WHAT: Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition (CBCC) - Annual Conference
Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition Exists: To see every person in Canada have access to local biblical care and counselling.
We do this: By engaging, equipping, and encouraging the body of Christ for the work of biblical counselling.
2026 CONFERENCE THEME: MENTAL HEALTH AND THE CHURCH
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:
What does the Bible teach us about mental health?
How should Christians think about terms like ‘mental illness’?
Where does medication fit in the care of struggling Christians?
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!
WHERE: Live Stream hosted at Calvary Gravenhurst
WHEN: Friday, March 20, 2026 | 12:00-8:30 p.m. - Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 9:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
HOW TO REGISTER
PLEASE NOTE YOU NEED TO FILL OUT TWO REGISTRATION FORMS
CBCC REGISTRATION (Steps # 1-4)
CALVARY GRAVENHURST (Step #5)
1. Click on the "REGISTER WITH CBCC" button below to register directly on the CBCC conference registration page. After clicking the link you should be on the registration page (brushfire.com).
2. On the registration page you will find the "ACCESS CODE" above the "Registration Type".
3. Type "CG_2026" on the access code line and then hit "ENTER" or click on the check mark on the right side of the page to apply the code.
4. Select "Calvary Livestream" under Registration type to get the discounted rate of $49/person and then submit your payment. Then go to step 5 below to complete registration with Calvary Gravenhurst.
5. Click on the “REGISTER WITH CALVARY” to complete your registration to attend the live stream.
FEATURED SPEAKERS (Taken from CBCC website):
MIKE EMLET
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 CARSON
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.
Schedule:
Friday, March 20
12:00 – 1:00 pm – Registration & Check-in
1:00 – 2:15 pm – Main Session 1 - Matt King: “Mental Health & the Church: Boundary Lines and Boundless Grace”
2:15 – 2:45 pm – Break
2:45 – 4:00 pm – Main Session 2 - Mike Emlet: “Understanding Mental Health Struggles Through a Biblical Lens”
4:00 – 4:15 pm – Short Break
4:15 – 5:15 pm – Workshops Round 1 - Kevin Carson: “Practical Steps to Responding to a Crisis”
5:15 – 7:15 pm – Dinner Break (Offsite)
7:15 – 8:30 pm – Main Session 3 - Mike Emlet - “Understanding & Evaluating Psychiatric Diagnoses Biblically”
Saturday, March 21
9:15 – 10:15 am – Workshops Round 2 - Shauna Van Dyke - “God’s Faithfulness: Renewed Hope in the Depths of Despair”
10:15 – 10:45 am – Break
10:45 – 12:00 am – Main Session 4 - Kevin Carson - “How should the church respond to mental health?”
12:00 – 1:30 pm – Lunch Break - lunch will be available onsite - cost $10 - pay at registration
1:30 – 2:30 pm – Workshops Round 3 - Mike Emlet - “Listening to Prozac? Biblical and Scientific Perspectives on Psychoactive Medications”
2:30 – 2:45 pm – Short Break
2:45 – 4:00 pm – Main Session 5 - Curtis Heaton - “Forging Ahead Together: Reaching Canada with the Hope of Christ”
Main Sessions
Matt KING — Session 1: "Mental Health & the Church: Boundary Lines & Boundless Grace"
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.
Mike Emlet — Session 2: "Understanding Mental Health Struggles Through A Biblical Lens"
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.
Mike Emlet — Session 3: "What’s in a Name? Understanding and Evaluating Psychiatric Diagnoses Biblically"
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.
Kevin Carson — Session 4: "How Should the Church Respond to Mental Health?"
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.
Curtis Heaton — Session 5: "Forging Ahead Together: Reaching Canada with the Hope of Christ"
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.