Speak The Truth

Michael interviews Adam Westlake, a worship leader and biblical counselor, about using music and singing as a growth assignment in counseling. Westlake describes singing as “integrative work” that aligns what believers know and feel, citing Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5 on singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and discussing James’ connection between suffering, prayer, and cheerful singing. They argue singing is often under-practiced outside Sunday services yet can help sufferers express truth “slant,” foster solidarity, and provide “portable theology” the Spirit brings to mind. They address concerns about emotional manipulation, emphasizing tethering emotion to what is true about Jesus, and note the value of varied song forms. Westlake shares a daily text-based devotional, “Sing,” and the episode ends with him leading the doxology.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:37 Meet Adam Westlake01:04 Why Singing Matters04:53 Singing in Suffering07:39 Worship Leading and Counseling09:56 Emotion and Worship13:26 Music as Homework17:22 Daily Sing Devotional19:41 Doxology and FarewellEpisode MentionsRegister Now for the 2026 Called to Counsel Conference All My Questions - Bethany Bernard (Spotify) Sing - Daily Devotional with the Worship Initiative Adam Westlake Counseling

Michael previews a 2026 “Understanding Emotions” track with track leader Brad Hambrick, focused on anger, bitterness, and pride. Hambrick shares his roles as pastor of counseling at The Summit Church and assistant professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and introduces the track team: Jeremy Pierre, Shannon MCCoy, and Andrew Dealy. The track aims to provide deep, practical biblical theology, emphasize how sinful emotions distort good God-given purposes, and help counselors cultivate self-awareness in those who deny their struggles. Session topics include Pierre on flesh and spirit and how distortions occur; Dealy on counseling pride and developing humble confidence; Hambrick on recognizing sinful anger and pursuing “constructive displeasure of mercy”; MCCoy on identifying bitterness and moving toward healthy lament; and a concluding Pierre-led discussion with possible audience questions. 00:00 Podcast Welcome01:03 Meet Brad Hambrick02:49 Why This Emotions Track03:02 Anger Pride Bitterness Framework04:46 Session Lineup Overview07:01 Conference Details and WrapEpisode MentionsResister Now

Michael interviews track leader Greg Wilson about the “Hidden Abuse” track at the ABC (Called to Counsel) conference at Doxology Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Wilson, a Dallas–Fort Worth biblical and licensed counselor who leads Soul Care Associates, introduces the track team: Chris Moles (PeaceWorks), Kirsten Christianson (Bethlehem Baptist Church), and Tim St. John (counseling pastor in Southern California). The track’s objective is to help attendees recognize coercive control and other abuse that is often hidden in relationships, and to respond in ways that honor the Lord and help both victims and perpetrators. Wilson outlines eight sessions: fear in hidden abuse; identifying coercive behavior patterns; helping victims; two sessions on perpetrators and God’s kingdom; two sessions on how coercive control thrives in churches and how churches can resist it; and a concluding Q&A panel. The track will use a case study (“Sarah”) from the Peace Interrupted podcast.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:19 Meet Greg Wilson01:29 Hidden Abuse Track01:52 Greg's Background02:56 Track Team06:23 Why Hidden Abuse08:45 Who Track Helps10:37 Eight Session Overview15:35 Q and A Panel16:38 Sarah Case Study18:34 Register and ClosingEpisode MentionsRegister for the ABC 2026 Called to Counsel Conference When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church - Wilson & PierreThe Heart of Domestic Abuse: Gospel Solutions for Men Who Use Control and Violence in the Home - Moles Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse: A Guide toward Protection, Refuge, and Hope - Moles, Christianson, Wilson, and OthersThe Path to Peace: A 90-Day Journey from Control to Christ-Like Love - Moles (Men of Peace Devotional) Sarah's Story - Peace Interrupted Youtube ChannelChrismoles.org

On the Speak the Truth podcast, the host interviews pastor and SoulCare Consulting International leader Lee Lewis about developing a culture of biblical care in local churches. Lewis argues that care must extend beyond Sunday services and formal counseling to include ongoing one-another ministry, preventative care, and equipping rhythms, with elders casting and sustaining the vision. He highlights common challenges such as siloed ministries, dependence on professionals, and unsustainable pastor-centered models, pointing to biblical patterns like Ephesians 4, Matthew 28, Exodus 18, Acts 6, and 2 Timothy 2:2. Lewis explains SoulCare’s “Transformed” training continuum (T1–T6) from mutual care and small group leadership through coaching, pastoral care, and formal/intensive counseling, including tools like an SOS triage matrix. The episode also describes SoulCare’s church “360” assessment and multi-year roadmap to contextualize and scale care.00:00 Road Trip Intro00:24 Meet Lee Lewis00:57 Why Culture Matters04:33 One Another Rhythms08:38 Elders Cast Vision09:48 Scalability Exodus 1811:34 From Concept to Tools13:07 Discipleship Continuum13:26 Transformed Framework13:32 T1 Mutual Care14:23 T2 Small Group Leaders15:11 T3 Coaching Model15:46 T4 Pastoral Care16:10 T5-T6 Counseling Track16:31 Soul Care Continuum17:02 360 Health Assessment19:01 Roadmap and Scaling20:01 Case Study Success21:32 Relational Progressions23:44 Reclaiming Counseling25:16 Final EncouragementEpisode MentionsMade to Minister Conference 2025 - Lee's HandoutSoul Care Consulting International Discipleship Continuum (T2 Material)

This episode of Speak the Truth previews the Pastors and Church Leadership track for the 2026 Call to Council Conference (April 23–25, Fort Worth, Texas, at Doxology Bible Church) through a conversation with track leader Robert Cheong, executive director of Gospel Care Ministries and former pastor of care at Sojourn Church Midtown. Cheong explains the track was born from pastors feeling overwhelmed by counseling resources and uncertain how counseling fits with broader ministry responsibilities. He introduces the track team—Garrett Higbee, Dwayne Bond, Joe Keller, and Cheong—highlighting their extensive ministry experience. The objective is to help pastors and leaders grow in confidence in applying the gospel to personal life, shepherding and ministry issues, and leadership challenges, with Q&A after sessions and a final panel. The track aims to encourage weary leaders and serve pastors, church leaders, and non-counselor attendees.00:00 Welcome and Conference Intro01:08 Meet Robert Cheong01:47 Why This Track Exists03:37 Pastors and Leaders Track Overview03:53 Track Team Lineup05:47 Track Objectives and Format07:25 What Youll Learn in Practice08:33 Who This Track Is For11:39 Register and ClosingEpisode MentionsRegister for the Pastors & Church Leadership Track Check out Gospel Care Ministries - Robert Cheong Soul Care Consulting - Garrett Higbee Proximus Group - Dwayne Bond

In this bonus episode of Speak the Truth, Michael welcome's Pete Potloff to introduce a new track for the 2026 Call to Counsel conference: “Counseling Through Colossians.” They reflect on recording at Salem Heights since 2019 and share plans for remodeling space into a counseling center and future training facilities. Pete explains that the track will walk expositionally through the four chapters of Colossians to show how to counsel from a full book of the Bible rather than topically, aiming to help attendees rightly handle Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15). Track speakers include Pete Potloff, Lee Lewis, Jonathan Holmes, and Nathan Scroggins, and sessions will include case studies and suggested homework, covering themes like Christ’s preeminence, godly wisdom, avoiding legalism, renewed mindset, and the Christ-ruled life.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:24 Reunion and Memories01:19 Church Growth Plans02:06 New Colossians Track03:08 Meet the Speakers03:58 Practical Workshop Format05:19 Session Topics Overview06:58 Who Should Attend08:21 Register and ClosingEpisode MentionsRegister for the Counseling Through Colossians

In this episode of Speak the Truth, Michael interviews Chris Minott, Director of Soul Care and Biblical Counseling at Summit Church in Fort Myers, Florida, about codependency within ongoing discussions of trauma. Minott explains codependency’s cultural origin in the late 1970s around addiction-affected relationships and defines it as overly responsible, controlling, identity-seeking behavior that continues even when the addict recovers. She frames codependency biblically as relational idolatry and fear of man, drawing on Ed Welch’s When People Are Big and God Is Small, and describes manifestations such as people-pleasing, caretaking, rescuing, and helpless-victim patterns. Using Galatians 6:1–5, she distinguishes burden-bearing from carrying one’s own load, offers tools to clarify responsibility versus concern and entrusting concerns to God, emphasizes God’s attributes, and points to Jesus’ example (including Lazarus) for compassionate, truth-filled love.00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup00:49 Meet Chris Minott03:37 What Codependency Means04:44 Cultural Roots and Heart Issues09:39 Common Codependency Patterns14:03 Burden Bearing vs Enabling16:16 Tools for Healthy Boundaries23:07 Jesus as the Model25:07 Final Thanks and Wrap UpEpisode MentionsCounseling Codependency Handout - Chris Minott

The episode of Speak the Truth previews the new Practical Theology track at the Call to Council Conference (April 23–25, 2026) at Doxology Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas, featuring host Michael and guest Nathan Penney, Pastor of Soul Care Ministries at Hope Bible Church in Oakville (Toronto area). Nathan describes his ministry overseeing counseling and discipleship, then explains the track’s objective: working through the first seven questions of the ABC Level 2 theology exam using a “head, heart, hands” approach that defines doctrine, shares personal transformation, and applies truth to counseling and discipleship. The team includes Shanda Anderson and Jason Kovacs (a Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition board member). Sessions cover sufficiency of Scripture, God’s revelation (including applied revelation), incommunicable and communicable attributes, names of God, the will/sovereignty/providence of God, the Trinity, and an eighth-session Q&A panel, emphasizing accessibility for both Level 2 students and all Christians.00:00 Welcome and Mission00:53 Meet Nathan Penney01:14 Soul Care Ministry Context02:17 Conference Connection and Sabbatical03:03 Why This Track Matters04:01 Practical Theology Objective06:23 Track Team and Audience08:23 Who Should Attend10:38 Session Breakdown Overview10:56 Sessions One to Three14:29 Sessions Four to Eight18:42 Making Theology Street Level20:59 Final Invitation and WrapEpisode MentionsRegister for the Conference

Mike interviews Emily, director of certification training at ABC, as the track leader for the Fundamentals of Biblical Counseling Methods at the Call to Council conference. Emily explains the track’s purpose for online and newer counselors, those in Level One, and others exploring biblical counseling methods, and outlines sessions that move from a theology of care in the church through beginning, middle, and ending counseling sessions. Speakers include Dan Ghramm on theology of care and using the Bible’s story “from Garden to Glory,” Emily on starting well and ending well, Chris Minott on unpacking a counselee’s story and dynamics of the heart, and Shauna on the character of God and sharing Scripture in counseling. The track ends with a panel applying the methods to a case study, with several new lessons from last year.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:28 Emily Joins In01:19 Emily’s Role at ABC02:00 Why This Track Matters02:41 Track Overview and Flow02:51 Theology of Care04:08 Starting Well Sessions04:28 Garden to Glory Framework04:59 Unpacking the Story05:37 Heart Dynamics and Change05:51 God’s Character and Scripture06:29 Ending Well and Case Panel07:33 Register and Final InviteEpisode MentionsRegister Now

Front Lines Ministries: Strengthening Missionaries Through Church-Centered Biblical CounselingIn this “Speak the Truth” episode Mike interviews Danny Falcone, a lay elder at Delray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and leader of Front Lines Ministries’ training and equipping. Danny explains Front Lines’ mission to help churches strengthen missionary care and extend faithful years on the field through heart-focused, church-centered training, counseling, and consulting, responding to high missionary attrition and preventable issues like team conflict and spiritual or emotional struggles. He describes their counseling approach that involves sending or field churches, work with missionaries and indigenous pastors in regions including Africa, China, and the Middle East/North Africa, and plans to launch a care-and-equipping platform with dashboards, care notes, and training pipelines for missions, member care, and pastoral internships. He shares how to connect via flmin.org, give financially, and pray for wisdom and Christ-centered endurance.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:35 Meet Danny Falcone01:17 Danny’s Family and Ministry01:56 Why Front Lines Exists03:20 Heart Focused Missionary Care05:12 Care Dashboard Platform06:29 Training Pipelines and Member Care09:24 Where They Serve Globally11:17 How to Support Front Lines12:35 Partnerships and Resource Library14:21 Prayer Needs and Vision16:20 Closing Encouragement and FarewellEpisode MentionsFrontlines Ministries

Mike is joined virtually by Jeremy Lelek to preview his Call to Council conference track on biblically unpacking mental health diagnoses. Jeremy explains the objective of engaging intimidating DSM categories by describing them from a psychiatric perspective while bringing Scripture to bear on what to do and how to interpret struggles through a biblical anthropology that includes spiritual realities without ignoring physiological and empirical data. The track will cover PTSD, borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD and scrupulosity, and bipolar disorder, with sessions led by Beth Claes, Dr. Nate Brooks, and Dr. Matthew Lapine. They aim to equip licensed professionals, pastors, and laypeople with practical tools and confidence that God’s Word speaks comprehensively to these issues.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:21 Meet Jeremy Lelek00:43 Track Overview02:06 DSM and Scripture03:28 Diagnoses Covered04:20 Track Team Spotlight07:41 Why This Matters08:21 Church Lens on Labels09:46 Biblical Anthropology10:59 Who Should Attend12:32 Final InvitationEpisode MentionsRegister for the Mental Health Track

In this bonus episode of Speak the Truth, Michael introduces John Henderson to preview the Trauma Track for the Call to Counsel Conference 2026, led by Henderson alongside Darby Strickland and Curtis Solomon. They describe the track’s aim of equipping counselors to bring compassionate, patient, gospel-centered ministry to men and women suffering trauma, emphasizing deep healing that requires biblical wisdom and a robust view of the person as an embodied soul made in God’s image. The eight sessions include biblical anthropology of trauma, defining trauma and its development, describing and entering the sufferer’s world, remembering/reliving/retelling and reinterpreting through Scripture, grief and lament, guilt and shame and God’s covering in Christ, and a closing Q&A. The track is presented as culturally and personally relevant and intended to demystify trauma while fostering dependence on God’s grace, Spirit, and Word.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:19 Bonus Episode Setup00:33 Trauma Track Purpose01:38 Session 1 Biblical Anthropology01:55 Session 2 Defining Trauma02:12 Sessions 3-4 Entering Their World02:44 Session 5 Retelling the Story03:23 Sessions 6-7 Lament and Shame04:17 Session 8 Q&A Wrap Up04:34 Why This Track Matters05:56 Demystifying Trauma Counseling06:55 Hope in Christ and Scripture07:32 Final Invitation to 2026Register Now

Recorded at the Biblical Counseling Coalition Global Summit, Michael interviews New Zealanders Darryl Burling and Jason Winslade about advancing biblical counseling and missions in New Zealand. Darryl founded the New Zealand Biblical Counseling Association (NZBCA) in 2017 and says it is being rebuilt with new board members and a renewed, context-sensitive approach rather than importing an American system. Winslade a Christchurch pastor, describes developing biblical counseling in his church, launching New Zealand’s first biblical counseling center (Hope Counseling Center), and joining the NZBCA board to strengthen national reach across both islands. They explain NZBCA’s virtual structure, speaker/workshop requests, volunteer opportunities, and a national counseling request process that routes people to certified counselors or seasoned pastors. They announce two 2027 conferences: March in Christchurch with Jim Fain and September in Auckland with Stuart Scott, emphasizing equipping local churches to reclaim soul care and use counseling evangelistically.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:58 Meet Darrell and Jason03:39 NZBCA Vision and Context05:43 Nationwide Structure and Travel07:24 Request Speakers and Workshops09:09 Conferences and Guest Speakers11:26 Volunteering and Church Support13:14 Counseling Requests and Local Hubs16:20 Why Counseling Belongs in Church18:46 Final Thanks and Next StepsEpisode MentionsNZBCA Hope Counseling Center

Biblical Counseling Africa: Equipping the Church for Gospel-Centered Care in South Africa and BeyondRecorded on the road at the Biblical Counseling Coalition Global Summit, this Speak the Truth podcast episode features interviews with Kyle Johnston and Jane Kratz from Cape Town, South Africa, about their ministry contexts and the growth of Biblical Counseling Africa. Jane shares how her husband’s death in 2012 led her to pursue a theologically rich approach to grief and loss, moving from prior psychology studies to biblical counseling training through ABC’s Equipped to Counsel material and later studying at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, with additional church experience in Texas before returning to South Africa. Kyle, an ordained minister at Gracefield Church in Fish Hoek, explains how pastoral ministry exposed a gap between confident pulpit preaching and applying Scripture in complex, conversational counseling situations; this led him to training through Wayne Mack’s curriculum in South Africa and a master’s degree at The Master’s University in Los Angeles (2012), while continuing to prioritize pastoral care and counseling in church life.They discuss why they remain committed to serving in Africa despite opportunities elsewhere, noting both the significant needs in Cape Town and South Africa and the mission field created by migration from other African nations. They describe cultural observations, including hospitality and the value of contextual ministry shaped by South Africa’s historical experience, including navigating multicultural ministry after apartheid.Kyle outlines how Biblical Counseling Africa began in part to make CCEF training more accessible and affordable in their context and to expand beyond South Africa through online courses. The organization’s aim is to equip local churches across Africa to provide wise, loving, gospel-centered pastoral care that restores Christ to counseling. They describe a three-level approach: (1) grassroots seminars, talks, and workshops (including using ABC conference resources with local case studies and courses such as Jane’s nine-week grief care course); (2) training such as ABC’s Equipped to Counsel offered during COVID and in-person; and (3) advanced CCEF courses, with growing enrollment. Future focus includes helping pastors develop a church-wide culture of care, vulnerability, and mutual ministry beyond sermon-centered expectations.They explain that Biblical Counseling Africa is a nonprofit and invite listeners to support the work through prayer, financial giving, and volunteering. They emphasize the need for resources to sustain operations, relieve volunteer load, and provide scholarships for students from poorer African contexts. They express gratitude for support from American partners including CCEF, ABC, BCC, and others, noting that courses are offered at about a quarter of the normal cost, and direct listeners to biblicalcounsellingafrica.com for more information and contact.00:00 Welcome to Speak the Truth (Podcast Intro)01:09 Meet Jane: From Grief & Loss to Biblical Counseling02:30 Texas Culture Shock & Accent Stories03:39 Meet Kyle: Pastoral Ministry Path into Counseling06:12 Why Stay & Serve in Africa? Calling, Need, and Gifts08:23 Jane’s Perspective: Returning Home, Mission Field in South Africa10:56 Culture Notes: Hospitality, Affection, and Multicultural Ministry12:53 What Is Biblical Counseling Africa? Origins, Partnerships, Vision15:20 Equipping the Church: Training Levels & Accessible Resources16:35 Level 1 Training: Seminars, Consultations & Explaining Biblical Counseling17:16 Grief Care Course & Topic-Based Workshops (Burnout, Anxiety, Depression, etc.)17:53 Using ABC Conference Content: Videos, Workshops & Local Case Studies18:41 Advanced Training: Equipped to Counsel & CCEF Courses19:14 Next Step: Building a Churchwide Culture of Care (Pastors + One-Another Ministry)20:31 Beyond the Pulpit: Equipping the Saints & How Counseling Shapes Preaching24:10 How to Support Biblical Counseling Africa: Prayer, Giving & Website Info26:08 Funding Needs: Affordable Training, Supporting Students & Volunteer Capacity29:04 Volunteering with BCA: Gifts, Admin Help & Partnering via Email30:05 Wrap-Up: Invitation to Visit South Africa, Gratitude & Final ThanksEpisode MentionsBiblical Counselling Africa The Comfort of God in Grief - A Nine Week Grief Care Course by Jane

In this episode of Speak the Truth, Michael & Emily are joined by Joe and Ursula Morell from Stockholm, Sweden. They discuss the critical role of biblical counseling in missions, the challenges and growth in their local church, and their journey toward seeking to be a training center for biblical counseling in Scandinavia. Highlighting the interplay between personal struggles, theological training, and the missionary task, the conversation underscores the importance of practical theology and mutual care in building resilient Christian communities.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:35 Meet Our Guests from Stockholm, Sweden01:47 The Journey to Biblical Counseling03:54 Personal Struggles and Growth in Ministry06:21 Building a Church with Biblical Counseling07:26 Challenges and Realities of Missionary Work14:08 Connecting with A, B, C and Training Initiatives18:56 Current Church Context and Demographics22:23 Implementing Biblical Counseling in Church Life26:42 Future Goals and Prayer RequestsEpisode MentionsContact ABC

In this episode of Speak the Truth, Michael interviews Kike Torres, a pastor dedicated to church planting and biblical counseling. Kike shares his journey, ministry background, and his approach to evangelism and pastoral care. He discusses planting churches in Mexico and internationally, including recent efforts in Panama and the United States. Kike also highlights the importance of training and equipping leaders through a culturally sensitive approach that emphasizes mutual care and biblical counseling. Listeners are encouraged to support his ministry through prayer, financial contributions, and active involvement.00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast00:33 Meet Kike Torres: A New Brother in Ministry01:36 Kike's Journey in Ministry02:57 Church Planting and Global Missions05:24 Implementing Biblical Counseling in Church Planting09:41 Cultural Differences in Ministry11:41 Equipping and Certification in Biblical Counseling14:28 Future Plans and How to Support18:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsEpisode MentionsCristo es Mejor - Kike's Ministry Check out Kike's books

In this episode of Speak the Truth, Michael welcomes Pastor Matt MacCollin to discuss the biblical approach to responding to crisis situations in the church. Matt shares his personal testimony of overcoming a traumatic past, including substance abuse and a life-changing car accident, which ultimately led him to faith and his current role as pastor at Salem Heights Church. They delve into addressing crises such as tragic accidents, sickness, adultery, abuse, and addiction, emphasizing the importance of prayer, careful listening, and the application of Scripture in counseling. Practical advice and key biblical passages are highlighted to equip listeners in providing effective crisis care.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:46 Matt MacCollin's Testimony03:31 Journey to Pastoral Ministry05:37 Responding to Crisis Situations08:25 Practical Steps for Crisis Counseling15:31 The Importance of Prayer and Wisdom in Counseling16:51 Guiding with Wisdom and Prayer17:09 The Importance of Slowing Down17:23 The Power of Prayer in Crisis18:34 Scriptural Guidance for Healing21:37 Addressing Addiction and False Worship22:10 Handling Adultery with Compassion24:18 Practical Applications in Counseling26:11 The Role of Theology in Crisis29:47 Concluding Thoughts and EncouragementEpisode Mentions 2026 National Called to Counsel Conference - Register Now The Most Excellent Way - Victory Over Addiction