It’s Elementary - An Asbury Theological Seminary Podcast

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.

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 theology6:00 Why medieval theology shaped his faith12:00 Pentecostal spirituality and Christian mysticism15:00 Why “Pentecostals Are Wesleyans”18:00 Spirit baptism and the influence of John Fletcher20:00 Azusa Street and the global Pentecostal movement23:00 Pentecostal, charismatic, and neo-charismatic Christianity26:00 Apostles, prophets, and church leadership35:00 The Protestant Mind and the future of Protestantism39:00 Evangelicalism, politics, and R.J. Rushdoony47:00 Wesleyan political theology and natural law55:00 Holiness, sanctification, and the Christian life1:00:00 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/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.
 

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 Nicholson1:00 Why she wrote “10 Scriptural Truths About Women in Leadership”3:00 Women and leadership in Genesis 1–25:00 The Fall and broken power structures8:00 Philippians 2 and Christ-like leadership11:00 Understanding 1 Timothy 2 in context17:00 Phoebe and women in the early church18:00 Interpreting 1 Corinthians 11 and 1422:00 Women as witnesses to the resurrection24:00 Current trends in the church28:00 Leadership, collaboration, and service31:00 Disagreeing graciously within the Church35:00 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/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.
 

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 COVERED0:00 Why preaching matters2:00 What makes a sermon “good”4:00 Scripture and the central idea7:00 Connecting with the audience10:00 Preaching with empathy and context15:00 Growing as a preacher17:00 Every sermon points to the gospel23:00 Jessica LaGrone’s sermon preparation process27:00 Finding clarity and cutting content30:00 Content vs. delivery (“the container”)33:00 Avoiding overly abstract preaching36:00 Testimony and authenticity in preaching38:00 Authority vs. humility44:00 What makes preaching Wesleyan47:00 The Holy Spirit and the power of a sermon
MENTIONSPreaching — Tim KellerPreaching from the Soul — Ellsworth KalasThe Witness of Preaching — Thomas G. LongNovel Preaching — Alyce McKenziePreaching with Empathy — Len Luchetti
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.

What sustains leaders through the hardest seasons—and why do so many fail to finish well?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone are joined by Dr. David Gyertson (Affiliate Professor of Leadership Formation and Renewal and Distinguished Leader in Residence at Asbury Theological Seminary) for a deeply personal and practical conversation on calling, leadership, and character formation.
From a powerful story of coming to faith to decades of leadership in Christian higher education and broadcasting, Dr. Gyertson shares wisdom shaped through real-life challenges, mentoring, and ministry. 
Dr. Gyertson emphasizes that leadership failure is rarely about ability—it is most often about character and motivation. He challenges leaders to continually ask, “Why am I doing this?” and to cultivate a deep sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. 
Drawing from Scripture, he offers a compelling vision of leadership shaped through humility, refinement, and perseverance in difficult seasons.
⏱️ KEY TOPICS COVERED0:00 Introduction to Dr. David Gyertson1:30 Early life and coming to faith6:00 Calling and theological formation8:00 Christian broadcasting and leadership journey12:00 Why Christian higher education matters15:00 Challenges facing Christian institutions today18:00 Leadership pressure and cultural fragmentation22:00 Leading through difficulty and “Gethsemane” moments25:00 Character vs. Competency in leadership29:00 Advice for leaders in hard seasons34:00 Spiritual formation: heart + mind39:00 Why leaders fail—and how to endure51:00 Final encouragement for leaders
🔗 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.

What does it mean to be truly Methodist—and why does it matter today?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone sit down with Dr. Kevin Watson (Associate Professor at Asbury Theological Seminary and Senior Director of Christian Formation at Asbury Church, Tulsa) for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on Methodism, revival, and the future of the Church.
This episode centers on their new book, Faith and Fire, which explores how the Wesleyan tradition can recover its identity and power amid change and uncertainty in Methodism.
Drs. Watson unpack how early Methodism combined doctrine, spiritual power, and disciplined community, forming a movement marked by real transformation in the lives of ordinary people. 
They also discuss why recovering historic practices like class meetings is essential for renewal—and how revival is not just something in the past, but something God is still doing today. 
⏱️ KEY TOPICS COVERED0:00 Introduction to Dr. Kevin Watson2:00 The story behind Faith and Fire5:00 Methodism and identity crisis8:00 What defines Methodist theology12:00 Entire sanctification and holy living14:00 Class meetings vs. band meetings18:00 Recovering Methodist practices20:00 “Audacious optimism” and grace26:00 Misquotes of John Wesley30:00 Practicing the faith (ordinances of God)33:00 Seminary and local church leadership39:00 Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline48:00 Revival through transformed lives
📚 MENTIONSFaith and Fire — David Watson & Kevin Watson (https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Fire-Methodism-Move-God-ebook/dp/B0GL8Q3NC7)Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline — Kevin Watson“Thoughts Upon Methodism” — John Wesley
🔗 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.

How can faith move beyond the church into the marketplace, and what happens when revival touches everyday life?
In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. Jessica LaGrone sits down with Robin Lim (an Asbury Theological Seminary alumnus and professor at Asbury University) to explore calling, revival, and what it means to live an integrated life of faith.
This conversation dives deep into:-Moving from a divided life to whole-life discipleship-Faith in the marketplace and business as ministry-The journey from global banking to seminary formation-The Asbury Outpouring of 2023 and firsthand reflections-Revival as both a moment and a lifelong calling
Robin shares how his life shifted from a “Batman-like” split between career and faith into a fully integrated calling shaped through community, prayer, and theological formation. Reflecting on the Asbury Outpouring, he highlights how ordinary faithfulness and years of prayer led to a global movement marked by humility, unity, and hunger for God. 
This episode also explores the difference between revival as an event and revival as a lifestyle, calling believers to embrace a “widened life”—where faith shapes every sphere, from family to work to society.If you're interested in calling, revival, spiritual formation, or faith in the marketplace, this episode offers powerful, practical insights.
KEY TOPICS COVERED0:00 From banking to calling3:00 The “Batman” problem—divided life vs whole-life faith8:00 Coming to Asbury and spiritual formation13:00 Prayer, community, and revival hunger20:00 The Asbury Outpouring begins27:00 From local move to global impact34:00 Revival: moment vs lifelong formation37:00 Faith in the marketplace42:00 Discipleship beyond the church47:00 Global impact of Asbury
MENTIONSAsbury Outpouring (2023)https://asbury.edu/outpouring/Asbury Revival (1970)https://asbury.edu/about/outpouring/1970-revival/
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 is Christian theology really about—and how do we actually know God?In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson sits down with Rev. Dr. Alan Torrance (Professor Emeritus, University of St. Andrews) to explore some of the most important questions in Christian theology, faith, and knowledge of God.
This conversation dives deep into:-The Trinity and Christian life-How we come to believe that Jesus is Lord-The difference between belief in God vs. saving faith-Why theology must shape real life, politics, and suffering-The role of forgiveness and reconciliation in society
Dr. Torrance explains why Christian faith is not just about arguments—but about a transformative encounter with the living God through the Holy Spirit. This episode also explores analytic theology, properly basic belief (Alvin Plantinga), and the relationship between truth, justice, and forgiveness.If you're interested in systematic theology, apologetics, philosophy of religion, or spiritual formation, this episode offers rich, practical insights.
KEY TOPICS COVERED0:00 Introduction to Alan Torrance2:00 Theology and real-world impact6:00 Political theology and the lordship of Christ10:00 The Trinity and communion with God16:00 How we know Jesus is Lord (faith vs reason)21:00 Analytic theology explained35:00 Forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation40:00 Truth & Reconciliation Commission (South Africa)53:00 Advice for young theologians
MENTIONSPersons in Communion — Alan TorranceCountry of My Skull — Antjie KrogAdvice for Christian Philosophers — Alvin Plantinga
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.

Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone are joined by Daniel Silliman, senior reporter and editor for The Roys Report and former senior news editor at Christianity Today, for a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation on journalism, truth-telling, and the life of the Church.
Silliman shares his fascinating background from growing up in the Jesus People movement to becoming a crime reporter and eventually a leading voice covering religion and evangelical life. Drawing from his academic work in American religious history and years of reporting, he reflects on what it means to serve both faith and neighbor through careful, honest storytelling.
The conversation explores the unique challenges of being a Christian journalist in a polarized and often suspicious media environment, where even faithful reporting can be misread as hostility. 
The episode also delves into his work investigating abuse and misconduct within Christian organizations, and addresses why accountability, transparency, and truth are essential to the integrity of the Church. With pastoral sensitivity and theological conviction, Silliman frames investigative reporting not as opposition to the Church, but as a necessary act of love and faithfulness.
MENTIONS• One Lost Soul: Richard Nixon’s Search for Salvation by Daniel Silliman• Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith by Daniel Silliman• The Roys Report - https://julieroys.com/• Christianity Today - https://www.christianitytoday.com/
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.
#ItsElementaryPodcast #ChristianJournalism #ChurchLeadership #Evangelicalism #FaithAndCulture #AsburySeminary

In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Kim Maas, preacher, prophetic leader, and founder of Kim Maas Ministries, for a rich and candid conversation on the Holy Spirit, theological formation, and discernment in today’s charismatic and Pentecostal movements.
Dr. Maas shares her powerful testimony from a dramatic encounter with God that transformed her marriage and faith, to her calling into preaching and global ministry. She reflects on her journey through different churches and charismatic contexts and explains how theological education deepened rather than diminished her passion for the work of the Holy Spirit.
The conversation addresses urgent concerns within contemporary charismatic Christianity, including prophetic accountability, celebrity culture, private revelation, and doctrinal confusion.
MENTIONS
Kim Maas Ministries - https://www.kimmaas.com/
Global Awakening - https://globalawakening.com/
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.
 
#ItsElementaryPodcast #AsburySeminary #WesleyanTheology #Christian