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

In this episode of Speak the Truth, the hosts are reporting from Ontario at the Biblical Counseling Coalition Canada Conference. They highlight the pioneering efforts of individuals spearheading biblical counseling initiatives in Canada. Emily introduces Betty-Anne Van Rees, a biblical counseling pioneer from Cambridge, Ontario. Betty-Anne shares her journey into biblical counseling, originating from her personal trials and need for help after her husband's death. Her story speaks to the importance of the church's role in providing support and counseling through biblical teachings. The episode also discusses the interconnectedness of small churches in Canada, training initiatives, and the ongoing efforts to equip churches to better serve their communities.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
00:34 Conference Highlights and Pioneering Efforts in Canada
01:55 Betty-Anne Van Rees: A Journey into Biblical Counseling
03:30 The Impact of Personal Tragedy and Finding Help
04:58 Discovering Biblical Counseling and Its Importance
07:50 Challenges and Growth in Biblical Counseling
10:47 Mobilizing the Church in Canada
16:00 The Role of Training and Community Support
21:03 Encouragement and Closing Remarks

Episode Mentions
Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the team is joined by special guest, Dr. Jeemin Moon, professor and director of the Biblical Care and Counseling Ministry at Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge, ON. The conversation focuses on Heritage College's new bachelor's degree program and graduate certificate in biblical counseling, their partnership with the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC), and the implementation of the Equipped to Counsel (ETC) curriculum. They also highlight the impact and growth of biblical counseling education in Canada and discuss how individuals can get involved and benefit from these educational opportunities.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast

00:58 Special Guest Introduction: Dr. Jeemin Moon

01:20 Heritage College's Biblical Counseling Program

03:14 Partnership with ABC and Program Details

10:15 Encouragement for Future Biblical Counselors

14:27 Online and In-Person Course Options

15:29 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode Mentions:
Jeemin Moon Joins Heritage
Heritage College & Seminary

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael engages in a profound discussion with Mark Vroegop about his latest book, 'Waiting Isn't a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God and the Uncertainties of Life.'

Vroegop explains his motivation behind writing the book, emphasizing his struggle with waiting and the spiritual growth that comes from it. The conversation touches on the biblical importance of waiting, its role as a spiritual discipline, and how it can transform frustrating life gaps into opportunities for deeper faith. They also explore the idea of intentional waiting and how it can be strategic in both personal and pastoral contexts.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:23 Guest Introduction: Mark Vroegop
00:46 The Inspiration Behind 'Waiting Isn't a Waste'
02:01 The Spiritual Discipline of Waiting
03:50 Practical Applications of Waiting
08:20 Biblical Foundations of Waiting
12:13 Encouragement for Counselors and Pastors
16:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Mentions
Waiting isn't a Waste
YouTube Episode

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael interviews author Jonathan Holmes at the Biblical Counseling Coalition Canada Conference. They discuss Jonathan's latest book, 'Grounded in Grace,' which provides insight into helping children build their identity in Christ. The conversation covers the importance of parents proactively discipling their children in an age where external influences often shape identity. Jonathan emphasizes the significance of grounding identity in biblical truth, especially in light of societal challenges related to mental health, sexual orientation, and gender confusion. This practical guide is recommended for parents, youth leaders, and counselors.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Guest Introduction: Jonathan Holmes
00:41 Discussing 'Grounded in Grace'
02:42 Identity and Emotions in Kids
04:14 Core Areas of Identity Struggles
05:47 Parental Role in Identity Formation
07:35 Spiritual Warfare and Identity
09:27 Encouragement for Parents and Ministers
13:09 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

Episode Mentions
Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build their Identity in Christ
Jonathan's Amazon Page with All His Books

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' hosts Michael and Shauna are joined by special guest Paul Tautges at the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition Annual Conference. They discuss the themes of identity, sanctification, and counseling within the Christian faith. Paul shares insights from his latest book, 'Remade,' which emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ through three lenses: saint, sinner, and sufferer. The conversation covers the apostolic pattern of discipleship, the significance of talking to oneself, God, and others, and practical tips for pastoral care and counseling. Paul also hints at upcoming projects, including a new children's book and other works in progress.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:21 Special Guest Introduction: Paul Tautges

01:04 Conference and Book Discussion: 'Remade'

02:43 Paul's Writing Discipline and Ministry Insights

06:11 The Triple Lens Perspective in Counseling

11:28 Practical Applications and Reflections

20:52 Paul's Other Works and Resources

24:41 Conclusion and Farewell

Episode Mentions
REMADE
Counseling One Another
Anxiety - 31 Day Devotional
Paul's Amazon Page
Counselingoneanother.com