CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet

Latest Episodes:

A Conversation with Jonathan Holmes: CCEF's Executive Director Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

"We're excited to announce Jonathan Holmes as our new Executive Director! In this episode, Gunner interviews Jonathan about his journey into biblical counseling, his background, and his vision for CCEF. They discuss the importance of counseling in the church, the founding of Fieldstone Counseling, and the future direction of CCEF.

Read the latest announcement from CCEF's Board of Trustees regarding Jonathan Holmes's recent appointment to the role of Executive Director.

Mentioned in this episode: Becoming a Refuge is an on-demand teaching series that helps churches respond to domestic abuse. Learn more here.

In this episode, Jonathan mentions an article by David Powlison, "What Is Your Calling?" Journal of Biblical Counseling 28, no. 3 (2014). Find it here.

The Beauty and Burden of Caregiving: A Personal Story (Part 2) Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Where Life and Scripture Meet, host Gunner Gundersen continues his conversation with CCEF faculty member Mike Emlet about caring for aging parents. Building on the previous episode, Mike reflects on the blessings and burdens of caring for his mother during her final season of life. Mike shares how he and his wife navigated difficult caregiving decisions, wrestled with their own limitations, and sought wisdom as his mother's needs increased. Along the way, he reflects on anxiety, fatigue, grief, and the steady presence of God's grace in the midst of weakness. This conversation offers encouragement for anyone currently caring for aging loved ones, considering future caregiving responsibilities, or processing the grief that often accompanies these journeys. Mike describes how the Lord met his family through Scripture, prayer, and the support of the church, in a demanding season and reminded them that grace and weakness often coexist.

The Beauty and Burden of Caregiving: A Personal Story (Part 1) Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Where Life and Scripture Meet, host Gunner Gundersen sits down with Dr. Mike Emlet to reflect on his recent experience caring for his aging mother during the final years of her life. Mike shares about his mom, "Mim" — her vibrant faith, her lifelong commitment to the local church, her sense of humor, and her remarkable ministry of handwritten letters. He also opens up about the gradual onset of cognitive decline, the impact of dementia and stroke, and the practical and emotional realities of caregiving. Mike and Gunner discuss the weight and the sweetness of walking closely with a loved one through suffering and decline. There is beauty and cost, and Jesus is in the midst of it. Mentioned in this episode: sign up to receive 6 conference sessions on conflict and unity. Sign up here: ccef.org/free-audio-for-conflict-and-unity/ Books by Dr. Mike Emlet:

Life Together in Christ: Why Union with Jesus Changes Our Relationships Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to be united to Christ—and how does that shape the way we relate to others? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen, Esther Liu, and Darby Strickland explore the doctrine of union with Christ and its deeply practical impact on everyday relationships. If our truest relationship is already secure in Jesus, how might that free us to love others differently? Together, they discuss how union with Christ

grounds us in unshakable security,
frees us from defensiveness,
gives courage to apologize and forgive,
reorients transactional views of relationships, and
helps us make sense of church hurt.

Because we are united to Christ, we are also united to one another. That shared belonging reshapes how we approach conflict, difference, and even the pain of broken community. Join us as we consider what it looks like to live life together in Christ.

Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog by Darby Strickland
"How can I avoid the temptation to isolate myself in suffering?" | Video by Cecelia Bernhardt
Make Every Effort: Paul Urges Unity in the Church | Conference Session by Aaron Sironi

Revitalizing a Stagnant Marriage: Connection & Intentionality Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the often overlooked issue of stagnant marriages, exploring the subtle signs of disconnection and the importance of intentionality and spiritual friendship in marriage. They emphasize the need for curiosity and community support, as well as the difference between a covenant and a contract in marriage. They highlight practical steps couples can take to revitalize their relationships, including small gestures of love. Mentioned in this episode: If you've been encouraged by our podcast this year, would you consider giving a gift to CCEF today? Your support would go to immediate use today to help equip the global church for thoughtful, biblical conversations about matters of the heart.

How can I avoid growing apart from my spouse in a season of suffering and grief? | Video by Aaron Sironi
What Has Been Most Helpful in Your Marriage? | Blog post by Ed Welch
Sexual Intimacy in Marriage: A Joint Trust | Blog post by Aaron Sironi

Understanding Grief: A Journey Through Loss Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the complex nature of lingering grief, exploring how it manifests in various ways. They share personal stories and insights on how grief can resurface during life milestones. They emphasize the importance of community support in navigating grief, as well as the need for patience and understanding in the grieving process. Ultimately, listeners will be reminded of God's presence and care during times of grief.

Am I Doing This Right? What Lamentations Teaches Us about Grieving | Journal article by Todd Stryd
Someone I Know Is Grieving | Book by Ed Welch
Helping Your Family Grieve | Minibook by Darby Strickland
When We Hurt Those Who Are Hurting | Blog post by Ed Welch
How can I care well for someone who is grieving? | Video by Ed Welch

Walking Through Life Transitions & Embracing Change Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the topic of life transitions, sharing personal stories and insights on common struggles, temptations, and opportunities that arise during these changes. They discuss the importance of recognizing God's presence and providence through both big and small changes, and they share some encouragements they've found in Scripture. Mentioned in this episode: We're excited about the recent release of a handful of books from CCEF faculty:

When It's Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma & Walking Faithfully with Sufferers | Book by Darby Strickland
A Big Change Happened: Helping Children Through Upheaval | Children's book by Darby Strickland
Helping Your Children with Change: Holding Fast to God During Upheaval | Minibook by Darby Strickland
Take Heart for Teens: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith | Book by David Powlison

The Beauty of Adoption into God's Family Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the profound doctrine of adoption into God's family, discussing its theological significance and personal implications. Our hosts reflect on their own experiences and the relational significance of understanding God as a loving Father. They discuss how we often struggle with an orphan mentality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's identity as a beloved child of God. Finally, they highlight the future inheritance that comes with being adopted into God's family. Mentioned in this episode: The audio from our 2025 National Conference is available for purchase! All 27 sessions included. Learn more at ccef.org/2025.

Biblical Self-Examination: Involving God & Others Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the importance of self-examination. They explore how self-examination is not merely a self-focused endeavor but a process that involves God and others. The conversation highlights the benefits of self-examination, including personal growth, awareness of one's weaknesses, and the recognition of God's grace. They also address common pitfalls, such as self-shaming and misguided approaches, and emphasize the need to also look for the good as part of the biblical self-examination process. Mentioned in this episode: Registration for courses is now open for the January 2026 term! This term we'll be offering Helping Relationships with Ed Welch, Scripture for Life & Ministry with Aaron Sironi, and Counseling in the Local Church with Michael Gembola. If you're looking for an opportunity for personal growth along with training to better serve those around you, we want to invite you to join us. You can learn more at ccef.org/school.

How to Grow in Patience Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the multifaceted nature of patience. From personal anecdotes to biblical insights, listen as they delve into why patience is challenging, how it can lead to profound personal growth, and practical ways to develop patience in challenging situations. They discuss how patience shapes our relationships, our understanding of God's timing, and our ability to trust in his plans. Mentioned in this episode: We're just a couple weeks out from the 2025 CCEF National Conference! We'll be taking a look at the life and ministry of the apostle Paul to see how we can grow in our care for one another. Registration closes after September 29, so register soon! We hope you'll join us this October 3–5, whether virtually or in-person in Hershey, PA. To learn more and register, visit ccef.org/2025. Related resource:

A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience and Peace | Book by Ed Welch

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