CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet

CCEF's second distinctive states: "Scripture comes from the mouth of God." But what does that mean for everyday ministry, counseling, and relationships? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Jonathan Holmes and Aaron Sironi to discuss how God's Word does more than provide answers—it shapes the way we listen, care, pray, discern, and walk alongside others. Together they explore how Scripture forms our priorities in counseling, helps us understand people, and serves as the lens through which we interpret both life and the world around us. The conversation also considers the richness of Scripture's many genres—from the Psalms and Wisdom Literature to the Gospels and Song of Songs—and how each uniquely equips us to care for others. Along the way, they reflect on parenting, marriage counseling, personal devotional life, and the indispensable role of Scripture in the life of the local church. Mentioned in this episode: Register for our conference at ccef.org/nc26 Learn more about our video series that equips churches to wisely handle domestic abuse: ccef.org/becoming-a-refuge Learn more about CCEF's Seven Distinctives Listen to Part 1: "The Personal God Gets Personal with Us"

Some of the most formative marriage counsel isn't found in a book, a technique, or a counseling session, but rather it comes from watching another couple walk faithfully with Jesus over time. In part two of this conversation, CCEF's Gunner Gundersen and Aaron Sironi explore Paul's surprising strategy in Philippians: imitation. Paul doesn't point to marriage principles but instead insists we keep our eyes on people who imitate Christ. Aaron also shares the rest of his story: how an honest "I don't know" in a conversation with a church elder launched him into biblical counseling, and what he's learned since about the deeper longings underneath many struggling marriages: Do I matter to you? Will you be there? Listen to a rich conversation about slow formation, counter-images, and what it looks like to have a marriage worthy of the gospel. Mentioned in this episode: Register now at ccef.org/2026 for our CCEF Annual Conference before the price increases after June 16. Related resources: Dynamics of Biblical Change | Online course taught by David Powlison Speaking Truth in Marital Conflict | Blog by Lauren Whitman On Marriage Counseling | JBC Must Reads by Aaron Sironi, Lauren Whitman, Winston Smith

What does it mean to mentor someone well? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen sits down with CCEF faculty member Todd Stryd to explore mentoring as a long-term, relational investment that shapes both the mentee and the mentor. Together, they discuss how mentoring provides clarity, fosters growth through both encouragement and critique, and ultimately becomes a place of deep dependence on God. Mentioned in this episode: Registration for our June courses is now open! One key course that features opportunities to grow in mentoring skills is Helping Relationships by Ed Welch. You can learn more and register at ccef.org/school. - Why Do You Think You Can Do Better? | Blog by Esther Liu

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.

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

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

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.

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

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the topic of cultivating gratitude as a Christian. They discuss practical ways to foster gratitude in daily life, the challenges posed by a discontented culture, and the importance of perspective. They emphasize the coexistence of gratitude and sorrow, the transformative power of gratitude, and the need for humility in recognizing God's gifts. Mentioned in this episode: The price increases for our conference after August 4, so register soon! Learn more at ccef.org/2025. Related resources: Stretching Joy: 10 Ways to Notice God's Everyday Mercies | Blog post by Mike Emlet Jonah's Psalm of Thanksgiving | Blog post by Ed Welch Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Conference Announcement01:25 Fostering Gratitude in Daily Life 14:16 Why Gratitude Is Difficult 19:00 Honest Gratitude Amid Sorrow 27:54 What Gratitude Cultivates in Us 34:02 The Alphabet Game: Reflecting on Gratitude

In this episode, CCEF faculty Gunner Gundersen, Esther Liu, and Darby Strickland discuss the often painful experience of feeling that God is silent. They explore the emotional turmoil and spiritual distress that accompanies this silence, particularly during prolonged suffering, and how it can lead to feelings of abandonment and doubt. Gunner, Esther, and Darby talk about how Scripture provides a framework for understanding and processing this experience of silence, and they discuss the commonality of this struggle among Christians. Ultimately, we hope this episode encourages you to trust in God's faithfulness, even when his presence feels distant, and to find solace in the stories of others who have endured similar trials. Mentioned in this episode: Download free audio from 8 conference sessions on the topic of guilt and shame here. Related resources: The Myth of God's Silence | Blog post by Ed Welch God's Grace in Your Suffering | Book by David Powlison

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the different ways we can experience loneliness, particularly within church community. They explore the importance of recognizing and addressing these emotions, as well as finding ways to move toward those on the margins. They consider some helpful practices and insights on how to navigate loneliness, such as viewing others as family, taking one step at a time, moving outward, and being honesty before the Lord. Related resources: Pushing through Loneliness to Contentment | Conference session by Cecelia Bernhardt Caring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships | Book by Ed Welch Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog post by Darby Strickland

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the common struggle of engaging with Scripture, especially during difficult seasons. They consider God's patience and gracious intent for our Scripture reading, what it means to engage with the Word even when we don't hunger for it, and creative ways to engage with Scripture, such as through art or memorization. The conversation emphasizes the long-term nature of engaging with the Bible and the significance of community in fostering a deeper connection with God's Word. Related resources: A Host of Scripture for Every Hardship | Podcast episode by Alasdair Groves Restoring Hearts to Scripture: Reconnecting with God's Words After They Were Used to Hurt You | Conference talk by Darby Strickland Beyond Devotional Doldrums: Using Scripture and Prayer to Foster Intimacy with God | Conference talk by Mike Emlet

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the interplay between anxiety and the body, discussing personal experiences and insights. They consider the impact of past experiences on anxiety responses, the significance of community, and practical strategies for navigating anxiety in the moment. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about our upcoming conference: To Live Is Christ: The Life & Ministry of Paul, where we'll consider not so much the content of Paul's theology, but rather how he did ministry. We'll ask the question, What does it look like when someone does ministry with Jesus at the center of everything? Register before the price increases after March 31. Learn more at ccef.org/2025. Related resources: - Anxiety & the Body | Conference talk by Mike Emlet - "Take a Deep Breath"—How Counseling Ministry Addresses the Body | Journal article by Todd Stryd - When Your Mind Gets Stuck | Blog post by Ed Welch - "How do I get over or deal with certain anxiety triggers?" | Video by Todd Stryd - God & Anxiety: Turning to Him for a Deeper Connection | Podcast episode by CCEF Faculty