Episodes

  • EP. 188 Counseling Through God's Attributes - Holy: Embracing Holy Perfection Isa. 6:3-7 W/ Mike Van Dyke
    Dec 26 2025

    In this episode of Speak the Truth, the hosts delve into the attribute of God's holiness with Michael, discussing his entry titled 'Embracing Holy Perfection.' They explore the complexities of God's holiness, its association with redemption, moral purity, and how it shapes believers' lives. The conversation includes reflections on pertinent biblical texts, such as Isaiah 6:3-7 and Hebrews 12:10, discussing the distinction between striving for holiness and avoiding legalism. Practical counseling applications and session strategies are shared, emphasizing encountering God's holiness and its impact on personal transformation and worship.

    00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
    00:22 Discussing God's Holiness with Michael
    01:49 Defining Holiness and Its Implications
    03:53 Isaiah's Encounter with God's Holiness
    05:28 Connecting Holiness to Counseling
    08:13 Practical Applications of Holiness
    09:56 Striving for Holiness in Daily Life
    11:55 The Role of Discipline in Holiness
    26:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    Episode Mentions
    Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC RES

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    28 mins
  • EP. 187 Counseling Through God's Attributes: The Steadfast Love of the LORD - Lam 3:22 W/Shauna Van Dyke
    Dec 19 2025

    In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the focus is on exploring God's steadfast love as highlighted in Lamentations 3. The hosts, Michael and Shauna, delve into how biblical counselors can educate, equip, and encourage counselees by reflecting on God's unceasing love and faithfulness. They discuss practical approaches for integrating these truths into counseling sessions to offer hope and stability, especially during times of suffering. The episode also emphasizes the importance of bringing the vertical truth of who God is to the horizontal struggles of everyday life.

    00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast

    00:31 Discussing God's Steadfast Love

    02:47 Reading and Reflecting on Lamentations 3

    04:17 Applying God's Steadfast Love in Counseling

    07:05 Encouraging Counselees with Biblical Truths

    13:22 After Session Assignments and Practical Applications

    19:17 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement


    Episode Mentions
    Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC Resource

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    21 mins
  • EP. 186 Counseling Through God's Attributes: God Is Present And Active W/Shauna Van Dyke & Jeremy Lelek
    Nov 10 2025

    In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael, Shauna, and Jeremy continue their mini-series on counseling through God's attributes, focusing on omnipresence. They discuss the importance of God's omnipresence, especially in counseling settings, drawing from Isaiah 41:10. They emphasize that God's always-present nature offers both comfort and conviction, reminding individuals they're never alone in their struggles. Shauna shares her personal journey as a biblical counselor, highlighting how key scripture verses have guided her and can be used in counseling sessions. The episode rounds off with practical after-session assignments, including scripture memorization and reflective worship music to reinforce the comforting truths about God's constant presence.

    00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
    00:24 Introducing the Counseling Mini-series
    00:38 Exploring God's Omnipresence
    01:09 The Importance of Key Scripture Verses
    02:41 Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promises
    04:25 Understanding God's Presence
    07:22 Practical Applications in Counseling
    15:41 Encouragement and Worship
    19:17 Conclusion and Future Topics

    Episode Resources
    Counseling Through God's Attributes

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    21 mins
  • EP. 185 Counseling Through God's Attributes: Anchoring Your Heart & Mind in God's Peace W/Author Shannon McCoy
    Nov 3 2025

    In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the host is joined by Shannon K. McCoy, an experienced biblical counselor, to discuss the topic of God's peace amidst life's anxieties from her contribution to the ABC Resource, Counseling Through God's Attributes. Shannon shares her life transition from San Diego, California to Spartanburg, South Carolina and her career as a cytology lab manager. The conversation delves into the heightened anxiety and how biblical counseling can address it by focusing on Philippians 4:6-9. They emphasize that peace is an active process tied to trust and obedience in God. Shannon highlights practical counseling techniques, such as daily scripture focus and thought journaling, to help individuals reframe their anxiety in light of God's character and promises.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    00:55 Shannon's Background and Journey
    03:40 Discussing God's Peace and Anxiety
    08:26 Practical Steps for Counseling
    18:35 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement


    Episode Mentions:
    Counseling Through God's Attributes

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    30 mins
  • EP. 184 Counseling Through God's Attributes: God's Strengthening Comfort W/Ellen Dykas
    Oct 27 2025

    In this episode of Speak the Truth, host Mike welcomes guest Ellen Dykas, an ABC partner from Harvest USA. Ellen discusses the vital topic of 'God as Comforter' in biblical counseling, specifically referencing 2 Corinthians 1:3-6. The episode not only delves into Ellen's background and her work in discipleship and counseling but also offers a practical guide for counselors on integrating the concept of divine comfort into their sessions. Ellen emphasizes the importance of understanding God's comfort, engaging in meaningful dialogue with counselees, and applying Scripture to help those dealing with pain and suffering. The episode is a rich resource for both current counselors and those in training.

    00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
    00:33 Guest Introduction: Ellen Dykas
    01:15 Ellen's Background and Ministry
    03:09 God's Comfort in Counseling
    06:42 Applying God's Comfort in Counseling Sessions
    16:44 After Session Assignments and Reflections
    20:48 Final Encouragement and Closing Remarks


    Episode Mentions

    • Wives Navigating Sexual Betrayal - Harvest USA
    • Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC RES
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    22 mins
  • EP. 183 Counseling through God's Attributes – EL ROI: The Living One Who Sees Me W/Betty-Anne Van Rees (Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition)
    Oct 6 2025

    In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael is with guest, Betty-Anne Van Rees. Betty-Anne, a key member of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition, shares insights on using God's attributes, particularly God's all-seeing nature (El Roi), to guide counseling sessions. The conversation explores the significance of knowing God personally, using the story of Hagar from Genesis 16:1-14, and provides practical applications for counselors. The episode highlights the importance of helping counselees see God's care and encourages the use of the 'Counseling Through' resource for both personal growth and enhancing counseling methodologies.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    00:34 Betty-Anne's Background and Ministry

    01:17 Counseling Through God's Attributes Miniseries

    02:29 Focus on God's Attribute: El Roi, The All-Seeing

    03:55 Application of Hagar's Story in Counseling

    12:36 Reflection Questions and Practical Assignments

    21:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Episode Resources

    Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC Res

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    23 mins
  • EP. 182 Counseling through God's Attributes–Immutable: Our Unchanging God W/Pastor Jesse Pirkle –Soul Care Pastor at Southern Hills Church–
    Sep 22 2025

    In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Mike sits down with Jesse Pirkle from Southern Hills Church in Carrollton, Georgia, to discuss the concept of God's immutability. They explore how understanding God's unchanging nature can be a powerful tool in counseling, especially for individuals struggling with assurance, doubt, and trust issues. Jesse shares insights from his own ministry and counseling experiences, emphasizing the importance of scripture, singing, and practical assignments in helping counselees grasp this theological attribute. This episode offers a valuable resource for counselors looking to integrate biblical truths into their sessions.

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
    00:49 Introducing the Miniseries on Counseling Through God's Attributes
    01:58 Focusing on God's Immutability in Counseling
    03:17 Scriptural Foundations of God's Immutability
    04:11 Practical Applications in Counseling Sessions
    10:35 Homework and Continued Learning
    17:59 Engaging the Mind and Heart in Counseling
    22:31 Addressing Assurance and Doubt in Counseling
    25:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Episode Mentions
    Counseling through God's Attributes - ABC RES
    Dark Clouds Deep Mercy - Mark Vroegop
    Southern Hills Church - Jesse Pirkle

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    26 mins
  • EP. 181 Speak the Truth's Most Downloaded Episode Ever: Broken Cisterns: Exposing Functional Idolatry Jer. 2:11-13 - Counseling through Bible Narratives W/Pastor Jesse Pirkle
    Sep 8 2025

    In this episode hosts, Mike and Shauna are joined by our special guest, Jesse Pirkle, Soul Care Pastor at SouthernHills Church to continue our mini-series, Counseling Through Bible Narratives Old Testament. Jesse Discusses how he uses his growth assignment of Jeremiah 2:11-13 to expose functional idolatry with counselees, both in-session, and out-of-session.

    Episode Resource:
    Counseling Through Bible Narratives - ABC RES

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    49 mins