EP. 210 Mental Health and the Church Mini-Series: Pastoring, Counseling, and Mental Health W/Pastor Kevin Carson

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 Welcome00:19 Conference Road Trip00:56 Meet Kevin Carson01:49 Pastor and Church Planting02:31 Leading the BCC03:26 Teaching and Seminary Work04:17 Church Culture and Care06:57 Mental Health and One-Anothering08:19 Elder Team and Counseling Ministry09:49 How Churches Should Respond11:23 Slow Patient Discipleship15:55 Saint Sufferer Sinner Framework18:17 Practical Encouragement for Leaders20:24 Equipping the Church to Care21:35 Support the BCC Mission24:01 Final Thanks and Wrap UpEpisode MentionsBiblical Counseling Coalition