Speak The Truth

In this episode of Speak the Truth, Mike sits down with Joseph Hussung, the Director of Ministry Partnerships and Recruitment at Fieldstone Counseling, to discuss his new book, 'Learning to Listen.' Released in late March, the book is a significant contribution to the biblical counseling community. Hussung explains his journey, professional background, and motivations for writing the book. The conversation delves into the book's structure, emphasizing the importance of listening, empathy, and connecting with others in a counseling setting. Key themes include the purpose, posture, and practicalities of listening, along with overcoming sin-induced barriers. Hussung also introduces his GRACE acronym—Gaze, Relax, Align, Connect, Engage—as a guideline for effective listening. He highlights practical ways to close the gaps in context, values, and perspectives between counselors and counselees. The episode concludes with tips for purchasing the book and a call for listeners to send in future topics for discussion.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:27 Special Guest Introduction: Joseph Hussung01:05 Joseph's Background and Experience02:17 The Inspiration Behind 'Learning to Listen'03:59 Book Structure: Purpose, Posture, and Practice of Listening05:50 Connecting Love, Empathy, and Listening08:09 The Impact of Sin on Listening11:18 Jesus' Heart and Our Heart in Listening11:53 Practical Listening Skills: The GRACE Acronym14:39 Addressing Gaps in Listening18:54 Active Listening and Responding25:51 Conclusion and Book PromotionEpisode MentionsLearning to Listen Book Fieldstone Counseling 

In this episode of Speak the Truth, Mike interviews Matt King, the executive director of Broom Tree Care, at the Biblical Counseling Coalition Canada Conference. The conversation centers on Broom Tree Care's mission to provide biblical counseling and resources to those in need. Matt shares his personal testimony of experiencing a life-altering medical crisis in 2019, which led him to a profound understanding of God's presence even in the darkest moments. The discussion explores the paradoxical nature of light and darkness in the biblical context, emphasizing that God uses both to shape and sanctify His followers. Matt also discusses the practical resources Broom Tree Care offers and extends an invitation for collaboration to expand their outreach.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:34 Special Guest: Matt King from Broom Tree Care01:23 The Mission and Vision of Broom Tree Care05:25 Matt King's Personal Testimony09:38 The Darkest Moments and Finding Light19:24 Hope and Healing: Resources and Contact Information22:18 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationEpisode Mentions:Broom TreeEmail Matt: info@broomtreecare.com 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the hosts discuss their experiences at Hope Bible Church in Oakville, Ontario and their participation in a biblical counseling conference. They are joined by Nathan Penny, Pastor of Soul Care Ministries at Hope Bible Church. The conversation revolves around the development and expansion of the biblical counseling movement in Canada, the current state of biblical counseling across Canadian provinces, and the importance of training and equipping leaders to create a sustainable care framework within churches. Nathan highlights the unique challenges and successes of implementing a biblical counseling culture in a large church and underscores the importance of teamwork, including the pivotal role of women in the ministry. The episode also touches on the broader vision of the Biblical Counseling Coalition in Canada to ensure local access to biblical care and counseling and the importance of personal health and fitness for ministry effectiveness.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:41 Guest Introduction: Nathan Penny00:48 Biblical Counseling Movement in Canada03:24 Challenges and Isolation in Counseling05:04 Conference and Resource Sharing06:26 Equipping and Training at Hope Bible Church09:40 Addressing Counseling Needs and Reevaluation12:59 Creating a Culture of Care in the Church14:00 Empowering Women in Ministry14:40 The Power of Teamwork in Counseling16:15 Training Together for Effective Ministry18:19 Starting a Counseling Process19:49 Vision for Biblical Counseling in Canada25:07 The Importance of Health and Fitness for Ministry Leaders27:23 Trusting God with Our Insufficiencies28:46 Final Thoughts and GratitudeEpisode MentionsHope Bible Church Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition Equipped to Counsel Curriculum 

In this episode of Speak the Truth, the hosts are reporting from Ontario at the Biblical Counseling Coalition Canada Conference. They highlight the pioneering efforts of individuals spearheading biblical counseling initiatives in Canada. Emily introduces Betty-Anne Van Rees, a biblical counseling pioneer from Cambridge, Ontario. Betty-Anne shares her journey into biblical counseling, originating from her personal trials and need for help after her husband's death. Her story speaks to the importance of the church's role in providing support and counseling through biblical teachings. The episode also discusses the interconnectedness of small churches in Canada, training initiatives, and the ongoing efforts to equip churches to better serve their communities.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:34 Conference Highlights and Pioneering Efforts in Canada01:55 Betty-Anne Van Rees: A Journey into Biblical Counseling03:30 The Impact of Personal Tragedy and Finding Help04:58 Discovering Biblical Counseling and Its Importance07:50 Challenges and Growth in Biblical Counseling10:47 Mobilizing the Church in Canada16:00 The Role of Training and Community Support21:03 Encouragement and Closing RemarksEpisode MentionsCanadian Biblical Counseling Coalition 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the team is joined by special guest, Dr. Jeemin Moon, professor and director of the Biblical Care and Counseling Ministry at Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge, ON. The conversation focuses on Heritage College's new bachelor's degree program and graduate certificate in biblical counseling, their partnership with the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC), and the implementation of the Equipped to Counsel (ETC) curriculum. They also highlight the impact and growth of biblical counseling education in Canada and discuss how individuals can get involved and benefit from these educational opportunities.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:58 Special Guest Introduction: Dr. Jeemin Moon01:20 Heritage College's Biblical Counseling Program03:14 Partnership with ABC and Program Details10:15 Encouragement for Future Biblical Counselors14:27 Online and In-Person Course Options15:29 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationEpisode Mentions: Jeemin Moon Joins Heritage Heritage College & Seminary 

Mark Vroegop, author of 'Waiting Isn't a Waste', shares his personal journey of grappling with waiting as a spiritual discipline. He emphasizes the importance of patience in today's fast-paced world and explores how waiting can foster deeper faith and trust in God. The conversation dives into the biblical significance of waiting, turning life's frustrating pauses into opportunities for spiritual growth. Vroegop also offers practical insights for counselors and pastors on how to guide others through the uncertainties of life with faith.

In this insightful conversation, Jonathan Holmes, author of 'Grounded in Grace' and counselor, shares expert advice on helping children form their identities in Christ. He emphasizes the vital role parents play in proactively guiding their kids amidst today's societal pressures. The discussion highlights the importance of grounding identity in biblical truth, especially when faced with challenges like mental health and gender confusion. Jonathan offers practical strategies for nurturing faith and resilience in children, encouraging meaningful spiritual engagement.

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' hosts Michael and Shauna are joined by special guest Paul Tautges at the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition Annual Conference. They discuss the themes of identity, sanctification, and counseling within the Christian faith. Paul shares insights from his latest book, 'Remade,' which emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ through three lenses: saint, sinner, and sufferer. The conversation covers the apostolic pattern of discipleship, the significance of talking to oneself, God, and others, and practical tips for pastoral care and counseling. Paul also hints at upcoming projects, including a new children's book and other works in progress.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:21 Special Guest Introduction: Paul Tautges 01:04 Conference and Book Discussion: 'Remade'02:43 Paul's Writing Discipline and Ministry Insights06:11 The Triple Lens Perspective in Counseling11:28 Practical Applications and Reflections20:52 Paul's Other Works and Resources24:41 Conclusion and FarewellEpisode MentionsREMADE  Counseling One Another Anxiety - 31 Day Devotional Paul's Amazon Page Counselingoneanother.com 

Beth Claes, Counseling Director at New Heights Church, shares her journey from secular psychology to biblical counseling. She answers common questions about educational paths and career prospects in this field. Beth emphasizes the importance of integrating biblical counseling within the church and describes the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles. The conversation highlights the potential for personalized ministry amid a mental health crisis and how churches can foster a culture of care and connection.

Exploring Union with Christ: Implications for Counseling and BeyondIn this episode of Speak the Truth, Michael engages with Jason Kovacs from the Gospel Care Collective at the 2025 Made to Minister Conference. They discuss the transformative power of knowing Christ, focusing on the foundational truths of Biblical Counseling, particularly the doctrine of Union with Christ and its implications for counseling. Kovacs shares insights about his ministry, the importance of Christ's presence in our lives, and how understanding our union with Christ can bring hope and perseverance in the counseling process. The conversation delves into the challenges and theological depths of suffering, providing encouragement for both counselors and counselees.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:34 Guest Introduction: Jason Kovacs00:54 Foundational Truths for Biblical Counseling02:26 Union with Christ: Personal Insights03:57 Implications of Union with Christ in Counseling09:10 The Counselor's Perspective11:49 The Role of Suffering and Hope in Counseling22:03 Final Thoughts and ConclusionEpisode MentionsGospel Care Collective Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition