Speak The Truth

This episode of the Speak the Truth podcast, with special guest, Beth Claes, focuses on understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) through a biblical framework. They discuss the prevalence of anxiety in modern culture and how GAD is often a catch-all diagnosis for persistent anxiety not tied to specific situations. The hosts emphasize the importance of engaging with people who have these psychological labels and how to think about anxiety from a Christian perspective. Beth introduces the symptoms of GAD and explains how the Bible provides a complex and compassionate view of fearing emotions like anxiety, more than just physiological or experiential explanations. The conversation highlights the need to not merely rely on psychological descriptors but to incorporate biblical truths in addressing mental health issues. Listeners are encouraged to confront and understand their anxiety through reliance on God, fostering a more holistic approach to counseling in the church.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:2

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael and special guest Beth Claes, a Counseling Director and biblical counselor, delve into the topic of codependency. Beth shares her insights from a background in psychology and biblical counseling, discussing how codependency manifests in relationships and how it is not a diagnosable disorder in the DSM. They explore the biblical framework for understanding codependency, identifying it as a form of 'fear of man' and misplaced identity. The conversation extends to practical advice on dealing with codependency within various relationships, emphasizing the importance of setting healthy boundaries and finding one's identity in God. Join them as they unpack the complexities of codependency and its implications for biblical counseling.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:24 Introducing Special Guest Beth Claes 01:27 Understanding Codependency03:58 Biblical Perspective on Codependency04:48 Addressing Codependency in Relationships13:00 Challenges in Labeling and Misconceptions1

In this episode, Mike is joined by special guest, Robert Cheong from Gospel Care Ministries to discuss various gaps in church discipleship and ministry, emphasizing the importance of personal and communal abiding in Christ. They highlight the 'faith gap' where individuals lack confidence in living out the gospel, and how it affects church programs, community, and leadership. Robert outlines personal challenges categorized into gaps in people's stories, hearts, and wants, which contribute to these faith gaps. The solution proposed focuses on prioritizing personal and communal abiding in Christ, which fuels life and forms ministry. Practical tips for addressing these issues in local churches are provided, with a call for churches to reimagine their ministry approaches around abiding in Christ.Fall Hybrid Class Beginning in October 2024Virtual Class: Level 1 Enrollment with Truth Renewed - Enroll TodayEpisode LinksGospel Care MinistriesLast podcast with Robert CheongLatest TGC Blog W/Robert Cheong: Pastor, Are t

In this episode, host Mike discusses a unique opportunity for listeners to join Truth Renewed's hybrid Level One Certification class. He introduces a special guest, Rob Rodriguez from Encounter Ministries, who elaborates on his new eight-week marriage program. Rodriguez, a doctoral student and Director of Biblical Counseling, shares insights about his book and workbook that focus on fostering hope, influence, and fidelity in marriages. He also highlights the upcoming marriage encounter event in Lake Tahoe and how listeners can access these resources and join the program.Episode Resources Truth Renewed Level 1 Certification in September Harmony In Marriage - Amazon Encounter Ministries 00:00 Introduction and Invitation00:48 Welcome to Speak the Truth Podcast01:12 Introducing Rob Rodriguez and Encounter Ministries01:57 Harmony in Marriage: Book and Resources04:52 Deep Dive into Marriage Topics08:21 Facilitator Guide and Group Dynamics14:34 Upcoming Classes and Final Thoughts

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 Certification00:48 Welcome to the Podcast01:23 Special Guests: Michael Snetzer and Brett Smith03:11 Michael Snetzer's Journey and Gospel Recovery Network05:00 Brett Smith's S

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 Certification00:48 Welcome to the Podcast01:09 Conference Highlights and Special Guest Introduction01:36 Deep Dive into Psalm 2502:24 Trusting God Through Life's Uncertainties03:07 Experiencing God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness09:35 Encouragement in the Word and Community11:15 The Importance of Opening the Word14:52 Abiding in Christ and Walking Together19:17 The Beauty of the Psalms20:51 Conclusion and Listener EngagementEpisode 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 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

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 Proj

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 M

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

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 ChurchIn 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 st

In this episode Michael and Shauna are joined by special guest, Emily Dempster from Salem Heights Church in Salem Oregon discussing the importance of equipping local churches to provide biblical counseling in their communities. They talk about their experiences in training and supporting other churches, emphasizing the significance of starting small and growing over time. They share insights on the duration of training, the impact of care ministry, and the transformative nature of learning to apply the gospel in practical ways.

In this episode Michael is joined by special guest, Pete Potloff, executive pastor at Salem Heights Church, discussing the growth and impact of the counseling ministry within Salem Heights Church. They emphasize the importance of intensive discipleship, one another care, and how the ministry has transformed both individuals and the church community. They encourage starting small to initiate change and build a culture of care within the church.

In this episode Michael is joined by Justin Greene, senior pastor of Salem Heights Church to discuss the transformational impact of viewing biblical counseling as a form of evangelistic ministry, emphasizing how equipping individuals in the church with biblical truths leads to profound changes in lives and communities.Episode MentionsEpisode 30 W/Pastor Justin 

In this episode Michael is joined with special guests, Dave Hamlin and Tara Cox, Counseling Care Coordinators at Salem Heights church. They discuss their individual journeys leading to their current roles, the challenges and rewards of counseling ministry, and the importance of supporting and encouraging counselors. They emphasize the need to start small, adapt over time, and provide a space for counselors to process and connect with each other. The script aims to encourage and inspire other church leaders to prioritize care for their counselors.Episode MentionsSalem Heights Church

In this episode, host, Mike Van Dyke kicks off the new miniseries on prioritizing care in the local church with special guest, Daniel Starnes by discussing the process of establishing a care ministry within the church. They cover topics such as the importance of care within the church, the journey of developing biblical counseling, challenges faced, the role of liability and insurance, and the overall significance and impact of care ministries in nurturing and supporting church members.Episode ResourcesLiability Insurance for Counseling Ministries - Brotherhood Mutual

In this episode the hosts continue the mini-series on social anxiety disorder. Mike and Jeremy discuss the intersection of sin and suffering, emphasizing the importance of including the physiological aspects of anxiety in counseling. They explore the idea of using the body as an act of worship and share examples from Scripture to illustrate the faithfulness of God in the face of anxiety. The hosts encourage counselors to recognize the honor and beauty of their role in helping people navigate through the struggle of anxiety.Episode Resources Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Love Others as God Loves Us - Michael Emlet Watch Us on YouTubeWatch these episodes on YouTube Interested in Level 1 Certification W/The Association of Biblical Counselors?Truth Renewed Ministries 

In this episode, The hosts talk about the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder and explore how the fear of God can be integrated into the counseling process. They also discuss the importance of understanding God's presence, his role as a refuge, and the reconditioning of thoughts and behaviors. Additionally, they mention using a motivation log to help individuals suffering from social anxiety gather data and identify underlying emotions and desires.Episode ResourcesABC Resources (Need to be a member to access the resource mentioned in the episode)Christians Guide to Psychological TermsWhen People are Big and God is Small For more information on becoming a certified biblical counselor, please visit Truth Renewed

In this episode, the hosts begin our new miniseries on social anxiety disorder. They provide an overview of the topic, discuss the cultural perspective of social anxiety disorder, and talk about their experiences with people who struggle with social anxiety. They also briefly touch on the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and its role in diagnosing mental health conditions. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding social anxiety disorder through a biblical lens and plan to explore the topic further in future episodes.Episode Transcript