It’s Elementary - An Asbury Theological Seminary Podcast

Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Bishop John Mark Richardson, jurisdictional bishop in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and Executive Director of the Wesleyan Holiness Connection. Bishop Richardson shares his remarkable story from a multi-generational ministry family to his early career in law enforcement, and ultimately to his leadership role shepherding churches on the West Coast.
Bishop Richardson traces the origins and growth of the Church of God in Christ, the historic connection to the Azusa Street Revival, and the early interracial beginnings of the Pentecostal movement. He explains why Pentecostalism has become the world’s fastest-growing Christian expression—and why recovering the holiness dimension of the Christian life is so essential for today’s church.
The conversation moves into the birth of the Wesleyan Holiness Connection, the story behind its extraordinary cross-denominational diversity, and the ongoing work of bringing Wesleyan Christians of all backgrounds together in unity, prayer, and shared mission. 
MENTIONS• Church of God in Christ (COGIC) - https://www.cogic.org/• Wesleyan Holiness Connection - https://holinessandunity.org/
LINKSPodcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: 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 #WesleyanHoliness #COGIC #HolinessMovement #AsburySeminary #PentecostalHistory #ChristianUnity #ChurchLeadership

Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone explore the deeply biblical and deeply human practice of mentoring, guiding, and walking alongside others in the journey of faith. Together they discuss how mentoring forms both the mentor and the mentee, why younger Christians today are longing for intergenerational wisdom, and how the church can reclaim a healthier vision of discipleship rooted in community. Drawing on their own experiences, they offer practical, encouraging insights for anyone seeking to invest in others or to receive guidance themselves. Asbury Theological Seminary Links: Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminary Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminaryDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material presented here is for general information purposes only. #AsburySeminary #Mentoring #Faith #WesleyanDiscipleship #SpiritualFormation

In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson checks in from Washington, D.C., fresh from attending the National Prayer Breakfast, sparking a rich conversation with Dr. Jessica LaGrone about what it means to live out Christian faith in public today.
Together they explore the tension between the desire for national unity and the deep ideological divides within American culture, and why the church’s public witness so often struggles to rise above the noise. Their conversation moves from the Prayer Breakfast to the broader state of Christianity in the public square, asking what it means for Wesleyans to reclaim a faithful, distinct, and compelling voice.
MentionsNational Prayer Breakfast - https://npbfoundation.com/
Asbury Theological Seminary Links: Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcastsWebsite: https://asburyseminary.edu/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsburySeminary/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asburyseminaryTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asburyseminary
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material presented here is for general information purposes only.

In this inspiring episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome artist, author, and Asbury Seminary’s Artist in Residence, Dr. Winfield Bevins, to explore themes from his newest book, How Beauty Will Save the World: Recovering the Power of the Arts for the Christian Life.
Dr. Bevins shares candid stories of how beauty has shaped—and even saved—his own life, from an art teacher who helped pull him out of a dark teenage season to a transformative encounter with music that rekindled his faith after burnout. Join this conversation on why beauty is not merely decoration but a profound doorway to encounter God in a fragmented age.
 
Mentions
Books
How Beauty Will Save the World: Recovering the Power of the Arts for the Christian Life by Dr. Winfield Bevins - https://www.creoarts.org/beauty
Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer
Other
Creo Arts – https://www.creoarts.org
Dr. Bevins’ Personal Website – https://www.winfieldbevins.com
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material presented here is for general information purposes only.
 
 

In this theologically rich episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Ken Collins, Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, explore themes from Dr. Collins’ new book, Generous Divine Love: The Grace and Power of Methodist Theology. Dr. Collins shares his faith journey from upbringing to discovering Wesleyan theology through a retired Free Methodist minister, a turning point shaped by reading John Wesley’s 52 Standard Sermons.
Together they discuss the heart of Wesleyan theology: God’s generous and transformative love, the optimism of grace, the relational nature of the Triune God, and the breadth and sufficiency of grace for every human need.
Mentions
Books by Dr. Ken Collins
Generous Divine Love: The Grace and Power of Methodist Theology
Jesus the Stranger: A Daily Lenten Reader
A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley
The Sermons of John Wesley. A Collection for the Christian Journey. Edited by Prof. Kenneth J. Collins and Dr. Jason E. Vickers.
Other Books
John Wesley’s 52 Standard Sermons
Søren Kierkegaard, Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing
Randy Maddox, Responsible Grace
Albert C. Outler, The Works of John Wesley (Four Volumes)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone sit down with Dr. Steve Seamands, Professor Emeritus of Christian Doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary and one of the most beloved voices in the Wesleyan world. Drawing from 35 years of teaching, ministry, and personal experience, Dr. Seamands reflects on the changing needs of the church, the essential role of mystery in Christian theology, and the ongoing ministry of Christ through healing and deliverance.
He shares candidly about his own journey into healing ministry, the pain and restoration that shaped his calling, and the deep work of God that often takes place in seminary communities—where future ministers not only learn doctrine but are themselves mended and transformed.
Books Mentioned
Wounds That Heal – Steve Seamands
Follow the Healer – Steve Seamands
Deliverance from Evil Spirits – Francis MacNutt
The Next Christendom – Philip Jenkins
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson talks with Arthur Jones, senior pastor of St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, about life and ministry in an independent Methodist context. Arthur shares his journey from denominational to local church leadership, the challenges and opportunities of being independent yet connectional, and why catechesis is key to sustaining Wesleyan theology for future generations. They also discuss mental health ministry, the role of networks, the future of denominationalism, and how churches can respond to cultural shifts, including the rise of AI and the need for authentic community.
GuestArthur Jones – Senior Pastor, St. Andrew Methodist Church, Plano, TX
Hosted byDr. David F. Watson – President, Asbury Theological Seminary
Mentions
Books
Key United Methodist Beliefs by William J. Abraham and David F. Watson (soon republished as Key Christian Beliefs)
Articles / Podcasts
“Surprising Rebirth: A Belief in God” podcast by Justin Brierley
Organizations / Programs
St. Andrew Methodist Church, Plano, TX - https://standrewmethodist.org/
Invite Resources - https://www.inviteministries.org
Beacon of Light - https://standrewmethodist.org/resources/beacon-of-light/
Hope Squad - https://www.hopesquad.com
Asbury Seminary
Asbury Theological Seminary – https://asbury.to
Asbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – https://asbury.to/podcasts
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 and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Rev. Andrew Forrest—author and senior pastor of Asbury Church in Tulsa—for a thought-provoking conversation on evangelism in a post-Christian culture. Andrew shares insights from his new book Love Goes First, exploring why accommodation, judgment, and withdrawal fail—and how moving first in love opens doors for the gospel. Together, they discuss cultural shifts, the “negative world,” and practical steps for Christians to live incarnationally and courageously in today’s polarized society.
GuestsRev. Andrew Forrest – Senior Pastor, Asbury Church (Tulsa, OK), Author of Love Goes First
Hosted byDr. David F. Watson – President, Asbury Theological SeminaryDr. Jessica LaGrone – Executive Director, Beeson International Center for Biblical Preaching and Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary
Resources & MentionsLove Goes First by Andrew Forrest – Available on AmazonAsbury Church – https://asburytulsa.orgAsbury Theological Seminary – https://asbury.toAsbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – https://asbury.to/podcasts
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Dr. Nicole Massie Martin—author, speaker, and Chief Executive Officer at Christianity Today—for a powerful conversation about leadership, surrender, and the presence of God in ministry. Nicole shares her journey from Baltimore to global Christian leadership, her calling story, and why authentic encounters with God matter more than ever. Together, they explore themes from her book Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender, the dangers of perfectionism, and practical wisdom for leaders navigating new paths in a changing world.
GuestsDr. Nicole Massie Martin – Author of Nailing It, CEO at Christianity Today, Founder of Soulfire Ministries
Hosted byDr. Jessica LaGrone – Executive Director, Beeson International Center for Biblical Preaching and Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary
Resources & MentionsNailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender – Available on AmazonSoulfire Ministries – https://www.sfiministries.orgChristianity Today – https://www.christianitytoday.comAsbury Theological Seminary – https://asbury.toAsbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – https://asbury.to/podcasts
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Rev. Anne Kennedy—writer and Anglican priest—for a compelling conversation about faith, writing, and the future of Anglicanism. Together, they explore Anne’s journey from missionary roots to shaping global Anglican conversations, her role in drafting the Kigali Statement, and the challenges facing the church today. Anne also shares practical wisdom for sustaining spiritual life and creativity in a digital age.
GuestsAnne Kennedy – Writer, Anglican Priest, Author of Demotivations with Anne (Substack)
Hosted byDr. David F. Watson – President, Asbury Theological SeminaryDr. Jessica LaGrone – Executive Director, Beeson International Center for Biblical Preaching and Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary
Resources & MentionsDemotivations with Anne – https://annekennedy.substack.com/The Kigali Statement – https://gafcon.org/communique-updates/gafcon-iv-the-kigali-commitment/Asbury Theological Seminary – https://asbury.toAsbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – https://asbury.to/podcasts
Substack Recommendations by Anne
The Anglican by David Roseberry – https://davidroseberry.substack.com
The Honest Broker – https://www.honest-broker.com
Notes from Beth-Elim by Peter Leithart – https://peterleithart.substack.com
Hiraeth in Exile – https://bigmodernism.substack.com
Grace Notes – https://emmariehutch.substack.com
Resources 4 Redemption – https://resources4redemption.substack.com/
Mary Harrington – https://substack.com/@reactionaryfeminist
Louise Perry – https://substack.com/@louiseperry
Teach Like a Mother – https://teachlikeamother.substack.com
Book Recommendations
Haven in a Heartless World by Christopher Lasch
Any works by Christopher Lasch
That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
All Hallows’ Eve by Charles Williams
Complementarity: Dignity, Difference, and Interdependence by Gregg Allison
PG Wodehouse novels
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views and opinions of Asbury Theological Seminary. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.