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.

In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson welcomes Dr. Bill Arnold, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary, for a deep and engaging conversation about the enduring significance of the Old Testament. Together, they explore the relationship between the Old and New Testaments and the theological foundations that shape our understanding of God. GuestsDr. Bill T. Arnold – Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary Hosted byDr. David F. Watson - President, Asbury Theological Seminary Resources & Mentions The Cambridge Introduction to the Old Testament by Dr. Bill T. Arnold  Canon and Community by James Sanders Ten Reasons to Question Q by Mark Goodacre - https://markgoodacre.org/Q/ten.htm Asbury Theological Seminary – asbury.to Asbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – 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. Jessica LaGrone welcomes Dr. Christine Johnson, Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. Together they explore John Wesley’s profound theology of death and what it means to “die well” in a culture that often avoids the topic. From Wesley’s own struggles with the fear of death to the early Methodists’ reputation for triumphant dying, Dr. Johnson shares insights from her research and her new book, Triumphant Death: Grace, Holiness, and Death in the Theology of John Wesley. GuestsDr. Christine Johnson – Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary Hosted byDr. Jessica LaGrone Resources & Mentions Triumphant Death: Grace, Holiness, and Death in the Theology of John Wesley – Available on Amazon and Wipf & Stock The Theology of John Wesley: A Theological Journey by Dr. Kenneth J. Collins – Available on Amazon Asbury Theological Seminary – asbury.to Asbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – 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. Jessica LaGrone welcomes Dr. Chris Bounds, Professor of Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary, for a rich conversation on one of the most defining themes of the Wesleyan tradition: holiness. Together, they explore why holiness matters, how it is inseparable from love, and what it means to flourish in relationship with God and others. From unpacking the nature of holy love to addressing misconceptions about rules and legalism, Dr. Bounds offers a compelling vision of holiness as deeply relational and life-giving.  GuestsDr. Chris Bounds – Professor of Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary Hosted byDr. Jessica LaGrone Resources & Mentions Asbury Theological Seminary – Website The Theology of Love by Mildred Bangs Wynkoop Asbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – Website

In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone welcome Rev. Andrew Thompson, Lead Pastor at First Methodist Tulsa. Together they explore Andrew’s remarkable journey through 25 years of ministry, his passion for global missions, and his deep commitment to intergenerational discipleship. From learning Spanish to preaching in Latin America, to mentoring younger pastors and staff, Andrew shares how the Holy Spirit continues to shape his calling. The conversation also reflects on the Asbury revival, the beauty of Jesus experienced in worship, and the importance of spiritual mothers and fathers in the life of the church. This episode blends theology, story, and practical ministry insights—perfect for anyone curious about how faith, mission, and mentoring intersect in today’s church. Guests Rev. Andrew Thompson – Lead Pastor, First Methodist Tulsa Hosted by Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone Resources & Mentions First Methodist Tulsa – Website Asbury Theological Seminary – Website Asbury Theological Seminary Podcasts – Website  

Kick off Asbury Theological Seminary's It’s Elementary with a warm welcome from your hosts, Dr. David F. Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone! In this introductory episode, they share the heart behind the podcast, what you can expect in future conversations, and why we’re excited to journey with you. For more information about Asbury Theological Seminary, please visit: asburyseminary.edu