A Guest Post by Brooke Shepherd
You’re reading Part 4 in a blog mini-series of guest post by biblical counselors who attended the 2025 Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC) Called to Counsel Conference. On Facebook and X/Twitter, I put out this call:
Did you attend the ABC Called to Counsel Conference? Would you like to share a public testimony that I could post at RPM Ministries?
- The first post was by Dr. Tim Allchin. You can read it here: Similarities and Differences Between the ABC and the ACBC Conferences.
- The second post was by ACBC Certified biblical counselor Sarah Puebla. You can read it here: The 2025 ABC Called to Counsel Conference: Christ-Centered Truth for Life.
- The third post was by Rusty Dawson. You can read it here: The 2025 ABC Called to Counsel Conference: Speaking the Truth in Love.
Meet Brooke
Today’s post is by Brooke Shepherd. Brooke holds a B.A. in Psychology from Bethel
University, is ACBC certified in Biblical Counseling, and has completed Level 1 of the CCTCP certification through CTHN. Brooke has over ten years of local and global experience walking alongside survivors of trauma, abuse, and sexual exploitation. She is an experienced program and curriculum developer, passionate about creating opportunities for survivors to pursue healing. Brooke is the owner and operator of The Dwelling Co., a biblical counseling and consulting ministry that offers virtual counseling for females, and provides training and consulting to equip the saints to better care for hurting individuals within their churches, ministries, and organizations. She is deeply grateful for the love and support of her husband, Cody, and cherishes the opportunity to mother their 15-month-old daughter—and, Lord willing, welcome another daughter in late August.
Biblical Conviction and Grace-Centered Relationships
I found the whole ABC Called to Counsel conference extremely uplifting and encouraging. One thing that stood out to me personally was that at no point do I recall fear being used as a motivator for the counselor.
Instead, I was inspired to remain firm in biblical conviction and to share this truth graciously with counselees—motivated not by guilt or fear, but by the good news of the Gospel and the character of God. In response to Christ’s love for me and for others, I felt compelled to keep the person and ministry of Christ at the center of my counseling, recognizing that this truly is something unique and transformational.
Behold the Heart of Christ
Another thing that stood out to me was how engaging each speaker was. I didn’t find it difficult to stay focused—even during the after-lunch sessions—because each presentation was genuinely excellent.
One teaching point that made a significant impression on me—and that I find myself continuing to meditate on—was shared by Tim St. John. While I may not be quoting him exactly, he said something to the effect that Scripture was not given primarily to change people. Rather, change is often the result when we use Scripture to help people behold the heart of Christ and be led by His care for them.
Broken People Helping Broken People
I was especially impressed by each speaker’s humility, authenticity, vulnerability, and approachability. It was incredibly encouraging—a reminder that the Lord uses broken people, still being sanctified, to accomplish His work.
When someone with significantly more training and experience than you openly shares that they too have made mistakes, it lifts a burden. It reminds you that God’s grace covers us as we grow and that we can trust Him with the unknown outcomes and personal failures in our counseling ministry.
Spiritual Abuse Track
Initially, I was a bit disappointed that we had to select just one track for the breakout sessions, rather than picking and choosing individual sessions as I had been accustomed to. However, after completing all eight sessions on Spiritual Abuse, I now recognize that this focused format is an excellent model for equipping counselors. The continuity and depth of content allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the topic, and I came away feeling far more equipped and confident in addressing this sensitive issue.
Collaborative Approach
I also really appreciate the collaborative approach that ABC takes. It was refreshing to sit with pastors, certified biblical counselors, and licensed therapists—to learn from one another and be sharpened together!
