A Conversation with Jonathan Holmes: CCEF's Executive Director
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
"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. 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 . In this episode,...
info_outline
The Beauty and Burden of Caregiving: A Personal Story (Part 2)
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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...
info_outline
The Beauty and Burden of Caregiving: A Personal Story (Part 1)
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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...
info_outline
Life Together in Christ: Why Union with Jesus Changes Our Relationships
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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...
info_outline
Revitalizing a Stagnant Marriage: Connection & Intentionality
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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...
info_outline
Understanding Grief: A Journey Through Loss
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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. | Journal article by Todd Stryd | Book by Ed Welch | Minibook by Darby Strickland | Blog post by Ed Welch | Video by Ed Welch
info_outline
Walking Through Life Transitions & Embracing Change
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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: | Book by Darby Strickland | Children's book by Darby Strickland | Minibook by Darby Strickland | Book by David Powlison
info_outline
The Beauty of Adoption into God's Family
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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...
info_outline
Biblical Self-Examination: Involving God & Others
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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...
info_outline
How to Grow in Patience
CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
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...
info_outline- Words of Counsel | JBC article by Pierce Taylor Hibbs https://www.ccef.org/my-account/jbc/2702/words-of-counsel-part-1-a-biblical-theological-foundation/
- The Power of Words | JBC article by Paul David Tripp https://www.ccef.org/jbc_article/the-power-of-words/
- Edit Your Counseling | Blog by Ed Welch https://www.ccef.org/edit-your-counseling/
- Speaking Words that Bring Life | Conference talk by Darby Strickland https://www.ccef.org/shop/product/speaking-words-that-bring-life/