"The CBCC Annual Conference is the one conference I want our church staff to attend each year. The training and equipping our people have received has had a positive impact on all the ministries in our church."
- Local Pastor
Mental health is a topic of ongoing conversation in our world today, but it is a topic that is not always clearly defined. For many Christians, there is often confusion around this area of mental health, which raises questions like:
We invite you to join us as we wrestle with these questions and seek the wisdom of God, given to us in the Bible. Whether you are a seasoned counsellor, pastor, lay counsellor, student or someone looking to grow in how to be a godly friend, there will be something for everyone!
We are excited to be offering a new experience for those in Western Canada. Central Community Church in Chilliwack, British Columbia, will be offering a satellite conference, with a mix of livestream and in-person teaching. This will be a great opportunity to grow and be equipped alongside others who are passionate about biblical care and counselling! You can find more info on their website below:
Please contact us for your discount code: events@canadianbcc.ca
Mike is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF, where he has served since 2001. He holds a doctor of medicine from the University of Pennsylvania and a master of divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. Prior to joining CCEF, Mike worked as a family physician for eleven years. He has particular interests in working with ministry leaders and with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and OCD. He has published numerous books, including CrossTalk (New Growth Press, 2009), Descriptions and Prescriptions (New Growth Press, 2017), and Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners (New Growth Press, 2021).
Kevin is the Pastor of the Sonrise Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he has served in various seminaries teaching biblical counseling since 1999. He also serves as a counselor at Sonrise Biblical Counseling Ministry, is ACBC Certified, IABC Certified and board member, and was recently appointed as the new Executive Director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition. Kevin has authored several books, and is a frequent speaker at conferences, retreats and seminars. He and his wife, Kelly, have four children, one son-in-law, and two grandsons.
The CBCC conference is intentionally organized to equip, encourage and strengthen the body of Christ for the ministry of biblical care and counselling. Whether you are a seasoned counsellor, pastor, church leader, student or lay person in the Church – if you are passionate about growing in understanding God’s Word and how it can be applied to the lives of those who need help, then this conference is for you.
Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided at the break times. A light breakfast will be served on Saturday morning before the morning session.
Other meals can be purchased on your own at one of the many local restaurants near the church.
**Lunch will be provided to those who attend the pre-conference**
Groups of 5 or more get a 10% discount on the admission price per person. Please register using the “Group Admission” option during registration or contact us at: events@canadianbcc.ca
If you are currently enrolled in a college, seminary or certification course in biblical counselling, you can receive an additional discount on admission. Please select the “Student Admission” option when registering or contact us at: events@canadianbcc.ca
We are pleased to have a number of sponsors and exhibitors for this event. If you would like your ministry to have a presence at the conference, please fill out the form here.
We have once again secured a block of rooms at Sandman Hotel, Oakville. Use this link to book your room, or call 1-800-SANDMAN: https://reservations.sandmanhotels.com/113145?groupID=5045904
Our friends at Reformed Book Services will be running the bookstore in Oakville and in Chilliwack!
12:00 – 1:00 pm – Registration & Check-in
1:00 – 2:15 pm – Main Session 1 – Matt King
2:15 – 2:45 pm – Break
2:45 – 4:00 pm – Main Session 2 – Mike Emlet
4:00 – 4:15 pm – Short Break
4:15 – 5:15 pm – Workshops Round 1
5:15 – 7:15 pm – Dinner Break (Offsite)
7:15 – 8:30 pm – Main Session 3 – Mike Emlet
8:15 – 9:15 am – Breakfast
9:15 – 10:15 am – Workshops Round 2
10:15 – 10:45 am – Break
10:45 – 12:00 pm – Main Session 4 – Kevin Carson
12:00 – 1:30 pm – Lunch Break (Offsite)
1:30 – 2:30 pm – Workshops Round 3
2:30 – 2:45 pm – Short Break
2:45 – 4:00 pm – Main Session 5 – Curtis Heaton
8:30 – 9:00 am – Check-in & Coffee
9:00 – 10:00 am – Session 1 – “What Do We Do When Counselling Seems to Fail?” – Panel, led by Nathan Penny
10:00 – 10:30 am – Break
10:30 – 11:30 am – Session 2 – A Counsellor’s Journey Through Mental Illness – Jennifer Holmes
11:30 – 12:30 pm – Lunch (Provided)
*Schedule is subject to change – please check back before the conference for exact times.
The brokenness is more broken than we think. Simultaneously, God's grace is more sufficient than we can comprehend. Drawing on Genesis 1-3, this session will address the need for the people of God to walk in both humility and boldness as we explore the discussion of mental health and the Church.
How should Christians understand concepts of mental health and illness? A starting point is to understand that human beings were created as physically embodied, relationally and situationally embedded, image-bearing worshipers of the triune God who live in God’s world. Since the Fall of humanity into sin there has been disruption at all levels of our personhood and life contexts. Because of this, persistent and severe disturbances in thinking, emotion, and behaviour have a complex etiology that may involve any number of factors. This session will explore how Christians should understand the nature of mental affliction, which sets the stage for gospel-centered help.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the resource mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health disorders. But how should we understand the validity and reliability of this diagnostic system? What do diagnostic labels mean? Do they help or do they harm? This session will trace the development of the psychiatric diagnostic system and evaluate both the liabilities and potential benefits of diagnoses within a biblical framework.
What is the responsibility of the Church in coming alongside those with mental health struggles? What does compassionate care look like in the day-to-day? Drawing on the Apostle Paul's letters, this session will explore the biblical imperatives for carrying each other's burdens.
This last session will explore how the ministry of biblical counselling fits within the Great Commission, and how vital it is for us work together, as we bring the hope of Christ to those who are struggling and suffering across Canada.
Kevin is the Pastor of the Sonrise Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he has served in various seminaries teaching biblical counseling since 1999. He also serves as a counselor at Sonrise Biblical Counseling Ministry, is ACBC Certified, IABC Certified and board member, and was recently appointed as the new Executive Director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition. Kevin has authored several books, and is a frequent speaker at conferences, retreats and seminars. He and his wife, Kelly, have four children, one son-in-law, and two grandsons.
Mike is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF, where he has served since 2001. He holds a doctor of medicine from the University of Pennsylvania and a master of divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. Prior to joining CCEF, Mike worked as a family physician for eleven years. He has particular interests in working with ministry leaders and with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and OCD. He has published numerous books, including: CrossTalk (New Growth Press, 2009), Descriptions and Prescriptions (New Growth Press, 2017), and Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners (New Growth Press, 2021).
Shauna is a certified biblical counsellor who founded Truth Renewed, a ministry that provides free biblical counselling to the community. Shauna is also the Executive Director for the Association of Biblical Counselors. She has a passion to encourage, equip, and empower others to walk more faithfully and joyfully in the midst of their circumstances.
Alysia Whiteside has personally experienced the sustaining grace of God through deep suffering, including chronic illness. Through Christ, she has discovered lasting hope, comfort, and the redemptive purpose of suffering. She holds a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Care and Counselling from Heritage College & Seminary, is ABC certified in Biblical Counselling, and is a Level II Certified Christian Trauma Care provider. Centered on Christ, Alysia seeks to walk alongside those who suffer, helping them look to Him as their source of hope, comfort, and restoration.
Jeemin Moon is a native of South Korea and is Director of Biblical Care & Counselling Studies at Heritage College & Seminary. He is pursuing a PhD in Biblical Counselling at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary under the supervision of Dr. Jeremy Pierre. Jeemin holds a BA in Counselling Psychology a BA in English (Handong Global University, Pohang, Korea), an MDiv in Worship Leadership, and a ThM in Biblical Counselling (both at SBTS). He also serves as a music ministry director at Grace Bible Church in Cambridge, ON
Kevin trusted in Jesus at age seven. He grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota and moved to Minneapolis where he studied Bible and social science at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. Next, he studied Christian education, theology, and ministry at Bethel Seminary. Following this he entered full time ministry at a downtown Minneapolis church. There he met his wife, Leanna who has been on this journey with him for over 12 years. After 20 years of ministry in Minneapolis, Kevin returned to school to Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he studied biblical counselling. He helped plant a church along with Leanna in Minnesota while counselling professionally. In 2022, Kevin was called to full time discipleship and counselling ministry at Hespeler Baptist Church.
The Niagara Region has been home to Glen and Rebecca for most of their lives. God led Glen to begin studies at Westminster Theological Seminary in 2007. After marrying Rebecca the following year, she joined him in Philly. Glen completed his MA in Biblical Counselling while Rebecca took numerous counselling courses through CCEF. Glen began counselling at Elisha House in Welland after returning to Ontario. He worked there as a biblical counsellor and director until he accepted the Executive Director position at Insight in 2022. Rebecca was active at home raising their 4 children; in 2019 she began as a special needs assistant at Jordan Christian School, employing her God-given gifts working with people with disabilities.
Jason is a certified biblical counsellor with specialized training in trauma care through TBRI® and is a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors. Jason also serves on the Council of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and the board of the Canadian Biblical Counselling Coalition. He is an adjunct professor, teaching Biblical counselling, at Heritage Theological Seminary and Millar College of the Bible. Jason has been married for over 20 years to Shawnda and has 5 incredible children.
Jason belongs to his wife Kellie, and their playful Golden Retriever, Bo. He holds an undergraduate science degree from the University of Guelph and has completed his Masters of Divinity from Heritage Seminary. Curious about everything and an avid bushman, his interests range from most sports through music and other arts, from philosophy and the humanities through the hard sciences, economics and politics. He loves Jesus and God’s people, and wants to be found making disciples and faithfully caring for the family of God when Jesus returns. Jason serves as the Pastor of Discipleship & Care at Temple Baptist Church in Cambridge, ON.
Keith Dow, PhD, is a theologian, credentialed pastor, and practitioner working at the intersection of faith, disability, and care. He serves as Manager of Organizational and Spiritual Life with Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons), accompanying people and teams navigating grief and loss and partnering with churches in their work of becoming more accessible and welcoming. Keith holds a PhD in Theology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and is a fellow in the Psychology Cross-Training for Theologians program at the University of Birmingham and Martin Luther University College. His work focuses on pastoral formation, attentive presence, and cultivating practices of care within Christian communities.
Brittany is a wife and mother of three children. In recent years, she has graduated from the Association of Biblical Counselors Level 2 Equipped to Counsel certification, including training in theology and one-to-one care. Brittany has past experience supporting women and their children in desperate situations and holds a Bachelor of Social Work from York University. Brittany spends her free-time volunteering, camping with her family, and enjoying relationships with other women in her church and neighbourhood.
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