The Wesleyan/Methodist movement represents a vital theological tradition that needs more exceptional theologians who are committed to teach the faith! This is at the heart of the conversation today with Dr. David Watson, President of Asbury Theological Seminary.
Dr. Watson came to Asbury Seminary from faculty and administrative roles at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He served as United’s Senior Vice President, as well as Professor of New Testament, Academic Dean, and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
During his years at United, his leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the Seminary, strengthening its theological commitments, expanding its global reach, and increasing student enrollment. He demonstrated exceptional leadership in theological education, faculty development, strategic planning, and institutional growth. He oversaw the development of a new Master of Arts degree, the Hispanic Christian Academy, and early advancements in online theological education.
Dr. Watson has built meaningful partnerships across denominations and continents, working with Christian leaders in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. His passion for equipping Spirit-filled leaders extends beyond the classroom and into real-world ministry, where he has actively engaged in church renewal, mission work, and theological discourse on a global scale. His global perspective aligns with Asbury Seminary’s vision to serve the worldwide Church.
In other aspects of his professional life, Dr. Watson is Lead Editor of “Firebrand”, an online magazine “intended to promote theological reflection in various related traditions, including Methodist, Arminian, Holiness, Pentecostal, and others.” He also writes a Substack and serves as one of the hosts of the "It's Elementary" and "WesWorld" podcasts.
Dr. Watson has been published extensively in Christian journals and magazines and has contributed numerous chapters in books and commentaries. His latest book is “Scripture and the Life of God: Why the Bible Matters Today More than Ever” (Seedbed, 2017).
Dr. Watson and his wife, Harriet, have three children: Luke, Sean, and Ciara.
Links for Dr. Watson's work:
Podcasts: https://asburyseminary.edu/about/office-of-the-president/podcasts
Substack: https://davidfwatson3.substack.com
Firebrand: https://firebrandmag.com
