Leadership for a New Generation | Dr. David Gyertson | It's Elementary Podcast Ep. 31

What sustains leaders through the hardest seasons—and why do so many fail to finish well? In this episode of It’s Elementary, Dr. David Watson and Dr. Jessica LaGrone are joined by Dr. David Gyertson (Affiliate Professor of Leadership Formation and Renewal and Distinguished Leader in Residence at Asbury Theological Seminary) for a deeply personal and practical conversation on calling, leadership, and character formation. From a powerful story of coming to faith to decades of leadership in Christian higher education and broadcasting, Dr. Gyertson shares wisdom shaped through real-life challenges, mentoring, and ministry. Dr. Gyertson emphasizes that leadership failure is rarely about ability—it is most often about character and motivation. He challenges leaders to continually ask, “Why am I doing this?” and to cultivate a deep sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Scripture, he offers a compelling vision of leadership shaped through humility, refinement, and perseverance in difficult seasons. ⏱️ KEY TOPICS COVERED 0:00 Introduction to Dr. David Gyertson 1:30 Early life and coming to faith 6:00 Calling and theological formation 8:00 Christian broadcasting and leadership journey 12:00 Why Christian higher education matters 15:00 Challenges facing Christian institutions today 18:00 Leadership pressure and cultural fragmentation 22:00 Leading through difficulty and “Gethsemane” moments 25:00 Character vs. Competency in leadership 29:00 Advice for leaders in hard seasons 34:00 Spiritual formation: heart + mind 39:00 Why leaders fail—and how to endure 51:00 Final encouragement for leaders 🔗 ASBURY SEMINARY LINKS Podcasts: https://asbury.to/podcasts Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ Facebook:   / asburyseminary   Instagram:   / asburyseminary   TikTok:   / 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.