CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet

In this episode of Where Life and Scripture Meet, host Gunner Gundersen continues his conversation with CCEF faculty member Mike Emlet about caring for aging parents. Building on the previous episode, Mike reflects on the blessings and burdens of caring for his mother during her final season of life.

Mike shares how he and his wife navigated difficult caregiving decisions, wrestled with their own limitations, and sought wisdom as his mother's needs increased. Along the way, he reflects on anxiety, fatigue, grief, and the steady presence of God's grace in the midst of weakness.

This conversation offers encouragement for anyone currently caring for aging loved ones, considering future caregiving responsibilities, or processing the grief that often accompanies these journeys. Mike describes how the Lord met his family through Scripture, prayer, and the support of the church, in a demanding season and reminded them that grace and weakness often coexist.

In this episode of Where Life and Scripture Meet, host Gunner Gundersen sits down with Dr. Mike Emlet to reflect on his recent experience caring for his aging mother during the final years of her life.

Mike shares about his mom, "Mim" — her vibrant faith, her lifelong commitment to the local church, her sense of humor, and her remarkable ministry of handwritten letters. He also opens up about the gradual onset of cognitive decline, the impact of dementia and stroke, and the practical and emotional realities of caregiving.

Mike and Gunner discuss the weight and the sweetness of walking closely with a loved one through suffering and decline. There is beauty and cost, and Jesus is in the midst of it.

Mentioned in this episode: sign up to receive 6 conference sessions on conflict and unity. Sign up here: ccef.org/free-audio-for-conflict-and-unity/

Books by Dr. Mike Emlet:
CrossTalk: Where Life and Scripture Meet
Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses & Medications
Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us

What does it mean to be united to Christ—and how does that shape the way we relate to others?

In this episode, Gunner Gundersen, Esther Liu, and Darby Strickland explore the doctrine of union with Christ and its deeply practical impact on everyday relationships. If our truest relationship is already secure in Jesus, how might that free us to love others differently?

Together, they discuss how union with Christ
grounds us in unshakable security,
frees us from defensiveness,
gives courage to apologize and forgive,
reorients transactional views of relationships, and
helps us make sense of church hurt.
Because we are united to Christ, we are also united to one another. That shared belonging reshapes how we approach conflict, difference, and even the pain of broken community. Join us as we consider what it looks like to live life together in Christ.
Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog by Darby Strickland
"How can I avoid the temptation to isolate myself in suffering?" | Video by Cecelia Bernhardt
Make Every Effort: Paul Urges Unity in the Church | Conference Session by Aaron Sironi

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the often overlooked issue of stagnant marriages, exploring the subtle signs of disconnection and the importance of intentionality and spiritual friendship in marriage. They emphasize the need for curiosity and community support, as well as the difference between a covenant and a contract in marriage. They highlight practical steps couples can take to revitalize their relationships, including small gestures of love.

Mentioned in this episode: If you've been encouraged by our podcast this year, would you consider giving a gift to CCEF today? Your support would go to immediate use today to help equip the global church for thoughtful, biblical conversations about matters of the heart.
How can I avoid growing apart from my spouse in a season of suffering and grief? | Video by Aaron Sironi

What Has Been Most Helpful in Your Marriage? | Blog post by Ed Welch
Sexual Intimacy in Marriage: A Joint Trust | Blog post by Aaron Sironi

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the complex nature of lingering grief, exploring how it manifests in various ways. They share personal stories and insights on how grief can resurface during life milestones. They emphasize the importance of community support in navigating grief, as well as the need for patience and understanding in the grieving process. Ultimately, listeners will be reminded of God's presence and care during times of grief.
Am I Doing This Right? What Lamentations Teaches Us about Grieving | Journal article by Todd Stryd
Someone I Know Is Grieving | Book by Ed Welch
Helping Your Family Grieve | Minibook by Darby Strickland
When We Hurt Those Who Are Hurting | Blog post by Ed Welch
How can I care well for someone who is grieving? | Video by Ed Welch