theological friendship behind the project12:20 How the book was written collaboratively16:30 Why theology begins in friendship and conversation16:50 Why they chose the title Love Divine18:10 The goodness of God and Holy Love20:00 Sanctification, the Spirit, and perfect love21:20 Where critics may push back26:40 The hardest doctrines to write about28:30 Eschatology, heaven, and theological restraint32:00 Wesleyan identity in a changing church landscape33:10 Theology as worship, prayer, and discipleship35:00 Why Wesleyans must remain both Catholic and Protestant39:50 Which doctrine the church needs most today40:20 The fundamental goodness of creation42:20 Three chapters every pastor should read first44:40 The central message of the book: God is good
MENTIONS• Love Divine: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology - Dr. Thomas H. McCall & Dr. Jason E. Vickershttps://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/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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 days ago

47 min

Sep 8, 2026

55 min

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 story1:10 Growing up in an Asbury family1:50 Running from God and returning to faith3:20 Missions work in Uganda and Congo4:10 Training pastors and seeing God's global church6:20 Lessons learned from believers around the world7:40 Serving as Asbury University's chaplain8:50 Forming students into disciples who make disciples10:00 The beginning of the 2023 Asbury Outpouring11:20 Students longing for God's love and presence12:30 How the outpouring spread across campus14:00 Testimonies that reached the world16:00 Why thousands traveled to Asbury17:30 Hunger for God and the role of the local church20:40 Signs of lasting revival among students21:30 Evangelism and students sharing their faith23:30 Prayer circles outside Lexington bars25:00 The personal transformation God brought through the outpouring28:30 Freedom from the lies “God is not good” and “God does not love me”31:40 The birth of Set Apart Retreats33:30 Helping students own their faith34:40 Identity, biblical worldview, and God's story36:20 Why retreat and solitude matter39:00 What fills you forms you43:00 Baptisms and decisions for Christ on retreat44:30 Stories of transformation from death to life48:40 Expanding Set Apart Retreats for new audiences50:20 Why Jeannie has hope for the next generation52:30 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/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.

Sep 8, 2026

55 min

Sep 1, 2026

53 min

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 COVERED0:00 Introduction and Brian Taylor's story2:00 Growing up in a Christian home and coming alive in faith during college3:00 Playing football at Vanderbilt and life-changing campus ministry4:20 From campus missionary to church planter6:10 A surprising call to Cincinnati8:10 Why God wanted to grow the pastor before growing the church10:00 The hidden realities of church planting12:00 Leadership lessons learned through ministry13:20 Supporting church planters and serving the wider kingdom15:20 Trusting God with the results of ministry17:20 The vision and mission of Every Nation19:20 Why the campus is one of today's greatest mission fields21:30 The impact of Asbury Seminary on ministry and preaching24:50 Teaching inductive Bible study to the next generation26:10 Building multicultural and multiethnic churches29:20 Why diversity must be a conviction, not a strategy31:20 Navigating cultural tensions within the church36:00 Leadership, representation, and organizational blind spots39:40 Lessons learned from cultural misunderstandings42:40 A powerful worship moment across cultures44:30 Raising children who love the church47:00 Family life and ministry together49:30 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 LINKSPodcasts: https://asbury.to/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.

Sep 1, 2026

53 min

Aug 25, 2026

44 min

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 COVERED0:00 Introduction1:00 Teaching Methodist doctrine in an international context4:00 Why doctrine still matters today7:00 Doctrine, spirit, and discipline in Wesleyanism10:00 Why institutions matter for preserving faith14:00 Scripture as a means of grace17:00 Teaching doctrine and Christian formation21:00 Liturgy and the formation of belief26:00 Apprenticeship and discipleship31:00 The role of seminary education37:00 Why theological education matters42:00 Passing the faith to future generations
ASBURY SEMINARY LINKSPodcasts: https://asbury.to/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.

Aug 25, 2026

44 min

Aug 18, 2026

41 min

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 church3:00 Meeting Christ as a teenager5:00 Entering psychology and theological education7:00 A transformative experience of sanctification10:00 Following a call to counseling and ministry13:00 Working in forensic psychology and prisons18:00 Human brokenness and compassion21:00 Faith, mental health, and healing25:00 Sanctification and identity transformation28:00 Christianity, gender, sexuality, and grace32:00 The importance of relationship and discipleship35:00 Why people need to be known39:00 Lazarus and the role of community in healing
ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS
Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.
 

Aug 18, 2026

41 min

Aug 11, 2026

31 min

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 gifts1:00 John Wesley and divine action2:00 The Fetter Lane Pentecost6:00 Wesley on spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit8:00 Romans 12 and the analogy of faith12:00 Service as a spiritual gift14:00 Encouragement and exhortation15:00 Teaching as a spiritual gift19:00 Generosity and mercy23:00 Leadership and diligence25:00 Why Paul gives multiple gift lists27:00 1 Corinthians 12 and the common good32:00 Words of wisdom and knowledge34:00 The gift of faith35:00 Healing and miracles41:00 Obedience, humility, and spiritual gifts46:00 Discernment of spirits51:00 Tongues and interpretation52:00 Why love is the greatest gift57:00 Gifts versus fruit in Christian leadership
MENTIONSBooks• 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/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.

Aug 11, 2026

31 min

Aug 4, 2026

56 min

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 COVERED0:00 Introduction to spiritual gifts1:00 Romans 12 and the purpose of spiritual gifts5:00 Prophecy and the analogy of faith12:00 The spiritual gift of service14:00 Encouragement and exhortation15:00 Teaching as a spiritual gift19:00 Generosity and the gift of giving22:00 Mercy and compassion23:00 Leadership and diligence25:00 Why there are multiple lists of spiritual gifts27:00 1 Corinthians 12 and the common good32:00 Words of wisdom and words of knowledge34:00 The gift of faith35:00 Healing and miracles41:00 Humility, obedience, and spiritual gifts46:00 Discernment of spirits51:00 Tongues and interpretation52:00 Why love is the greatest gift55:00 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 LINKSPodcasts: https://asbury.to/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.

Aug 4, 2026

56 min

Jul 28, 2026

45 min

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 Thomas1:30 From finance to pastoral ministry2:00 Studying awakening history and revival3:00 The meaning of travailing prayer5:00 Marks of genuine awakening8:00 Why we need more than human effort9:00 What is travailing prayer?15:00 The Asbury Outpouring of 202318:00 Spiritual hunger and the next generation19:00 How the outpouring reshaped leadership21:00 Signs of lasting fruit from the outpouring24:00 Prayer, presence, and consecration27:00 What makes Gen Z different?36:00 The Awakening Project41:00 Advice for leaders longing for renewal43:00 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/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.

Jul 28, 2026

45 min

Jul 21, 2026

46 min

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 COVERED0:00 Introduction to Wes Watkins1:00 Moving to the Middle East and learning Arabic3:00 Mission, discipleship, and personal transformation4:00 Research on conversion among Muslims7:00 Common misconceptions about Muslims10:00 Understanding Islam's diversity13:00 What is frontier missiology?16:00 Church, discipleship, and movement-building20:00 Following Jesus in a Muslim context22:00 Individualism vs collectivism24:00 Developing a Christian theology of Islam30:00 Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?33:00 Working with refugees and displaced people36:00 Theological education in the Middle East40:00 Muslim background believers and the future of the Church43:00 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 LINKSPodcasts: https://asbury.to/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.

Jul 21, 2026

46 min

Jul 14, 2026

52 min

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 COVERED0:00 Introduction to Paul Gavrilyuk1:00 Growing up in Soviet Ukraine4:00 From physics to theology8:00 Studying at Perkins School of Theology11:00 The influence of Billy Abraham16:00 What are the spiritual senses?21:00 Cultivating awareness of God's presence25:00 Rebuild Ukraine and humanitarian work31:00 Theology in the midst of war33:00 The Russian Orthodox Church and the war in Ukraine40:00 The International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA)42:00 Why the Nicene Creed still matters48:00 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 LINKSPodcasts: https://asbury.to/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTikTok: 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.

Jul 14, 2026

52 min

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