In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael is with guest, Betty-Anne Van Rees. Betty-Anne, a key member of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition, shares insights on using God's attributes, particularly God's all-seeing nature (El Roi), to guide counseling sessions. The conversation explores the significance of knowing God personally, using the story of Hagar from Genesis 16:1-14, and provides practical applications for counselors. The episode highlights the importance of helping counselees see God's care and encourages the use of the 'Counseling Through' resource for both personal growth and enhancing counseling methodologies.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:34 Betty-Anne's Background and Ministry

01:17 Counseling Through God's Attributes Miniseries

02:29 Focus on God's Attribute: El Roi, The All-Seeing

03:55 Application of Hagar's Story in Counseling

12:36 Reflection Questions and Practical Assignments

21:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Resources

Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC Res

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Mike sits down with Jesse Pirkle from Southern Hills Church in Carrollton, Georgia, to discuss the concept of God's immutability. They explore how understanding God's unchanging nature can be a powerful tool in counseling, especially for individuals struggling with assurance, doubt, and trust issues. Jesse shares insights from his own ministry and counseling experiences, emphasizing the importance of scripture, singing, and practical assignments in helping counselees grasp this theological attribute. This episode offers a valuable resource for counselors looking to integrate biblical truths into their sessions.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
00:49 Introducing the Miniseries on Counseling Through God's Attributes
01:58 Focusing on God's Immutability in Counseling
03:17 Scriptural Foundations of God's Immutability
04:11 Practical Applications in Counseling Sessions
10:35 Homework and Continued Learning
17:59 Engaging the Mind and Heart in Counseling
22:31 Addressing Assurance and Doubt in Counseling
25:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Mentions
Counseling through God's Attributes - ABC RES
Dark Clouds Deep Mercy - Mark Vroegop
Southern Hills Church - Jesse Pirkle

In this episode hosts, Mike and Shauna are joined by our special guest, Jesse Pirkle, Soul Care Pastor at SouthernHills Church to continue our mini-series, Counseling Through Bible Narratives Old Testament. Jesse Discusses how he uses his growth assignment of Jeremiah 2:11-13 to expose functional idolatry with counselees, both in-session, and out-of-session.

Episode Resource:
Counseling Through Bible Narratives - ABC RES

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Mike dives into the topic of narcissistic personality disorder within their ongoing mini-series on diagnostic and statistical diagnoses. Joined by Beth Claes, they explore the distinction between DSM-defined narcissistic personality disorder and general cultural narcissism. The discussion emphasizes the importance of viewing such psychological labels through a biblical lens, considering self-absorption and selfishness as challenges addressed by the gospel. The episode encourages believers to carefully navigate relationships with those displaying narcissistic behaviors, seeking wise counsel and fostering health and reconciliation in a Christ-centered manner.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:20 Narcissistic Personality Disorder Overview

01:10 Cultural vs. Clinical Narcissism

03:43 Biblical Perspective on Narcissism

05:37 Relational Dynamics and Narcissism

12:01 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Episode Mentions
Beth's Blog

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Shauna and Mike welcome Curtis and Jenny Solomon to discuss their new books, 'Redeem Your Marriage' and 'Reclaim Your Marriage.' The Solomons explore how their books address the impact of pornography on marriages, offering support for both the offending and hurt parties. They delve into the process of writing their books, sharing personal insights and struggles, and emphasize the importance of lament and genuine repentance. The discussion also covers practical advice for biblical counselors and pastors on how to use the books as resources for couples and even touches on parenting strategies to protect children from the influences of pornography.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Book Review Series Launch

00:48 Meet the Guests: Curtis and Jenny Solomon

01:09 Curtis Solomon's Background and Roles

02:11 Introducing Jenny Solomon

03:13 Discussing the Books: Redeem Your Marriage and Reclaim Your Marriage

04:17 Challenges and Joys of Writing

09:01 The Importance of Lament in Healing

11:06 Addressing Misconceptions: Don't Blame Yourself for His Sin

15:58 The Role of the Spouse as an Ally

19:34 Creating a Safe Home Environment

20:15 Parenting Tips for Navigating Digital Dangers

22:55 Engaging in Open Conversations with Children

24:16 The Importance of Both Parents in Sex Education

25:48 Teaching Modesty and Privacy to Children

27:24 Healthy Cross-Gender Relationships

31:08 Using the Book in Counseling and Church Settings

38:12 Writing the Book: Inspirations and Challenges

40:16 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Episode Mentions
Curtis's Book for Husbands
Jenny's Book for Wives

Lament References:
Dark Clouds Deep Mercy
God's Healing for Life's Lessons

Counseling & Consulting
Solomon Soul Care

Training & Equipping
Southern Seminary - Biblical Counseling Concentration Degree

In this engaging episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael and Shauna introduce and discuss the importance of biblical truths in counseling and discipleship. They welcome Andrew Dealy from Austin Stone Community Church, who elaborates on using scripture, specifically the story of Joseph from Genesis, to guide counseling practices. The conversation delves into themes of forgiveness, patience, and God's sovereignty in suffering, highlighting practical steps for counselors to apply in various scenarios. Andrew also shares insights about his roles in his church, training programs for counselors, and an upcoming podcast series focused on handling emotions biblically.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
00:32 Counseling Through Psalms and Collaboration
02:44 Introducing Andrew and His Roles
06:53 The Importance of Forgiveness in Counseling
07:14 Exploring Joseph's Story of Forgiveness
14:41 Practical Questions on Forgiveness
23:57 Joseph's Remarkable Response
24:47 Understanding Forgiveness
26:16 Counseling Through Suffering
28:06 The Role of Patience in Counseling
34:27 Defining People Beyond Their Wrongs
39:43 Practical Steps for Counselors

Episode Mentions
Counseling Through Bible Narratives

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth', Michael is joined with Peter Escue to discuss the pivotal role of the gospel in counseling, emphasizing its application in various life struggles. Covering part two of their 'Gospel in Counseling' series, they explore how biblical truths provide hope and guidance for individuals feeling the weight of the Christian life, uncertainty about salvation, bitterness, and more. They delve into issues like suffering, sin, lack of spiritual maturity, and the ever-present need for hope, guiding listeners on how to apply gospel principles skillfully and compassionately in counseling scenarios.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast

00:40 Recap of Gospel in Counseling Part One

02:09 Addressing the Challenges of Christian Life

04:19 Assurance of Salvation and Freedom in Christ

05:01 The Importance of Forgiveness

09:16 Spiritual Maturity and Sanctification

11:36 Understanding Suffering in the Christian Life

14:33 Understanding the Broken World and Personal Sin

15:11 The Importance of Applying Theology in Counseling

15:42 The Reality of Suffering and the Gospel

17:50 Hope in Christ Amidst Suffering

21:55 The Value of Individuals in God's Eyes

23:10 The Gospel's Call to Higher Goals and Changed Behavior

26:01 Summary and Encouragement for Counselors

Episode Mentions
The Gospel in Counseling Part 1

This episode of 'Speak the Truth' originally aired back in 2020 during the beginning of COVID and features an in-depth discussion on the methodology of biblical counseling. Hosts discuss the importance of examining desires, thoughts, emotions, and actions using a tool called 'The Heart of the Matter' series. Jeremy, joining via Bluetooth, explains this resource provided by the Association of Biblical Counselors, which helps counselees analyze their hearts through a biblical lens. Practical examples and guidelines are shared to aid counselors and discipleship leaders in guiding individuals toward a scriptural understanding of their responses and behaviors.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:53 Introducing the Topic: The Heart of the Matter Series

01:32 Nature vs. Nurture: A Biblical Perspective

02:36 The Heart's Role in Counseling

04:06 Using the Heart of the Matter Log

05:37 Counselor and Counselee Insights

07:25 Practical Applications and Examples

17:38 Understanding Desires and Idolatry

22:38 Habits and Their Impact on the Heart

25:04 Conclusion and Resources

Episode Mentions

• Equip U Series - Heart of the Matter Resource (This resource is available to ABC Members - if you're not a member, become one)
• A Theology of Christian Counseling - Jay Adams
• You Are What You Love - James K. A. Smith