In this episode, Mike announces an invitation to participate in Truth Renewed's hybrid certification class and introduces special guests Michael Snetzer and Brett Smith. They discuss the Gospel Recovery Network and its 'Steps' program, a comprehensive discipleship and recovery curriculum. Michael shares his journey in developing the program, its roots in Celebrate Recovery, and its eventual transformation. Brett adds his personal experiences with 'Steps' and its impact on his faith and ministry. They delve into the unique aspects of the program, emphasizing its theological foundation and practical application, along with its evangelistic potential. The episode also highlights the program's availability for licensing and training for churches, aiming to provide robust gospel-centered recovery solutions.

00:00 Introduction and Invitation to Certification
00:48 Welcome to the Podcast
01:23 Special Guests: Michael Snetzer and Brett Smith
03:11 Michael Snetzer's Journey and Gospel Recovery Network
05:00 Brett Smith's Story and Connection to Michael
11:49 Steps Program: Origins and Evolution
14:59 Steps Program: Structure and Impact
26:34 Evangelistic Potential of Steps
28:18 How to Get Involved with Gospel Recovery Network
32:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode Resources
Citizens Church - Steps
Gospel Recovery Network
Charles Simeon Trust

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth', Mike is joined by guest Robert Cheong from Gospel Care Ministries, as he delves into his meditations on Psalm 25. They explore themes of trusting God, experiencing His steadfast love and faithfulness, and the importance of scripture in personal spiritual growth and church leadership. They emphasize the significance of abiding in Christ, sharing biblical insights with others, and finding comfort in God's Word through life's challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Invitation to Certification

00:48 Welcome to the Podcast

01:09 Conference Highlights and Special Guest Introduction

01:36 Deep Dive into Psalm 25

02:24 Trusting God Through Life's Uncertainties

03:07 Experiencing God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness

09:35 Encouragement in the Word and Community

11:15 The Importance of Opening the Word

14:52 Abiding in Christ and Walking Together

19:17 The Beauty of the Psalms

20:51 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Episode Resources
Gospel Care Ministries

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 Podcast

00:24 Meet the Founders of Encounter Ministries

01:12 The Origin and Mission of Encounter Ministries

02:45 The Impact of Vulnerability and Relationship Building

05:23 The Power of Testimony and Freedom in Christ

10:05 Challenges and Growth in Encounter Ministries

14:37 Post-Encounter Experience and Church Integration

19:52 The Role of Counseling in Healing and Growth

25:23 Marriage Encounter: Strengthening Relationships

29:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Encounter 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 Podcast

00:32 Meet the Dunham's: David and Krista

01:21 David's Journey into Pastoral Ministry

03:35 Krista's Path to Biblical Counseling

06:18 Writing 'Table for Two': A Personal Story

11:05 Understanding Addictions: A Theological Perspective

17:54 Encouragement for Aspiring Counselors

19:54 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion

Episode 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 Podcast

00:30 Meet Josh Conwell: Executive Director of DOXA Counseling Collective

01:16 Josh's Journey to Biblical Counseling

02:04 The Transformational Power of the Gospel

06:31 Choosing a Church in Louisville

10:21 From Louisville to Portland: A New Ministry

13:27 Challenges and Opportunities in Portland

21:39 Encouragement for Future Ministers

24:51 Doxa Counseling Collective: Vision and Growth

26:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode Mentions
Southern MDiv - Biblical Counseling
DOXA Counseling Collective
Third Avenue Baptist Church
Clifton Baptist Church
Hinson Baptist Church

Experiencing Biblical Counseling with Kristin Silva Linder

In 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 Stamps

00:26 Exploring Oregon's Unique Offerings

01:03 The Best Sandwich in Oregon

01:53 Weather and Scenery in Oregon

02:14 Continuing the Made to Minister Conference Series

02:31 Introducing Kristen Silva Linder

03:58 Kristin's Journey into Biblical Counseling

07:15 Challenges and Growth in Portland

09:24 Biblical Counseling in Different Regions

17:46 The Importance of Supervision in Counseling

19:26 Exploring Biblical Themes in Counseling

20:24 The Importance of Supervision in Counseling

21:24 Challenges and Benefits of Supervision

23:19 The Role of Humility in Counseling

27:46 Writing for Biblical Counseling Journals

31:08 Engaging Scripture Thematically in Counseling

33:12 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines

34:49 Navigating Counseling in a Humanistic Culture

36:22 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

EPISODE MENTIONS
Taproot 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

Integrating Biblical Counseling in the Local Church

In this episode Mike and special guests, Jonathan Holmes and Andrew Dealy, focuses on integrating biblical counseling within local churches. Hosted without his co-host, Mike is at the made administer conference, featuring guests Jonathan Holmes of Fieldstone Counseling and Andrew Dealy of the Austin Stone Counseling Center. They discuss the importance of biblical counseling in churches, their personal journeys into counseling within a church context, and practical aspects of setting up and running counseling centers that are both clinically sound and deeply rooted in gospel principles. The podcast also touches on the challenges of maintaining a robust partnership between counseling centers and churches, ensuring community integration for those counseled, and how they care for their counselors. Key insights include the necessity of a community in healing, the value of counselors sharing their own struggles, and the concept of counseling as a temporary 'rest stop' on a longer journey of spiritual growth and community integration.

Episode Links
Jonathan's Books