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.

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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.

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0:00 Introduction and a new Wesleyan systematic theology

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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.

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.

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.

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0:00 Introduction and Jeannie Banter's story

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• Asbury University: https://www.asbury.edu/

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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0:00 Introduction

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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.

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.

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0:00 Introduction to spiritual gifts

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Biblical Passages

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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.

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. 

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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.

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0:00 Introduction to David Thomas

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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.

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.

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MENTIONS

MORE RESOURCES BY DR. WATKINS

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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.