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 Welcome
00:27 Special Guest Introduction: Joseph Hussung
01:05 Joseph's Background and Experience
02:17 The Inspiration Behind 'Learning to Listen'
03:59 Book Structure: Purpose, Posture, and Practice of Listening
05:50 Connecting Love, Empathy, and Listening
08:09 The Impact of Sin on Listening
11:18 Jesus' Heart and Our Heart in Listening
11:53 Practical Listening Skills: The GRACE Acronym
14:39 Addressing Gaps in Listening
18:54 Active Listening and Responding
25:51 Conclusion and Book Promotion

Episode Mentions
Learning 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 Podcast
00:34 Special Guest: Matt King from Broom Tree Care
01:23 The Mission and Vision of Broom Tree Care
05:25 Matt King's Personal Testimony
09:38 The Darkest Moments and Finding Light
19:24 Hope and Healing: Resources and Contact Information
22:18 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Episode Mentions:
Broom Tree

Email 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 Greetings

00:41 Guest Introduction: Nathan Penny

00:48 Biblical Counseling Movement in Canada

03:24 Challenges and Isolation in Counseling

05:04 Conference and Resource Sharing

06:26 Equipping and Training at Hope Bible Church

09:40 Addressing Counseling Needs and Reevaluation

12:59 Creating a Culture of Care in the Church

14:00 Empowering Women in Ministry

14:40 The Power of Teamwork in Counseling

16:15 Training Together for Effective Ministry

18:19 Starting a Counseling Process

19:49 Vision for Biblical Counseling in Canada

25:07 The Importance of Health and Fitness for Ministry Leaders

27:23 Trusting God with Our Insufficiencies

28:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Episode Mentions
Hope Bible Church
Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition
Equipped to Counsel Curriculum