In today’s episode of 15:14, Kevin Carson, Executive Director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, is joined by Jonathan Holmes, the new Executive Director of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF). Jonathan brings years of experience serving in pastoral ministry, counseling ministry, and organizational leadership through Parkside Church and Fieldstone Counseling, along with a deep commitment to strengthening the church’s ministry of personal care.

In this conversation, Kevin and Jonathan reflect on the historic role CCEF has played within the biblical counseling movement and discuss Jonathan’s vision for the next season of ministry at CCEF. Jonathan shares how CCEF’s mission to “restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the local church” continues to shape the organization’s priorities, particularly the desire to equip ordinary believers in churches for wise, personal ministry. Together, they discuss the importance of connecting the riches of Scripture to the troubles of everyday life and helping churches cultivate meaningful, relational care.

Kevin and Jonathan also explore the balance between theological depth and relational warmth in counseling ministry. Jonathan emphasizes that biblical counseling is not merely the transfer of information or expertise, but a ministry of presence, compassion, wisdom, and faithful conversation rooted in God’s Word. Drawing from the influence of the late David Powlison and longtime CCEF faculty such as Ed Welch, the conversation highlights the importance of patient, church-centered ministry that walks with people through suffering and sanctification over time.

Additionally, they discuss the opportunities and challenges facing biblical counseling organizations today, the need for accessible training for pastors and church members, and the growing global impact of biblical counseling ministry. Jonathan shares his hope that CCEF will continue serving as a trusted voice that mines the treasures of Scripture for the struggles of life while strengthening the local church’s role in soul care.

Rooted in a shared love for the local church and confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture, this episode encourages pastors, counselors, and church members alike to pursue faithful, compassionate ministry that brings the hope of Christ into the realities of everyday life.

You can learn more about CCEF at https://www.ccef.org.

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