General Session Speakers
Timothy St. John
Jason Kovacs
Pete Potloff
Timothy St. John
Jason Kovacs
Pete Potloff
Workshops
Foundational Truths for Biblical Counseling
In these workshops we will focus on essential principles, theology, and the biblical framework for counseling.
Workshop Session 1 – Saturday @ 10:45
Jason Kovacs
Union with Christ: Implications for Counseling
Presented by Jason Kovacs
This workshop explores the profound biblical concept of union with Christ and its transformative role in counseling. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how this doctrine shapes views on human identity, sin, and salvation, providing a robust framework for addressing the heart issues in counseling. Practical strategies for applying the truth of union with Christ in counseling settings will also be discussed.
Union with Christ: Implications for Counseling
Presented by Jason Kovacs
This workshop explores the profound biblical concept of union with Christ and its transformative role in counseling. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how this doctrine shapes views on human identity, sin, and salvation, providing a robust framework for addressing the heart issues in counseling. Practical strategies for applying the truth of union with Christ in counseling settings will also be discussed.
Jason Kovacs
A Living Hope: Understanding the Distinctives & Importance of Biblical Hope
Presented by Pete Potloff
In times of struggle, individuals often seek hope through counseling. This workshop will explore key biblical truths about the nature of living hope and how it sustains believers. Participants will discover practical ways to help others experience and live out this hope and experience it in their daily lives.
Pete Potloff
A Living Hope: Understanding the Distinctives & Importance of Biblical Hope
Presented by Pete Potloff
In times of struggle, individuals often seek hope through counseling. This workshop will explore key biblical truths about the nature of living hope and how it sustains believers. Participants will discover practical ways to help others experience and live out this hope and experience it in their daily lives.
Pete Potloff
Shauna Van Dyke
Sharing Scripture in Counseling with Wisdom
Presented by Shauna Van Dyke
Using Scripture effectively in counseling requires humility and discernment. In this workshop, participants will explore six common pitfalls of mishandling Scripture in counseling and learn practical approaches for intentional thoughts, close observations, and bringing careful discussion to the text. The goal is to equip counselors with the tools to use God’s Word effectively while providing comfort, direction, and hope.
Sharing Scripture in Counseling with Wisdom
Presented by Shauna Van Dyke
Using Scripture effectively in counseling requires humility and discernment. In this workshop, participants will explore six common pitfalls of mishandling Scripture in counseling and learn practical approaches for intentional thoughts, close observations, and bringing careful discussion to the text. The goal is to equip counselors with the tools to use God’s Word effectively while providing comfort, direction, and hope.
Shauna Van Dyke
Understanding Counseling Care in the Church
Presented by Tara Cox & Emily Dempster
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.
Tara Cox
Emily Dempster
Understanding Counseling Care in the Church
Presented by Tara Cox & Emily Dempster
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.
Tara Cox
Emily Dempster
Applied Biblical Counseling: Case Studies & Practical Scenarios
These workshops will focus on practical real-life applications, case studies, and interactive problem-solving through God’s Word.
Workshop Session 2 – Saturday @ 1:30
Timothy St. John
Gospel-Centered Strategies for Counseling Shame
Presented by Timothy St. John
Shame is often an invisible barrier in counseling, preventing people from opening up, building relationships and seeking help. This workshop will provide Gospel-centered strategies for addressing shame, exploring its roots and offering a pathway to healing and freedom through Christ. Participants will not only be introduced to the basics of counseling those dealing with shame, but also provided with a vision for how the entire church can work together to remove shame from community life.
Gospel-Centered Strategies for Counseling Shame
Presented by Timothy St. John
Shame is often an invisible barrier in counseling, preventing people from opening up, building relationships and seeking help. This workshop will provide Gospel-centered strategies for addressing shame, exploring its roots and offering a pathway to healing and freedom through Christ. Participants will not only be introduced to the basics of counseling those dealing with shame, but also provided with a vision for how the entire church can work together to remove shame from community life.
Timothy St. John
Biblical Foundations for Trauma-Informed Care
Presented by Jason Kovacs
The church is confronted with numerous stories of trauma, leaving many counselors feeling overwhelmed by the weight of helping. This workshop explores how the Bible presents a powerful narrative of restoration, offering a comprehensive framework for trauma-informed care. Participants will discover how biblical principles can be applied to understand and address trauma, providing practical insights for guiding and supporting those who have experienced deep hurt and suffering.
Jason Kovacs
Biblical Foundations for Trauma-Informed Care
Presented by Jason Kovacs
The church is confronted with numerous stories of trauma, leaving many counselors feeling overwhelmed by the weight of helping. This workshop explores how the Bible presents a powerful narrative of restoration, offering a comprehensive framework for trauma-informed care. Participants will discover how biblical principles can be applied to understand and address trauma, providing practical insights for guiding and supporting those who have experienced deep hurt and suffering.
Jason Kovacs
Justin Greene
Walking Through the Valley: Understanding & Navigating Grief’s Journey
Presented by Justin Greene
This workshop will explore the unique journey of grief, identifying the consistent markers that shape the process. Counselors will learn what needs to be understood and what needs to be said. Drawing from the story of Job and contemporary case studies, participants will gain insights into recognizing these markers. Attendees will learn tools to guide individuals from despair to worship, equipping them to place their hand in the Lord’s and trust His presence through the valley.
Walking Through the Valley: Understanding & Navigating Grief’s Journey
Presented by Justin Greene
This workshop will explore the unique journey of grief, identifying the consistent markers that shape the process. Counselors will learn what needs to be understood and what needs to be said. Drawing from the story of Job and contemporary case studies, participants will gain insights into recognizing these markers. Attendees will learn tools to guide individuals from despair to worship, equipping them to place their hand in the Lord’s and trust His presence through the valley.
Justin Greene
The Heart of Bitterness: Confronting Self-Righteous Attitudes in Counseling
Presented by Michael Van Dyke
Bitterness, often rooted in deep wounds, can become a stronghold that distorts relationships and hinders healing. The temptation is to remain in that hurt with an embittered heart. In this workshop, participants will examine the story of Jonah as a case study in addressing bitterness and self-righteousness, observing his progression from presumption to prayers, from petitions of self-righteousness to his attitude toward God’s providential grace.
Michael Van Dyke
The Heart of Bitterness: Confronting Self-Righteous Attitudes in Counseling
Presented by Michael Van Dyke
Bitterness, often rooted in deep wounds, can become a stronghold that distorts relationships and hinders healing. The temptation is to remain in that hurt with an embittered heart. In this workshop, participants will examine the story of Jonah as a case study in addressing bitterness and self-righteousness, observing his progression from presumption to prayers, from petitions of self-righteousness to his attitude toward God’s providential grace.
Michael Van Dyke
Specific Issues in Counseling: A Deeper Understanding
Workshops on counseling related to specific challenges will deepen attendees’ understanding of these relevant issues.
Workshop Session 3 – Saturday @ 2:45
Timothy St. John
Gospel-Centered Strategies for Counseling Church Hurt
Presented by Timothy St. John
When church leadership fails, it can leave deep scars. When unrepentant sin is accepted in the community because of the leadership’s silence, support, or even participation in the sin, where do someone go? This workshop will focus on how to counsel those hurt by their church, providing Gospel-centered strategies for helping individuals process their pain and restore their relationship with Christ and His body. Counselors will learn how to walk alongside those who have been betrayed or wounded by the very community meant to care for them.
Gospel-Centered Strategies for Counseling Church Hurt
Presented by Timothy St. John
When church leadership fails, it can leave deep scars. When unrepentant sin is accepted in the community because of the leadership’s silence, support, or even participation in the sin, where do someone go? This workshop will focus on how to counsel those hurt by their church, providing Gospel-centered strategies for helping individuals process their pain and restore their relationship with Christ and His body. Counselors will learn how to walk alongside those who have been betrayed or wounded by the very community meant to care for them.
Timothy St. John
Coping Strategies: Replacing Our Flawed Strategies by Understanding the Character of God
Presented by Kristin Silva Linder
Throughout Scripture, the Lord consistently uses imperfect means to point to His greater, redemptive purposes. In this session, participants will explore how God’s character guides us to understand the limited strategies we often rely on to navigate pain and suffering and will unpack the profound hope that Christ offers, rooted in His perfect love and care. As counselors, participants will discuss practical, gentle, and meaningful ways to reflect God’s grace and guide counselees toward the fullness of hope found in Him.
Kristin Silva Linder
Coping Strategies: Replacing Our Flawed Strategies by Understanding the Character of God
Presented by Kristin Silva Linder
Throughout Scripture, the Lord consistently uses imperfect means to point to His greater, redemptive purposes. In this session, participants will explore how God’s character guides us to understand the limited strategies we often rely on to navigate pain and suffering and will unpack the profound hope that Christ offers, rooted in His perfect love and care. As counselors, participants will discuss practical, gentle, and meaningful ways to reflect God’s grace and guide counselees toward the fullness of hope found in Him.
Kristin Silva Linder
Beth Claes
Counseling Children & Adolescents
Presented by Beth Claes
This workshop addresses the unique dynamics of counseling children and adolescents, focusing on their developmental needs and common challenges. Participants will explore effective approaches to counseling young people, the importance of parental involvement, and practical tools for fostering engagement during sessions. The workshop will emphasize how we can help younger counselees connect with Christ and the hope we have in the Gospel through counseling.
Counseling Children & Adolescents
Presented by Beth Claes
This workshop addresses the unique dynamics of counseling children and adolescents, focusing on their developmental needs and common challenges. Participants will explore effective approaches to counseling young people, the importance of parental involvement, and practical tools for fostering engagement during sessions. The workshop will emphasize how we can help younger counselees connect with Christ and the hope we have in the Gospel through counseling.
Beth Claes
Pursuing Peace in Marriage Conflict: A Gospel-Centered Approach
Presented by Aaron & Angi Greene
As counselors, it’s common to encounter couples with conflict and disunity in their marriages. This workshop is designed to provide Gospel-centered strategies to guide couples through the challenges of marital discord. The session will explore how the Gospel offers a framework for peace, providing practical tools to help couples resolve conflicts in ways that honor Christ.
Aaron & Angi Greene
Pursuing Peace in Marriage Conflict: A Gospel-Centered Approach
Presented by Aaron & Angi Greene
As counselors, it’s common to encounter couples with conflict and disunity in their marriages. This workshop is designed to provide Gospel-centered strategies to guide couples through the challenges of marital discord. The session will explore how the Gospel offers a framework for peace, providing practical tools to help couples resolve conflicts in ways that honor Christ.
Aaron & Angi Greene
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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 at Salem Heights 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 at Salem Heights 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 has enjoyed learning and growing in the Salem Heights Church community since 1999. She loves studying and teaching God’s word. The Lord has been gracious to call her into the counseling ministry as the Director of Counseling Care, where she gets to use her passion for the Word to care for and serve women. Outside of ministry and raising three girls, Tara enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, listening to podcasts and audio books, and thrift store shopping.
Tara Cox has enjoyed learning and growing in the Salem Heights Church community since 1999. She loves studying and teaching God’s word. The Lord has been gracious to call her into the counseling ministry as the Director of Counseling Care, where she gets to use her passion for the Word to care for and serve women. Outside of ministry and raising three girls, Tara enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, listening to podcasts and audio books, and thrift store shopping.
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.