Episode Details

In this Speak the Truth podcast episode recorded at the 2026 Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition conference on mental health in the church, Michael interviews Kevin Carson, pastor of Sunrise Church (planted in 2002 in Ozark, Missouri) and newly appointed executive director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition (three months into the role). Carson shares his background teaching biblical counseling at Mission University and serving other seminaries, and describes cultivating a “church of biblical counseling” shaped by mutual care, sanctification, and one-another ministry, influenced by Steve Viars and guidance from David Powlison. Addressing how the church should respond to mental health, he emphasizes that labels change but people and God’s call do not, urging compassionate, patient, long-term discipleship rather than quick fixes, integrating care across preaching, life groups, and counseling. He invites listeners to learn about and support the BCC’s global resourcing and partnership program at biblicalcounselingcoalition.org.

00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:19 Conference Road Trip
00:56 Meet Kevin Carson
01:49 Pastor and Church Planting
02:31 Leading the BCC
03:26 Teaching and Seminary Work
04:17 Church Culture and Care
06:57 Mental Health and One-Anothering
08:19 Elder Team and Counseling Ministry
09:49 How Churches Should Respond
11:23 Slow Patient Discipleship
15:55 Saint Sufferer Sinner Framework
18:17 Practical Encouragement for Leaders
20:24 Equipping the Church to Care
21:35 Support the BCC Mission
24:01 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

Episode Mentions
Biblical Counseling Coalition