Speak The Truth Mike Van Dyke & Shauna Van Dyke

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 Podcast
00:24 Meet the Founders of Encounter Ministries
01:12 The Origin and Mission of Encounter Ministries
02:45 The Impact of Vulnerability and Relationship Building
05:23 The Power of Testimony and Freedom in Christ
10:05 Challenges and Growth in Encounter Ministries
14:37 Post-Encounter Experience and Church Integration
19:52 The Role of Counseling in Healing and Growth
25:23 Marriage Encounter: Strengthening Relationships
29:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Encounter Ministries Website and Events

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 Podcast
00:32 Meet the Dunham's: David and Krista
01:21 David's Journey into Pastoral Ministry
03:35 Krista's Path to Biblical Counseling
06:18 Writing 'Table for Two': A Personal Story
11:05 Understanding Addictions: A Theological Perspective
17:54 Encouragement for Aspiring Counselors
19:54 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion
Episode Mentions: A Table for Two Cornerstone Baptist Church 

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 Podcast
00:30 Meet Josh Conwell: Executive Director of DOXA Counseling Collective 
01:16 Josh's Journey to Biblical Counseling
02:04 The Transformational Power of the Gospel
06:31 Choosing a Church in Louisville
10:21 From Louisville to Portland: A New Ministry
13:27 Challenges and Opportunities in Portland
21:39 Encouragement for Future Ministers
24:51 Doxa Counseling Collective: Vision and Growth
26:24 Conclusion and Contact Information
Episode MentionsSouthern MDiv - Biblical Counseling DOXA Counseling Collective Third Avenue Baptist Church Clifton Baptist Church Hinson Baptist Church 

Experiencing Biblical Counseling with Kristin Silva Linder

In 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 Stamps
00:26 Exploring Oregon's Unique Offerings
01:03 The Best Sandwich in Oregon
01:53 Weather and Scenery in Oregon
02:14 Continuing the Made to Minister Conference Series
02:31 Introducing Kristen Silva Linder
03:58 Kristin's Journey into Biblical Counseling
07:15 Challenges and Growth in Portland
09:24 Biblical Counseling in Different Regions
17:46 The Importance of Supervision in Counseling
19:26 Exploring Biblical Themes in Counseling
20:24 The Importance of Supervision in Counseling
21:24 Challenges and Benefits of Supervision
23:19 The Role of Humility in Counseling
27:46 Writing for Biblical Counseling Journals
31:08 Engaging Scripture Thematically in Counseling
33:12 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines
34:49 Navigating Counseling in a Humanistic Culture
36:22 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
EPISODE MENTIONSTaproot Restaurant Coping Strategies: How Christ Fully Accomplishes What Our Flawed Strategies Imperfectly Attempt Kristin Silva Publications CCEF Blog JBC Articles Logos edition of JBC Articles 

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 Church
In 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 stop' on a longer journey of spiritual growth and community integration.
Episode LinksJonathan's Books