This vs. That

On this episode of This vs. That, we talk with Harrison Scott Key, author of the incredibly popular book "How To Stay Married" as well as "Congratulations, Who Are You Again?" and "The World's Largest Man" (winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor). We explore the theme of fairytale versus real marriage through Harrison's raw, honest, and often humorous account of marital betrayal. Harrison shares his journey of discovering his wife was in love with their neighbor, the separation that followed, and the challenging path to reconciliation. We discuss how he transformed this painful experience into a book, including his wife's perspective, and examine how his simple, naive expectations of marriage collided with the complex reality of betrayal and forgiveness. This fascinating conversation reveals the universal aspects of marriage through Harrison's particular story of heartbreak and ultimately, hope.-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the profound topic of rejection and how we respond to it with our special guest Tabitha Panariso. We dive into the contrast between hiding and being held when facing rejection in our lives. Tabitha, a licensed professional counselor, writer, and speaker, shares her personal journey with rejection and how these experiences shaped her identity.We discuss why rejection leaves us feeling so helpless and confused, examining how our sense of belonging intertwines with our identity. Tabitha reveals how her own healing journey involved recognizing deeply rooted wounds, seeking therapy, and ultimately shifting from an "I am rejected" narrative to an "I am loved" perspective.The conversation explores why it's difficult to turn to Christ after experiencing rejection, how we often project our human relationships onto our relationship with God, and practical ways to invite Jesus into our places of hiding. Tabitha also shares her approach to building sustainable spiritual rhythms through daily curiosity and reframing questions.We also examine the powerful intersection of Christ-centered and trauma-informed counseling, discussing how therapists can serve as conduits of God's love to help people experience healing and freedom from past wounds.-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the relationship between the church and outside counseling resources. Our guest, Garrett Higbee, shares his extensive experience as founder of 12 Stones and president of Soul Care Consulting International. We discuss the challenges churches face when navigating the counseling world, from concerns about liability to questions about theological alignment. Garrett offers insights on how counseling organizations can better partner with local churches, describing the ideal parachurch organization as "an attendant to the bride" rather than a replacement. We also examine ways to redefine biblical counseling as part of discipleship rather than adopting secular therapeutic models. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of creating a culture of compassionate care within churches while acknowledging when specialized help is needed.----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the topic of nourished souls vs. starved souls with guest Kristen Wetherell, author of "Help for the Hungry Soul." We discuss why Christians sometimes lose their appetite for God's Word and how to recognize the signs of spiritual malnourishment. Kristen shares personal insights about her own struggles with treating Bible reading as a checklist rather than an encounter with Jesus. We examine how disordered desires and our culture of distraction affect our spiritual appetite, while also exploring practical ways to renew our hunger for Scripture—including changing our routines, seeking community perspectives, and relying on the Holy Spirit rather than our own determination. Join us for this honest conversation about developing sustainable spiritual habits that move beyond mere duty to genuine delight.----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the tension between accepting limitations and neglecting responsibility with Kelly Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College. Kelly, author of "Your Only Human" and the upcoming devotional "You Were Never Meant To Do It All," shares his personal struggles with productivity culture and the constant pressure to do more.We discuss how human dependency—on God, other people, and creation—was designed as a good thing before the fall, not a consequence of sin. Kelly offers insights on how we can embrace our limitations without abandoning our responsibilities, and how both over-responsible and under-responsible attitudes diminish God's design for us.The conversation takes us from theological perspectives on human limitations to practical applications for dealing with global suffering and local ministry opportunities. We explore how it takes the entire church, not just individuals, to be the body of Christ, and why trying to carry the weight of the world's problems alone is neither sustainable nor biblical.

On this episode of This vs. That, we welcome Kyle Worley, founder and lead pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas. We explore the profound concept of our identity in Christ and what it means to be adopted as children of God. Kyle unpacks how our relationship with God as Father transcends mere acquittal from a holy judge—it's an invitation into a family where we are welcomed and delighted in despite our unworthiness. We discuss the struggle many Christians face in accepting this gift of grace and how to overcome the hurdle of feeling undeserving. Kyle shares powerful insights from his book and leaves us with the transformative truth that if we have God's presence, we have everything we need.Books Mentioned:Home with God: Our Union with Christ – Kyle WorleyAfter Virtue – Alasdair MacIntyreOne with My Lord – Sam AllberryThe Christian Life – Sinclair FergusonA Gospel Primer for Christians – Milton Vincent-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the critical distinction between pastoral care and counseling with Dr. Jeremy Pierre. We dive into how these two forms of care overlap and where they differ, examining the unique role each plays in the spiritual formation of believers. Drawing from his 22 years of experience as both a pastor and professor, Dr. Pierre helps us understand how counseling serves as a specific tool within the broader context of pastoral care. We discuss why counseling is "problem-initiated" rather than just one-on-one discipleship, and explore how churches can effectively partner with counseling organizations while maintaining the primacy of the local church.-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the concept of whole body theology and how it differs from the body positivity movement with bestselling author Lisa Whittle. We discuss her forthcoming book Body and Soul, which takes a biblical look at how God created us to be whole persons - body and soul. We examine why simply having good feelings about our bodies isn't enough, and how understanding Christ's incarnation and "glorious exchange" provides a deeper foundation for how we view and treat our bodies. Through this conversation, we discover how whole body theology offers a path to true freedom that goes beyond cultural messages about body image, leading to a life lived for God's glory rather than appearance.Book Resources Mentioned:Body and Soul by Lisa WhittleJesus Over Everything by Lisa WhittleThe Hard Good by Lisa WhittleGentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlundJoni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we sit down with Eric Schumacher to explore the profound concept of weakness in Christian life. We discuss how recognizing our limitations and dependence on God's grace can lead to greater freedom and spiritual growth. Eric shares personal insights from his latest book, addressing the paradox of working diligently while maintaining complete reliance on God's strength.We examine how understanding our weakness doesn't eliminate it, but rather transforms our perspective on dependence, grief, and human limitations. Book Resources Mention:The Good Gift of Weakness by Eric Schumacher - A lay-level biblical theology examining weakness from Genesis to RevelationHe Is Strong: Devotions for When You Feel Weak by Emily Jensen - 30 devotional readings about finding strength in Christ during times of weaknessStrong and Weak by Andy Crouch - Explores vulnerability and authority in relation to vocation and workGlorious Weakness by Alia Joy - A memoir examining poverty and hardship through the lens of God's power in weaknessYou're Only Human by Kelly Kapic - Focuses on human limitations with practical applicationsWeakness Is the Way by J.I. Packer - An examination of weakness from Packer's personal experienceThe Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller - Referenced during the discussion about finding freedom in Christ-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we tackle the complex balance between church and family priorities in ministry life. We welcome special guests Jenna Allen and Stephanie Gilbert from Pastors' Wives Tell All who share raw, honest perspectives about navigating the demands of church leadership while protecting family wellbeing. Through candid conversation, we explore how to set healthy boundaries, support children in ministry families, and handle expectations from congregations. Our guests offer practical wisdom about making tough choices when church and family needs conflict, and share how their approaches have evolved over years in ministry.The episode concludes with rapid-fire advice for pastors, their spouses, church staff, and congregations, along with valuable resource recommendations for ministry families. Join us for this insightful discussion about finding balance in the intersection of church leadership and family life.---In this episode we mention The Pastors' Wives Cohort from Anchored Virtual - an eight-week virtual program offering weekly teachings and counselor-led small groups, creating a supportive space to navigate ministry life together.For more information about the cohort visit www.anchoredvirtual.com/cohort---We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.---- Have you ever experienced the pain of church hurt? Whether it's disappointment caused by leaders, hurtful actions from fellow members, or wounds from the larger church community, these experiences can leave us wondering why we should stay. Join us for Finding Purpose and the Pain of Church Hurt, an auxiliary event at the Gospel Coalition Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.This special session will take place on Wednesday, April 23rd from 4:45 to 6 p. m. hosted by Anchored Virtual. Join Rebekah Hannah, Dr. Michael Keller, and Dr. Michael Kruger, as they explore how God can transform even the deepest wounds into growth, resilience, and renewed faith.Whether you're in the pew or the pulpit, this session will speak to anyone navigating the hard realities of church hurt. Join us online or in person. You can register now at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠anchoredvirtual.com/tgc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠