Coffee & Counseling

Self-Care for Counselors and Pastors: Resting in the God Who Sustains

Season 2, Episode 5 — Resting in the God Who Sustains In this episode, Brian speaks directly to pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders who are carrying heavy burdens and quietly feeling the strain. The conversation opens with a simple reflection on how even a premium cup of coffee can remind us that the Father is kind, and then moves into the deeper theme of biblical self-care — not indulgence, but spiritual stewardship. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28–30, “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” That invitation is for the weary helper too. Coffee and Counseling S2EP5: Resting in the God Who Sustains Brian Alton, Certified Biblical Counselor, Director of the Biblical Living Center Sip-Size Q&A — “What if I’m a pastor and I’m just tired? I don’t have a sabbatical coming up. What can I do?” Brian offers a pastoral answer: tiredness is not failure, and even without a formal sabbatical, real rest can begin in humble ways — telling the truth, receiving help, protecting smaller rhythms of rest, and returning to Jesus’ gentle invitation in Matthew 11. He reminds listeners that they are not the Messiah, and that Christ does not shame weary shepherds for needing to be shepherded themselves. Here is a psalm-writing guide to help you engage with the Lord: Click Here. [https://www.biblicallivingcenter.com/s/Psalm-Writing-Exercise.pdf] You can email your questions here: coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com [coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com?subject=Questions%20for%20the%20Counselor] If you prefer, you can also leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling [https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling] Counselor’s Corner: Ministry leaders need to identify the signs of care fatigue and respond wisely. Irritability, numbness, avoidance, thin prayer, and the fantasy of disappearing for a while may all be signs that the soul is tired. Romans 12 reminds us to think with sober judgment, including being honest about our limits and our gifts. Sustainable ministry requires honesty, community, physical care, prayer, Scripture, and abiding in Christ rather than trying to operate like a machine. A few great book resources that we recommend are: 8 Habits for Growth by Darryl Dash [https://amzn.to/4niEANR] The Whole Life Book by Eliza Huie and Esther Smith [https://amzn.to/4t7kR4V] What’s Next Best by Matt Perman [https://amzn.to/4wdTzwI] Each of these books has a rich biblical theology of personal stewardship and rest. Don’t forget, at the Biblical Living Center, our team stand ready to serve you should you discern your need for a biblical counselor. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify HERE [https://open.spotify.com/show/2UGZeMxvtmQGZ6h9AYUni6] Subscribe to the podcast on Apple HERE [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-counseling/id1840885513] Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter [https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/ [https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/] [https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6025b9b20d077847d7b993fd/1753847954043-772CXP316BHA7AKV4DL1/Counseling+%26+Coffee.png?format=1000w] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

When God Calls You Out of Hiding

Season 2, Episode 4 — When God Calls You Out of Hiding In this episode, Brian reflects on Exodus 3–4 and the moment when God interrupts Moses’ quiet life in Midian with a holy calling. Moses had fled Egypt, built a quieter life, and likely assumed the rest of his days would be spent keeping things simple. But God met him at the burning bush and called him back into the very story he had been trying to leave behind. Coffee and Counseling S2EP4: When God Calls You Out of Hiding Brian Alton, Certified Biblical Counselor, Director of the Biblical Living Center Sip-Size Q&A — “What if I know God is calling me into something hard, but I still don’t want to do it?” Brian answers with pastoral honesty: sometimes the issue under our fear is comfort, self-protection, or simply not wanting disruption. Like Moses, we may prefer the safety of Midian. The invitation is to tell the truth to God, remember who He is, ask Him for new desires, and not step into obedience alone. You can email your questions here: coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com [coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com?subject=Questions%20for%20the%20Counselor] If you prefer, you can also leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling [https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling] Counselor’s Corner: Brian highlights three practical truths for everyday discipleship and counseling: God often calls us into hard things we do not feel ready for. God has often already placed something “in our hand” that He can use. God’s sufficiency matters more than our adequacy. This section encourages listeners to abide in Christ, stay in community, and take the next faithful step rather than waiting to feel fully prepared. A great book resource that we recommend is the title “Just Do Something” by Kevin DeYoung [https://amzn.to/48MECYf] Don’t forget, at the Biblical Living Center, our team stand ready to serve you should you discern your need for a biblical counselor. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify HERE [https://open.spotify.com/show/2UGZeMxvtmQGZ6h9AYUni6] Subscribe to the podcast on Apple HERE [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-counseling/id1840885513] Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter [https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/ [https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/] [https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6025b9b20d077847d7b993fd/1753847954043-772CXP316BHA7AKV4DL1/Counseling+%26+Coffee.png?format=1000w] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

When You’ve Been Betrayed — Finding Jesus After Infidelity

Season 2, Episode 3 — When You’ve Been Betrayed: Finding Jesus After Infidelity This episode flows out of one of the most-read articles on the Biblical Living Center website, which tells us this is a pain many people are quietly carrying. Betrayal through infidelity is one of the deepest wounds a marriage can endure, and in this episode Brian speaks both personally and pastorally about what it means to find Jesus in the aftermath. Coffee and Counseling S2EP3: When You’ve Been Betrayed — Finding Jesus After Infidelity Brian Alton, Certified Biblical Counselor, Director of the Biblical Living Center Sip-Size Q&A — “What do I do if I’ve just found out my spouse has been unfaithful?” Brian responds with pastoral tenderness, reminding listeners that they do not need to solve the whole future in one day. The first steps are to tell one safe person, bring the pain honestly to Jesus, refuse to let panic drive the process, and seek wise biblical care. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The episode also clarifies that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing, and that trust, if rebuilt, takes time, truth, and fruit. You can email your questions here: coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com [coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com?subject=Questions%20for%20the%20Counselor] If you prefer, you can also leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling [https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling] Counselor’s Corner : As pastors, counselors, and helpers how can we think carefully about how to walk with betrayed spouses? The first need is not pressure or fast answers, but stabilization, presence, and wise care. Betrayed spouses are often overwhelmed, traumatized, and desperate for relief. Counselors must listen carefully, validate the gravity of what happened, point sufferers to the nearness of Christ, and avoid pushing immediate reconciliation. Helpful resources from Brad Hambrick: True Betrayal [https://amzn.to/4teZaQX] for the offended False Love [https://amzn.to/3PDPtxa] for the offender If your husband’s pornography use, sexual sin, or infidelity has come into the light, you do not have to walk through the confusion, grief, and betrayal alone. Held in Hope is an online, confidential, Christ-centered support group for women seeking biblical care, practical guidance, and gospel-centered encouragement after betrayal. The group begins Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30 PM, meets weekly for 11 weeks, and is limited to 8 women. Participants will walk through True Betrayal by Brad Hambrick together in a safe and supportive setting. You can learn more or register here: https://www.biblicallivingcenter.com/held-in-hope [https://www.biblicallivingcenter.com/held-in-hope] Don’t forget, at the Biblical Living Center, our team stand ready to serve you should you discern your need for a biblical counselor. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify HERE [https://open.spotify.com/show/2UGZeMxvtmQGZ6h9AYUni6] Subscribe to the podcast on Apple HERE [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-counseling/id1840885513] Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter [https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/ [https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/] [https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6025b9b20d077847d7b993fd/1753847954043-772CXP316BHA7AKV4DL1/Counseling+%26+Coffee.png?format=1000w] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Holy Noticing — Learning to See God in Ordinary Life

Season 2, Episode 2 — Holy Noticing: Learning to See God in Ordinary Life In this episode, Brian invites listeners to think about those familiar routes in life where we suddenly notice something that had been there all along—and then turns that idea toward the Lord. Sometimes we read Scripture, pray, and walk through life faithfully, only to suddenly see God’s goodness, forgiveness, and grace in a fresh way. That is what this episode is about: learning to notice the nearness of God. Coffee and Counseling S2EP2: Holy Noticing — Learning to See God in Ordinary Life Brian Alton, Certified Biblical Counselor, Director of the Biblical Living Center Sip-Size Q&A — “What is one verse that I have found helpful both in counseling and in my own personal life?” * Brian points to Isaiah 41:10 as a deeply personal and often-used verse in counseling: “Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” He reflects on how this verse speaks to fear, belonging, security, and God’s faithful provision in anxiety, anger, hopelessness, and suffering. You can email your questions here: coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com [coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com?subject=Questions%20for%20the%20Counselor] If you prefer, you can also leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling [https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling] Counselor’s Corner : Many counselees say they feel alone, and suffering often makes us feel that way. This episode explores how biblical counselors point people back to the truth that God is near. * Psalm 139 reminds us that God is present in all of life. * James 4 reminds us that God is present even in our sin and invites us to draw near through Christ. * Hebrews 4 reminds us that God is present in our suffering through our sympathetic High Priest. * The gospel sweetens this truth because Jesus did not merely tell us God was near—He became near. Don’t forget, at the Biblical Living Center, our team stand ready to serve you should you discern your need for a biblical counselor. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify HERE [https://open.spotify.com/show/2UGZeMxvtmQGZ6h9AYUni6] Subscribe to the podcast on Apple HERE [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-counseling/id1840885513] Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter [https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/ [https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/] [https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6025b9b20d077847d7b993fd/1753847954043-772CXP316BHA7AKV4DL1/Counseling+%26+Coffee.png?format=1000w] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Biblical Living Family Renewal — A New Ministry Focus

Season 2, Episode 1 — Biblical Living Family Renewal: A New Ministry Focus In this episode, Brian introduces Biblical Living Family Renewal, a focused area of ministry within the Biblical Living Center designed to serve families caught in abuse, oppression, fear, confusion, and the painful fallout of sin-distorted relationships. Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted,” Psalm 9:9 says, “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,” and Isaiah 1:17 says, “Seek justice, correct oppression.” These passages shape the heart behind this work. Coffee and Counseling S2EP1: Biblical Living Family Renewal — A New Ministry Focus Brian Alton, Certified Biblical Counselor, Director of the Biblical Living Center Sip-Size Q&A — “Who is Biblical Living Family Renewal for?” Brian explains that this ministry focus is for suffering wives and family members who need wise care, for husbands whose sin has created fear or instability and who need to pursue real repentance, and for pastors and churches seeking clarity and courage in how to help. It is also for families who simply know that something is deeply wrong and need help naming it and responding wisely. You can email your questions here: coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com [coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com?subject=Questions%20for%20the%20Counselor] If you prefer, you can also leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling [https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling] Counselor’s Corner : This episode explains the three main aims of Biblical Living Family Renewal: * to create a clear front door for wives and families who need safe, biblical support, * to offer a pathway of repentance and change for husbands through tools like Chris Moles’ Men of Peace [https://www.menofpeace.org/partners] material, * to equip churches to become safer and wiser in how they respond to abuse and coercive control. You can learn more here: https://www.biblicallivingcenter.com/biblical-living-family-renewal [https://www.biblicallivingcenter.com/biblical-living-family-renewal] MEN: Join a Men of Peace Cohort - HERE [https://www.biblicallivingcenter.com/men-of-peace-cohort] WOMEN: Get safe careful Christ-centred care - HERE [https://www.biblicallivingcenter.com/counseling-for-women-safety-truth-support] CHURCH: Learn how to care for families caught in abuse - HERE [https://www.biblicallivingcenter.com/church-support-and-education] Don’t forget, at the Biblical Living Center, our team stand ready to serve you should you discern your need for a biblical counselor. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify HERE [https://open.spotify.com/show/2UGZeMxvtmQGZ6h9AYUni6] Subscribe to the podcast on Apple HERE [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-counseling/id1840885513] Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter [https://www.facebook.com/biblicallivingcenter] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/ [https://www.instagram.com/biblical_living_center/] [https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6025b9b20d077847d7b993fd/1753847954043-772CXP316BHA7AKV4DL1/Counseling+%26+Coffee.png?format=1000w] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!