2012 Conference Speakers

General Session Speakers

Mark Dever serves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. A Duke graduate, Dr. Dever holds a M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Ecclesiastical History from Cambridge University. He is the president of 9Marks Ministries and has taught at a number of seminaries. Dr. Dever has authored several books and articles, most recently, What is a Healthy Church? and The Gospel and Personal Evangelism (Crossway 2007). Earlier books include Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Crossway 2000, 2004), The Deliberate Church (Crossway 2005), Promises Kept: The Message of the New Testament (Crossway 2005), and Promises Made: The Message of the Old Testament (Crossway 2006). He and his wife Connie live and minister on Capitol Hill, with Connie giving a lot of her time to creating a childrens’ curriculum (PraiseFactory). They have two adult children

Timothy S. Lane, M.Div., D. Min. is President and faculty member at CCEF and has been counseling for more than 25 years. He has previous experience in both campus and pastoral ministry, including serving as a pastor for ten years. He is the author of several mini-books including Forgiving Others, Sex Before Marriage, and Freedom From Guilt. He also co-authored the books How People Change and Relationships - A Mess Worth Making.

David Powlison, M.Div., Ph.D. worked for four years in psychiatric hospitals, during which time he came to faith in Christ. He teaches at CCEF and edits The Journal of Biblical Counseling. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in the history of science and medicine, focusing on the history of psychiatry. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary, and has been doing biblical counseling for over 30 years. He has written numerous articles on counseling and on the relationship between faith and psychology. His books include Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, Power Encounters, and The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context.

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D. is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF. He earned a Ph.D. in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over 30 years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions. His books include: When People Are Big and God is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame it on the Brain; Depression—A Stubborn Darkness; Running Scared; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away From Addiction; and When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety.

Breakout Session Speakers

Cecelia Bernhardt, M.Div., is the director of counseling at CCEF. She has completed the Advanced Counseling Certificate through CCEF and also has a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. She specializes in women’s issues, singleness, young adults, depression, and sexual abuse. She was the president of the women’s ministry in her church for three years. She enjoys her large family, reading, music and flowers - live and in water color.

Michael R. Emlet, M.Div., M.D. practiced as a family physician for 12 years before joining CCEF as a counselor and faculty member. Mike holds an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania as well as a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. He has authored the mini-books: Asperger Syndrome; Help for the Caregiver; OCD; and Angry Children, and has just released his first full-length book: CrossTalk: Where Life & Scripture Meet.

Alasdair Groves, M. Div., is the Director of Counseling at CCEF New England and is an adjunct faculty member at CCEF.  He received his Master of Divinity in counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary. Alasdair has also served as a pastoral counselor at Westerly Road Church in Princeton, and prior to seminary was a campus minister with the Navigators Christian Fellowship at Dartmouth College. He has a passion to foster genuine relationships in the local church, especially through counseling and counseling training. Alasdair and his wife, Lauren, are parents to Emily and Adara. Alasdair is a fiction enthusiast, plays ultimate frisbee, and loves to produce and enjoy both good food and good music.

Monica Kim, M.A.R. is Associate Faculty and a counselor at CCEF. She has a Master of Arts in Religion from Westminster Theological Seminary and has written for The Journal of Biblical Counseling. In addition to her work at CCEF, Monica serves on the pastoral staff at her church where she speaks, teaches Bible studies, leads women's groups, and counsels youth and families.

Julie Smith Lowe, M.A. is Associate Faculty at CCEF and has been counseling for over 13 years. She has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is pursuing certification as a Registered Play Therapist. Julie has been trained as a Certified Christian Conciliator through Peacemakers Ministries. She has extensive experience with foster and adoptive families, as well as child maltreatment issues. She speaks at events regarding women's issues, parenting, and children and conflict resolution.

Aaron Sironi, LCPC directs the CCEF affiliate office in Billings, Montana. He holds a Master of Science degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and has earned Level I, II and III Certificates in Biblical Counseling from CCEF, where he also serves as Adjunct Faculty. Aaron and his wife, Kellie, are members of Rocky Mountain Community Church and have three children. Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and playing outdoor sports.

Winston T. Smith, M.Div. is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF. Winston has been counseling for more than 15 years and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. Winston is the author of Marriage Matters: Extraordinary Change Through Ordinary Moments as well as several mini-books: Divorce Recovery; Help for Stepfamilies; It’s All About Me—The Problem with Masturbation; Who Does the Dishes?; and Help! My Spouse Committed Adultery.

Guest Speakers

Mark Dever serves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. A Duke graduate, Dr. Dever holds a M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Ecclesiastical History from Cambridge University. He is the president of 9Marks Ministries and has taught at a number of seminaries. Dr. Dever has authored several books and articles, most recently, What is a Healthy Church? and The Gospel and Personal Evangelism (Crossway 2007). Earlier books include Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Crossway 2000, 2004), The Deliberate Church (Crossway 2005), Promises Kept: The Message of the New Testament (Crossway 2005), and Promises Made: The Message of the Old Testament (Crossway 2006). He and his wife Connie live and minister on Capitol Hill, with Connie giving a lot of her time to creating a childrens’ curriculum (PraiseFactory). They have two adult children.

Jonathan Leeman edits the 9Marks series of books as well as the 9Marks Journal. He is also the author of The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love and Reverberation: How God's Word Gives Light, Affection, Freedom and Action to His Church. Since his call to ministry, Jonathan has earned a master of divinity from Southern Seminary and has worked as an interim pastor. He is also working on his Ph.D. in ecclesiology. He lives with his wife and three daughters in Cheverly, Maryland.

Randy and Joan Nabors grew up in the housing projects of Newark NJ. While in high school, they attended Calvary Gospel Church in Newark, NJ, a church committed to evangelism and ministry in a city of great racial turmoil and violence. Randy and Joan attended Covenant College, married in 1971 and went on to Covenant Theological Seminary. The Lord led them to Chattanooga TN where they founded New City Fellowship, a congregation committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the pursuit of racial reconciliation and urban ministry. Joan has served in various capacities as the “First Lady” of New City Fellowship. She has an avid interest in Black History, music, and church life. Randy has also served for 32 years in the Army Reserves. He retired as a Colonel in 2007. Joan and Randy are blessed with four children and several grandchildren.

Deepak Reju was raised in New Jersey and serves as an associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. His pastoral responsibilities include oversight of the biblical counseling and family ministries at CHBC. He previously served on staff at Grace Church in Westfield, N.J. and Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. A George Washington University graduate, he also holds the MDiv and PhD degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Deepak and his wife, Sarah, have four children, Zachariah, Lydia, Eden, and Noelle.