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.
KEY TOPICS COVERED
0:00 Introduction
1:00 Growing up outside the church
3:00 Meeting Christ as a teenager
5:00 Entering psychology and theological education
7:00 A transformative experience of sanctification
10:00 Following a call to counseling and ministry
13:00 Working in forensic psychology and prisons
18:00 Human brokenness and compassion
21:00 Faith, mental health, and healing
25:00 Sanctification and identity transformation
28:00 Christianity, gender, sexuality, and grace
32:00 The importance of relationship and discipleship
35:00 Why people need to be known
39:00 Lazarus and the role of community in healing
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.
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