Speak The Truth

Latest Episodes:

EP. 212 Mental Health and the Church Mini-Series: Genesis and Mental Health - Exploring Origins and Healing W/Pastor Matt King May 15, 2026

Show notes

On the Speak the Truth podcast recorded at the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition conference, Michael interviews Matt King about his ministry Broomtree and his conference session on mental health in the church. King explains Broomtree’s growth, including increasing requests for counseling, conferences, and free online resources on topics like anxiety, marriage, and thought life, with a podcast launching soon. They discuss why Christians should lead mental health conversations, noting an estimated $280 billion spent annually in the U.S., and ground the topic in Genesis: God’s good creation, the Imago Dei, and how the fall fractured relationships with God, self, others, and creation. They highlight God’s pursuit in Genesis 3, the covering of animal skins as foreshadowing Christ’s atoning blood, and encourage believers who feel inadequate to engage with hope through the Spirit and adoption as God’s children.

00:00 Welcome and Setup

01:29 Broomtree Update

02:41 Conference Banter

03:02 Why Mental Health Matters

04:01 Genesis and Goodness

07:16 The Fall and Fracture

11:34 Covering and Atonement

15:06 Church on the Front Lines

16:25 Hope for the Wounded

18:00 Chick-fil-A Stories

19:11 Final Thanks

Episode Mentions
Broom Tree
EP. 173 Finding Light in the Darkness W/ Matt King

EP. 211 Mental Health and the Church Mini-Series: Saint, Sufferer, Sinner: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health in the Church W/Mike Emlet May 08, 2026

Show notes

Michael welcomes CCEF faculty member and counselor Mike Emlet, who has served at CCEF since 2001 and previously trained and worked in family medicine before attending Westminster Seminary. Emlet and the Michael discuss how mental health concerns have grown in prominence in the church, influenced by factors like the pandemic and social media, and why a biblical approach must be holistic, recognizing humans as embodied souls affected by the fall in both body and heart. They warn against extremes of over-spiritualizing mental illness or reducing it to biology, and they challenge the church’s tendency to abdicate care to outside experts while affirming the need for professional help in severe cases. Emlet commends a hopeful yet humble posture, careful listening beyond diagnostic labels, and using the “saint, sufferer, sinner” framework to move toward and care for people.

00:00 Podcast Welcome

01:00 Meet Mike Emlet

02:55 Mental Health Landscape

05:46 Embodied Souls Balance

08:42 Church Role in Care

10:46 Hopeful Humble Posture

12:57 Saint Sufferer Sinner

14:34 Why He Wrote It

16:44 Meeting Suffering First

19:41 Listen and Move Toward

21:22 Closing Thanks

Episode Mentions
CCEF
Saints, Sufferers, Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us

EP. 210 Mental Health and the Church Mini-Series: Pastoring, Counseling, and Mental Health W/Pastor Kevin Carson May 01, 2026

Show notes

In this Speak the Truth podcast episode recorded at the 2026 Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition conference on mental health in the church, Michael interviews Kevin Carson, pastor of Sunrise Church (planted in 2002 in Ozark, Missouri) and newly appointed executive director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition (three months into the role). Carson shares his background teaching biblical counseling at Mission University and serving other seminaries, and describes cultivating a “church of biblical counseling” shaped by mutual care, sanctification, and one-another ministry, influenced by Steve Viars and guidance from David Powlison. Addressing how the church should respond to mental health, he emphasizes that labels change but people and God’s call do not, urging compassionate, patient, long-term discipleship rather than quick fixes, integrating care across preaching, life groups, and counseling. He invites listeners to learn about and support the BCC’s global resourcing and partnership program at biblicalcounselingcoalition.org.

00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:19 Conference Road Trip
00:56 Meet Kevin Carson
01:49 Pastor and Church Planting
02:31 Leading the BCC
03:26 Teaching and Seminary Work
04:17 Church Culture and Care
06:57 Mental Health and One-Anothering
08:19 Elder Team and Counseling Ministry
09:49 How Churches Should Respond
11:23 Slow Patient Discipleship
15:55 Saint Sufferer Sinner Framework
18:17 Practical Encouragement for Leaders
20:24 Equipping the Church to Care
21:35 Support the BCC Mission
24:01 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

Episode Mentions
Biblical Counseling Coalition

EP. 209 Singing as Soul Care: Using Music as a Spiritual Discipline in Biblical Counseling - W/Worship Leader and BC Adam Westlake Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

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 Welcome
00:37 Meet Adam Westlake
01:04 Why Singing Matters
04:53 Singing in Suffering
07:39 Worship Leading and Counseling
09:56 Emotion and Worship
13:26 Music as Homework
17:22 Daily Sing Devotional
19:41 Doxology and Farewell

Episode Mentions
Register Now for the 2026 Called to Counsel Conference
All My Questions - Bethany Bernard (Spotify)
Sing - Daily Devotional with the Worship Initiative
Adam Westlake Counseling

EP 208 Bonus Episode: Called to Counsel Conference Understanding Emotions Track Invitation W/Brad Hambrick Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

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 Welcome
01:03 Meet Brad Hambrick
02:49 Why This Emotions Track
03:02 Anger Pride Bitterness Framework
04:46 Session Lineup Overview
07:01 Conference Details and Wrap

Episode Mentions
Resister Now

EP. 207 Bonus Episode: Called to Counsel 2026 Conference - Hidden Abuse in the Church and Home Track Invitation W/Greg Wilson Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

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 Welcome
00:19 Meet Greg Wilson
01:29 Hidden Abuse Track
01:52 Greg's Background
02:56 Track Team
06:23 Why Hidden Abuse
08:45 Who Track Helps
10:37 Eight Session Overview
15:35 Q and A Panel
16:38 Sarah Case Study
18:34 Register and Closing

Episode Mentions
Register for the ABC 2026 Called to Counsel Conference
When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church - Wilson & Pierre

The 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 Others
The Path to Peace: A 90-Day Journey from Control to Christ-Like Love - Moles (Men of Peace Devotional)

Sarah's Story - Peace Interrupted Youtube Channel

Chrismoles.org

EP. 206 Building a Culture of Biblical Soul Care: A Discipleship Continuum for the Local Church W/Pastor of Soul Care Lee Lewis Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

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 Intro
00:24 Meet Lee Lewis
00:57 Why Culture Matters
04:33 One Another Rhythms
08:38 Elders Cast Vision
09:48 Scalability Exodus 18
11:34 From Concept to Tools
13:07 Discipleship Continuum
13:26 Transformed Framework
13:32 T1 Mutual Care
14:23 T2 Small Group Leaders
15:11 T3 Coaching Model
15:46 T4 Pastoral Care
16:10 T5-T6 Counseling Track
16:31 Soul Care Continuum
17:02 360 Health Assessment
19:01 Roadmap and Scaling
20:01 Case Study Success
21:32 Relational Progressions
23:44 Reclaiming Counseling
25:16 Final Encouragement

Episode Mentions
Made to Minister Conference 2025 - Lee's Handout
Soul Care Consulting International
Discipleship Continuum (T2 Material)

EP. 205 Bonus Episode: Called to Counsel Conference 2026 - Pastors & Church Leadership Track Invitation W/Robert Cheong Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

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 Intro

01:08 Meet Robert Cheong

01:47 Why This Track Exists

03:37 Pastors and Leaders Track Overview

03:53 Track Team Lineup

05:47 Track Objectives and Format

07:25 What Youll Learn in Practice

08:33 Who This Track Is For

11:39 Register and Closing

Episode Mentions
Register for the Pastors & Church Leadership Track
Check out Gospel Care Ministries - Robert Cheong
Soul Care Consulting - Garrett Higbee
Proximus Group - Dwayne Bond

EP. 204 Bonus Episode: Called to Counsel Conference 2026 Counseling Through Colossians Track Invitation W/Pete Potloff Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

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 Welcome
00:24 Reunion and Memories
01:19 Church Growth Plans
02:06 New Colossians Track
03:08 Meet the Speakers
03:58 Practical Workshop Format
05:19 Session Topics Overview
06:58 Who Should Attend
08:21 Register and Closing

Episode Mentions
Register for the Counseling Through Colossians

EP. 203 Breaking Free from Codependency: A Biblical Perspective on Burdens, Boundaries, and Trusting God W/Counseling & Soul Care Director Chris Minott Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

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 Setup
00:49 Meet Chris Minott
03:37 What Codependency Means
04:44 Cultural Roots and Heart Issues
09:39 Common Codependency Patterns
14:03 Burden Bearing vs Enabling
16:16 Tools for Healthy Boundaries
23:07 Jesus as the Model
25:07 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

Episode Mentions
Counseling Codependency Handout - Chris Minott

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