Speak The Truth

In this episode Michael interview's Richard and Shelly Wenschlag, founders of Encounter Ministries, at the ABC Conference 2024. They discuss their ministry's journey from its origins, aimed at fostering deep relationships and connecting individuals with Christ, to becoming a nonprofit organization. The conversation covers the challenges faced in sustaining the spiritual high post-retreat, the importance of vulnerability in fostering connections, and the expansion of their ministry to multiple states. Additionally, they highlight their upcoming marriage encounters and ongoing efforts to integrate deeper counseling support in partnership with local churches.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:24 Meet the Founders of Encounter Ministries01:12 The Origin and Mission of Encounter Ministries02:45 The Impact of Vulnerability and Relationship Building05:23 The Power of Testimony and Freedom in Christ10:05 Challenges and Growth in Encounter Ministries14:37 Post-Encounter Experience and Church Integration19:52 The Role of Counseling in Healing and Growth25:23 Marriage Encounter: Strengthening Relationships29:48 Final Thoughts and EncouragementEncounter Ministries Website and Events

In this episode of Speak the Truth, recorded at the 2024 Called to Council Conference at Doxology Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Michael joins biblical counselors David and Krista Dunham from Michigan. David, a pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church, and Krista, a private practice biblical counselor, discuss their journeys into ministry and counseling. They delve into topics including the theological perspective on addiction, the concept of worship disorders, and their book 'Table for Two' which addresses overcoming eating disorders. The episode also highlights Krista's experiences in setting up her counseling practice and their forthcoming book on power dynamics in marriage.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:32 Meet the Dunham's: David and Krista01:21 David's Journey into Pastoral Ministry03:35 Krista's Path to Biblical Counseling06:18 Writing 'Table for Two': A Personal Story11:05 Understanding Addictions: A Theological Perspective17:54 Encouragement for Aspiring Counselors19:54 Upcoming Projects and ConclusionEpisode Mentions: A Table for Two Cornerstone Baptist Church 

In this episode of the Speak the Truth, Michael interviews Josh Conwell, Executive Director of Counseling at DOXA Collective in Southeast Portland. Josh shares his personal journey from growing up in a Southern Baptist household to discovering a transformational biblical faith through significant life challenges. He discusses his educational experience at Southern Seminary, his decision-making process for finding a local church, and his transition to Portland. Josh touches on his passion for biblical counseling, detailing his methods for integrating scripture into his counseling practice to offer hope and healing. The conversation also addresses the cultural and spiritual dynamics Josh encounters in Portland, especially the challenges of ministering in a predominantly secular and relativistic environment. Finally, Josh offers advice to current seminarians about their future in ministry, emphasizing the importance of prayer, community, and proactive planning.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:30 Meet Josh Conwell: Executive Director of DOXA Counseling Collective 01:16 Josh's Journey to Biblical Counseling02:04 The Transformational Power of the Gospel06:31 Choosing a Church in Louisville10:21 From Louisville to Portland: A New Ministry13:27 Challenges and Opportunities in Portland21:39 Encouragement for Future Ministers24:51 Doxa Counseling Collective: Vision and Growth26:24 Conclusion and Contact InformationEpisode MentionsSouthern MDiv - Biblical Counseling DOXA Counseling Collective Third Avenue Baptist Church Clifton Baptist Church Hinson Baptist Church 

Experiencing Biblical Counseling with Kristin Silva LinderIn this episode of the 'Speak the Truth', the hosts welcome Kristin Silva Linder, a biblical counselor and writer based in Portland, Oregon. They discuss the joys and challenges of practicing biblical counseling in a region with fewer Christians compared to places like Texas. Kristin shares her journey into counseling, the cultural dynamics of Portland, and the importance of integrating biblical truths into counseling sessions. The conversation also highlights the significance of having supervision in counseling, as well as the necessity of spiritual disciplines among believers. Furthermore, Kristin talks about her contributions to the Journal of Biblical Counseling and how writing helps her sharpen her scriptural insights for counseling.Time Stamps00:26 Exploring Oregon's Unique Offerings01:03 The Best Sandwich in Oregon01:53 Weather and Scenery in Oregon02:14 Continuing the Made to Minister Conference Series02:31 Introducing Kristen Silva Linder03:58 Kristin's Journey into Biblical Counseling07:15 Challenges and Growth in Portland09:24 Biblical Counseling in Different Regions17:46 The Importance of Supervision in Counseling19:26 Exploring Biblical Themes in Counseling20:24 The Importance of Supervision in Counseling21:24 Challenges and Benefits of Supervision23:19 The Role of Humility in Counseling27:46 Writing for Biblical Counseling Journals31:08 Engaging Scripture Thematically in Counseling33:12 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines34:49 Navigating Counseling in a Humanistic Culture36:22 Final Thoughts and EncouragementEPISODE MENTIONSTaproot Restaurant Coping Strategies: How Christ Fully Accomplishes What Our Flawed Strategies Imperfectly Attempt Kristin Silva Publications CCEF Blog JBC Articles Logos edition of JBC Articles 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael and Shauna are joined with special guest, Beth Claes continuing in the miniseries from the Made to Minister Conference 2024. Beth shares her profound journey from being a licensed psychologist in New York to becoming a biblical counselor in Washington state. She discusses how personal struggles, including her mother's battle with cancer, led her to conform her Christian faith with her professional life. Beth details her transition from traditional psychology to biblical counseling, aligning her practice with her faith. She also talks about developing a biblical counseling ministry at her church, the growth and responses it has received, and the impact of her previous training on her current work.Episode Mentions:Beth's blog - Wrestled Faith New Heights Church where Beth Serves

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Dealy, Executive Director at the Austin Stone Counseling Center, and Jonathan Holmes, Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling, share their insights on integrating biblical counseling within local churches. They explore effective care models and the importance of supportive environments in nurturing healing. The duo underscores the need for community in the healing process and emphasizes that counseling can serve as a temporary 'rest stop' on one's journey of spiritual growth, benefiting both clients and counselors alike.

Emily Dempster, Director of Counseling Training at Salem Heights Church, shares her expertise on equipping local churches for effective counseling. She emphasizes starting small and growing gradually, highlighting real-life success stories that illustrate the impact of care ministries. The conversation delves into the transformative power of biblical counseling, encouraging church leaders to embrace community support and collaboration. Dempster's insights reveal how fostering a culture of compassion within churches can significantly enhance their counseling efforts.

In this enlightening discussion, Pete Potloff, executive pastor at Salem Heights Church, shares his expertise in overseeing their impactful counseling ministry. He highlights the importance of intensive discipleship and caring for one another, which have dramatically transformed both individuals and the church community. Pete encourages churches to start small in building a culture of care, emphasizing how such ministries can enhance community engagement and encourage personal heart transformation, ultimately serving as a catalyst for evangelism.

Justin Greene, Senior Pastor of Salem Heights Church, shares insights on the powerful intersection of biblical counseling and evangelism. He emphasizes how equipping church members with biblical truths can transform lives and strengthen communities. Greene highlights the unique role churches can play in mental health support, contrasting it with state resources. He also discusses the importance of genuine care in addressing societal challenges like addiction and how personal connections foster trust and outreach.

Tara Cox and Dave Hamlin, Counseling Care Coordinators at Salem Heights Church, share their transformative journeys in church leadership and counseling. They discuss the vital role of supporting counselors and the unique challenges they face. Emphasizing community and faith, Tara and Dave highlight the importance of care groups and teamwork in ministry. Their insight into adapting practices over time and creating safe spaces for counselors to connect is both encouraging and inspiring for church leaders looking to prioritize caregiver support.