General Sessions
Breakout Session 1 – Saturday @ 10:30
Understanding Trauma Through a Biblical Lens (Foundational)
John Henderson
What is trauma, and how should we think about it as Christians? In this workshop, we will define trauma and explore its effects on the body, mind, and soul. More importantly, we will consider how Scripture speaks with depth and compassion to those who suffer. Through a biblical lens, we’ll examine how God’s truth brings clarity, comfort, and hope to the confusing and painful realities of trauma.
Creating a Culture of Care and Counseling in the Local Church (Foundational)
Lee Lewis
This workshop will explore the unique role of the church in providing counseling care. Participants will gain insights into how the local church can create a culture of biblical care and support, including integrating formal counseling ministries with the everyday discipleship and pastoral care of the congregation. The session will address practical ways to equip church leaders and laypeople for counseling and to begin developing a culture of care.
The Language of Lament: Finding Hope in God Through Suffering (Intermediate)
Justin Greene
Suffering can leave us feeling isolated and unsure of how to approach God. In this workshop, we’ll rediscover the biblical language of lament—prayer that invites us to bring our pain, questions, and grief honestly before the Lord. Whether you’re experiencing suffering yourself or walking with others through it, this session will encourage you to find hope in the God who hears, responds, and redeems.
Responding to Crisis Situations in the Church (Advanced/Specialized)
Matt MacCollin
Handling disclosures of abuse, tragedy, and crisis with wisdom. Ministry often places us on the front lines of crisis—when abuse is disclosed, tragedy strikes, or sin and suffering overwhelm. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to step into these “impossible situations” with biblical wisdom, the armor of God, and the hope of the gospel. Together, we’ll consider how to respond faithfully and compassionately, bringing truth, healing, and help through God’s Word. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Breakout Session 2 – Saturday @ 1:30
God’s Faithfulness: Renewed Hope in the Depths of Despair (Foundational)
Shauna Van Dyke
How do we find hope when despair surrounds us? This workshop, rooted in Lamentations 3, will unpack Jeremiah’s powerful example. Despite overwhelming physical and emotional misery, Jeremiah found renewed hope by intentionally recalling God’s unchanging faithfulness. This session will equip you to do the same – to look upward, call to mind the truths of who God is, and ignite a deeper affection for Him and His Word. Learn practical ways to apply these truths as you care for and minister to those navigating their own struggles.
Walking with Parents: Biblical Counseling for Families Navigating with Neurodivergent Needs (Intermediate)
Angie Hilker
This session explores how to compassionately counsel and support parents of neurodivergent children (e.g., children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, etc.) through a biblical lens. It addresses the emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges parents face and offers gospel-centered hope and practical shepherding.
Biblical Counseling for Childhood Abuse Survivors (Advanced/Specialized)
John Henderson
The deep wounds of childhood sexual abuse leave lasting pain and confusion. How can we understand such suffering, and how do we minister wisely and compassionately to those who have endured it? This workshop biblical framework for walking with survivors of abuse, showing how God meets the afflicted with both grace and truth demonstrating how the gospel brings light, hope, and redemption into even the darkest places.
Understanding and Breaking Free from Codependency (Advanced/Specialized)
Chris Minott
It is easy to get confused or burned out when trying to determine how much of another’s burden God is calling us to bear, and when burden bearing becomes enabling. Learn to recognize what codependency is, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to make adjustments that will empower you to walk in loving burden bearing that brings life to you and those you are helping.
Breakout Session 3 – Saturday @ 2:45
Wisdom Adorns the Disgraced (Foundational)
Kristin Silva Linder
Tragedy and trauma often leave us feeling exposed, ashamed, and disgraced. But Proverbs offers a different perspective—one in which wisdom doesn’t merely instruct but adorns, bringing dignity where shame once ruled. In this workshop, we’ll explore how godly wisdom restores honor in the midst of disgrace and consider tangible ways to apply that truth as we care for others and navigate our own stories.
Demystifying PTSD (Intermediate)
Curtis Solomon
Receiving the diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be scary or even debilitating to a person. It can also be intimidating to a biblical counselor who wants to help. The goal of this session is to pull back the shroud of mystery that makes PTSD so scary for both the person and the helper. Whether you’re a pastor, counselor, mentor, or friend, this session will equip you with a compassionate and theologically sound framework to walk wisely with those struggling through the aftermath of trauma.
Avoiding Burnout: Caring for Trauma Survivors Without Becoming Overwhelmed (Intermediate)
Beth Claes
Walking with people who have experienced trauma can be emotionally overwhelming and depleting for the helper. While we are called to bear one another’s burdens (and we are in helper roles because that’s exactly what we want to do), recognizing the potential impact of secondary trauma and compassion fatigue can help us be better equipped to care well. This track will explore red flags of secondary trauma, biblical wisdom for the helper navigating trauma care, and how we can find rest in God’s heart toward the helper and the hurting.
When Vows are Broken: Biblical Counseling for Betrayal Trauma in Marriage (Advanced/Specialized)
Aaron & Angi Greene
Betrayal in marriage leaves deep wounds, affecting both spouses and the relationship. How can we help couples find hope and healing when vows are broken? In this workshop, we’ll explore the effects of betrayals like pornography and infidelity and turn to Scripture for guidance and practical help to move couples towards healing and restoration.
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Tim St. John serves as an Associate Pastor in the counseling ministry at Lighthouse Community Church. He enjoys brewing quality coffee and pouring lattes for friends, backpacking, running, and enjoying his wife Jee’s cooking. He has come to love Lighthouse’s prayerfulness over the future and the brothers within the church who are always ready to offer exhortation and encouragement.
Tim St. John serves as an Associate Pastor in the counseling ministry at Lighthouse Community Church. He enjoys brewing quality coffee and pouring lattes for friends, backpacking, running, and enjoying his wife Jee’s cooking. He has come to love Lighthouse’s prayerfulness over the future and the brothers within the church who are always ready to offer exhortation and encouragement.
Jason Kovacs serves as a counselor and the Executive Director of the Gospel Care Collective. He is passionate about walking with people through whatever they are facing including: marriage, parenting, trauma, depression, anger, anxiety, addiction, stress, adoption-related issues, and work-related struggles. Jason received his Masters of Arts from Reformed Theological Seminary and utilizes a gospel-centered, clinically-informed approach.
He has specialized training in trauma care through TBRI® and is a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors. Jason serves on the Council of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and the board of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition as well as an adjunct professor at Heritage Theological Seminary and Millar College of the Bible.
Jason has been married for over 20 years to Shawnda and they have 5 incredible children. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, swimming, good coffee, and reading.
Jason Kovacs serves as a counselor and the Executive Director of the Gospel Care Collective. He is passionate about walking with people through whatever they are facing including: marriage, parenting, trauma, depression, anger, anxiety, addiction, stress, adoption-related issues, and work-related struggles. Jason received his Masters of Arts from Reformed Theological Seminary and utilizes a gospel-centered, clinically-informed approach.
He has specialized training in trauma care through TBRI® and is a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors. Jason serves on the Council of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and the board of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition as well as an adjunct professor at Heritage Theological Seminary and Millar College of the Bible.
Jason has been married for over 20 years to Shawnda and they have 5 incredible children. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, swimming, good coffee, and reading.
Jason Kovacs serves as a counselor and the Executive Director of the Gospel Care Collective. He is passionate about walking with people through whatever they are facing including: marriage, parenting, trauma, depression, anger, anxiety, addiction, stress, adoption-related issues, and work-related struggles. Jason received his Masters of Arts from Reformed Theological Seminary and utilizes a gospel-centered, clinically-informed approach.
He has specialized training in trauma care through TBRI® and is a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors. Jason serves on the Council of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and the board of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition as well as an adjunct professor at Heritage Theological Seminary and Millar College of the Bible.
Jason has been married for over 20 years to Shawnda and they have 5 incredible children. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, swimming, good coffee, and reading.
Jason Kovacs serves as a counselor and the Executive Director of the Gospel Care Collective. He is passionate about walking with people through whatever they are facing including: marriage, parenting, trauma, depression, anger, anxiety, addiction, stress, adoption-related issues, and work-related struggles. Jason received his Masters of Arts from Reformed Theological Seminary and utilizes a gospel-centered, clinically-informed approach.
He has specialized training in trauma care through TBRI® and is a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors. Jason serves on the Council of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and the board of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition as well as an adjunct professor at Heritage Theological Seminary and Millar College of the Bible.
Jason has been married for over 20 years to Shawnda and they have 5 incredible children. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, swimming, good coffee, and reading.
Pete Potloff serves as the Executive Pastor at Salem Heights Church in Salem, Oregon. In addition to being a part of the pastoral team, he oversees the Biblical Counseling ministry and is an instructor in their Equipped to Counsel training program which trains individuals from churches throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. He is also a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors. He and his wife Holly have three children, Jamin, Jase, and Kyla.
Pete Potloff serves as the Executive Pastor at Salem Heights Church in Salem, Oregon. In addition to being a part of the pastoral team, he oversees the Biblical Counseling ministry and is an instructor in their Equipped to Counsel training program which trains individuals from churches throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. He is also a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors. He and his wife Holly have three children, Jamin, Jase, and Kyla.
Shauna Van Dyke is a certified biblical counselor and the co-founder of Truth Renewed, a ministry that provides free biblical counseling to the community. She also serves as a podcast host on Speak the Truth, is the Strategic Advisor and oversees special projects for ABC, and is the Care and Leadership Development Minister at The Mount Church. Her desire is for everyone to have a deep love for God and devotion to Scripture, while walking in a manner pleasing to the Lord, being dependent on the Spirit, living in authentic community, and enjoying an intimate relationship with Christ. Alongside her husband, Michael, she desires to work with churches to cultivate a culture of care and leadership. She has two sons, Jaxson and Dustin, and a new daughter-in-love Brea.
Shauna Van Dyke is a certified biblical counselor and the co-founder of Truth Renewed, a ministry that provides free biblical counseling to the community. She also serves as a podcast host on Speak the Truth, is the Strategic Advisor and oversees special projects for ABC, and is the Care and Leadership Development Minister at The Mount Church. Her desire is for everyone to have a deep love for God and devotion to Scripture, while walking in a manner pleasing to the Lord, being dependent on the Spirit, living in authentic community, and enjoying an intimate relationship with Christ. Alongside her husband, Michael, she desires to work with churches to cultivate a culture of care and leadership. She has two sons, Jaxson and Dustin, and a new daughter-in-love Brea.
Tara Cox serves as the Director of Counseling Care at Salem Heights Church, where she uses her passion for the Word to care for and serve women within the church and throughout the community. A graduate of Corban University with further studies at Western Seminary, Tara has dedicated herself to the study and teaching of God’s Word, actively participating in the Salem Heights church family since 1999. Alongside her ministry work and raising three daughters with her husband Andrew, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and exploring thrift stores.
Tara Cox serves as the Director of Counseling Care at Salem Heights Church, where she uses her passion for the Word to care for and serve women within the church and throughout the community. A graduate of Corban University with further studies at Western Seminary, Tara has dedicated herself to the study and teaching of God’s Word, actively participating in the Salem Heights church family since 1999. Alongside her ministry work and raising three daughters with her husband Andrew, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and exploring thrift stores.
Emily Dempster serves as the Director of Biblical Counseling Training at Salem Heights Church in Salem, Oregon. Emily holds a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University and an Advanced Biblical Counseling Certification through ABC. In addition to helping lead a fantastic team of biblical counselors, she dedicates much of her time to counselor training and working with churches in the Pacific Northwest to develop counseling ministries. She loves talking with other ministry leaders about biblical counseling in the local church. Emily married her husband Ryan in 1998 and they have two children in college.
Emily Dempster serves as the Director of Biblical Counseling Training at Salem Heights Church in Salem, Oregon. Emily holds a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University and an Advanced Biblical Counseling Certification through ABC. In addition to helping lead a fantastic team of biblical counselors, she dedicates much of her time to counselor training and working with churches in the Pacific Northwest to develop counseling ministries. She loves talking with other ministry leaders about biblical counseling in the local church. Emily married her husband Ryan in 1998 and they have two children in college.
Justin Greene is a compassionate pastor and counselor at Salem Heights Church, where he has served as Senior Pastor for the past 20 years. With a heart for those navigating loss, he has personally walked alongside many individuals and families through the difficult journey of grief, offering guidance, comfort and hope rooted in Jesus Christ.
Having experienced profound grief in his own life, Justin knows firsthand the deep pain of loss. His personal battle with cancer has not only shaped his understanding of suffering but has also deepened his ability to empathize with others facing similar challenges. Through his own journey, he has gained invaluable insights into the process of healing, resilience, and the transformative power of Christ’s community.
Justin Greene is a compassionate pastor and counselor at Salem Heights Church, where he has served as Senior Pastor for the past 20 years. With a heart for those navigating loss, he has personally walked alongside many individuals and families through the difficult journey of grief, offering guidance, comfort and hope rooted in Jesus Christ.
Having experienced profound grief in his own life, Justin knows firsthand the deep pain of loss. His personal battle with cancer has not only shaped his understanding of suffering but has also deepened his ability to empathize with others facing similar challenges. Through his own journey, he has gained invaluable insights into the process of healing, resilience, and the transformative power of Christ’s community.
Michael Van Dyke is the co-founder and Executive Director of Truth Renewed, a biblical counseling ministry committed to helping the local church develop a culture of biblical care through certification as an ABC training center and consulting. He is a certified member of ABC and has been counseling for the last 9 years. He is also the host of the podcast, Speak the Truth. He is a current student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, pursuing his MDiv in biblical counseling. Michael loves helping others apply the depth of the gospel of Jesus Christ to their specific sufferings, brokenness, and sinful struggles. He and his wife, Shauna, live in Fort Worth and have two sons, Dustin and Jaxson.
Michael Van Dyke is the co-founder and Executive Director of Truth Renewed, a biblical counseling ministry committed to helping the local church develop a culture of biblical care through certification as an ABC training center and consulting. He is a certified member of ABC and has been counseling for the last 9 years. He is also the host of the podcast, Speak the Truth. He is a current student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, pursuing his MDiv in biblical counseling. Michael loves helping others apply the depth of the gospel of Jesus Christ to their specific sufferings, brokenness, and sinful struggles. He and his wife, Shauna, live in Fort Worth and have two sons, Dustin and Jaxson.
Prior to moving to Portland in 2012, she completed a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Westminster Seminary California and her counseling training and internship with the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF). Her passion for biblical counseling comes from a deep desire to see Christ sing into the details of the lives of those she walks with.
Kristin is married to her husband Larry and enjoys life with two stepchildren – one grown, and one in his senior year of high school. Two of her favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest are the coffee and the kayaking. And while most often she enjoys these things separately, from time to time on a Saturday morning you can find her on a local river enjoying a sip of iced coffee between paddles.
Prior to moving to Portland in 2012, she completed a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Westminster Seminary California and her counseling training and internship with the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF). Her passion for biblical counseling comes from a deep desire to see Christ sing into the details of the lives of those she walks with.
Kristin is married to her husband Larry and enjoys life with two stepchildren – one grown, and one in his senior year of high school. Two of her favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest are the coffee and the kayaking. And while most often she enjoys these things separately, from time to time on a Saturday morning you can find her on a local river enjoying a sip of iced coffee between paddles.
Beth Claes is the Director of Counseling at New Heights Church in Vancouver, Washington. She has a doctorate in psychology and practiced from a traditional psychological perspective for 10 years before shifting to a gospel-centered counseling approach. In addition to leading New Heights Counseling, Beth is a trainer for ABC and has written several articles for The Gospel Coalition. She is married and has three children.
Beth Claes is the Director of Counseling at New Heights Church in Vancouver, Washington. She has a doctorate in psychology and practiced from a traditional psychological perspective for 10 years before shifting to a gospel-centered counseling approach. In addition to leading New Heights Counseling, Beth is a trainer for ABC and has written several articles for The Gospel Coalition. She is married and has three children.
Aaron & Angi Greene have been married for 30 years and are blessed with two sons, one daughter and a daughter-in-law. As biblical counselors at Salem Heights Church for over fifteen years, they consider it a great privilege to counsel individuals and couples, pointing them to the hope found in Christ. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with their family and being outdoors.
Aaron & Angi Greene have been married for 30 years and are blessed with two sons, one daughter and a daughter-in-law. As biblical counselors at Salem Heights Church for over fifteen years, they consider it a great privilege to counsel individuals and couples, pointing them to the hope found in Christ. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with their family and being outdoors.