We are excited to have Michael Gembola, a licensed Christian counselor from Blue Ridge Christian Counseling (brccva.org), join us at the 2026 Triennial Convention August 17-21.
Michael will be teaching two workshops:
Dealing with Difficult People
Our culture has clear advice for dealing with difficult people: set boundaries or end the relationship. Yet as ministers we must give account for our care and love even enemies. How are we to navigate the ministry pains of being misunderstood or mistreated? How are we to go on after our own failings in conflict? This seminar will draw principles from the ministry of Christ in Mark 6 to craft a vision for stewardship, sacrifice, and wise service in challenging relationships.
Pastoral Care and Counseling Structures for a Small Churches
This workshop will survey structures for church-based counseling ministries. We will discuss a church case study and evaluate options for building a culture of care, strengthening existing ministries and evaluating new initiatives.
We are very thankful that Michael, Eric Guiterrez and Jessica Breeden will also be offering a limited number of counseling sessions for our pastors and pastors’ wives. These will be 50-minute sessions held in a private space for comfort and confidentiality for pastoral counseling sessions or consultations. Some options include
- Pastoral Wellbeing Review: Complete Pastor-Couple Assessment and receive consultation on planning for sustainability and stewardship amid the pressures
- Pastoral Care Consultation: Submit a summary document (template provided) on a pastoral care matter (e.g., a difficult church discipline situation, conflict or member with complex needs)
- Personal life or marital difficulty: Complete intake paperwork to discuss a particular life challenge or struggle, and in the session, we will set up a care plan together and help locate the options to best provide for next steps.
You must register ahead of the convention for these sessions as they require paperwork that would need to be completed the week prior to the convention, and there are a limited number of sessions available. You can reserve a time by clicking HERE
