CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet

How should biblical counselors engage secular psychology and the many other voices seeking to understand human desires and motivations? In this final episode of our seven-part series on CCEF's distinctives, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Jonathan Holmes, Dr. Mike Emlet, and Dr. Todd Stryd to explore CCEF's seventh distinctive: "Biblical counseling engages with the voices around us." They discuss how biblical counselors can neither simply embrace nor dismiss other perspectives, but instead engage them charitably and critically. The conversation explores what it means to reframe, translate, and be provoked by observations from secular psychology and other sources, always interpreting and refining them through the question, "Who is the Lord, and what does he say?" The group considers practical examples from OCD treatment and trauma, as well as how this approach shapes pastoral care in the local church. Throughout, they emphasize that Christians don't need to be fearful of other voices or diagnoses. Instead, we can listen with curiosity, bring the richness of Scripture to people's experiences, and minister as fellow saints, sufferers, and sinners. Mentioned in this episode: - Explore or purchase our new course: Theology and Secular Psychology at ccef.org/school - Learn more about our beliefs and distinctives at ccef.org/about- Cure of Souls and the Modern Psychotherapies | Article by Dr. David Powlison - Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us | Book by Dr. Mike Emlet

In this fifth episode of our series exploring CCEF's seven distinctives, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Jonathan Holmes, Darby Strickland, and Lauren Whitman to discuss our fifth distinctive: "Help and change follow a path, but not a script." Together they explore the importance of dependence on the Lord and his work in the lives of those we help. They consider the importance of seeking input from others, the dangers of following a script, how to navigate our feelings of inadequacy, and why this distinctive matters for our local churches. Rather than fixing problems or changing others, our role is to be fellow travelers on the path God is already leading them on. Mentioned in this episode: - Read about CCEF's seven distinctives: ccef.org/about - Learn more about CCEF courses: ccef.org/school

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

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

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.

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the complexity of forgiveness. They address common misconceptions, the true meaning of forgiveness, the challenges we all face, and how to cultivate a forgiving spirit. They also emphasize the importance of understanding forgiveness as Christians, highlighting the balance between justice and mercy. Mentioned in this episode: Our ministry is fueled by the generous support of our donors. If this podcast has been an encouragement to you, would you consider giving to CCEF today? Your gift would help us continue to produce free resources like this for the good of God's people. You can learn more about ways to give at ccef.org/donate. Related resources: Is It Sinful to Keep a Record of Wrongs? | Blog post by Darby Strickland The World's Best Epilogue—Ever | Blog post by Ed Welch

In this episode, Gunner Gundersen, Darby Strickland, and Esther Liu discuss the process of progressive sanctification. They explore its meaning and implications, and how it plays out in the lives of believers. How does our union and relationship with Christ serve as the foundation for our sanctification? How does growing in our understanding of this help us become more like Jesus? While sanctification can be a messy process, there is hope and encouragement in recognizing that our growth in Christ is a journey, not a destination, and that God is committed to us throughout this process. Mentioned in this episode: Enter our giveaway for a set of notebooks, a tote bag, and a bundle of books on the topic of sanctification. Three winners will be chosen on July 25. Enter at ccef.org/giveaway. Related resources: How Does Sanctification Work? | Book by David Powlison Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us | Book by Mike Emlet Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life | Book by Andrew Nicholls and Helen Thorne I'm discouraged by my persistent struggle with sin. How do I find hope? | Video by Lauren Whitman Why Do You Think You Can Do Better? | Blog post by Esther Liu

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the pervasive issue of busyness. They explore how busyness can often be a form of suffering, how our misguided desires can exacerbate the experience, and how the Lord's compassion makes a difference. They discuss why it's hard to say no to good things and the costs of busyness, and they highlight the freedom that comes from the reality of God's sovereignty and his presence in our busy world. Mentioned in this episode: Read an important update from CCEF's Board of Trustees here. Related resources: Busy Families: Learning to Say "No" in Order to Say "Yes" | Conference session by Mike Emlet When a Command Became a Promise | Blog post by Darby Strickland