About Me / Speaking
Chuck DeGroat, PhD, LPC
I’m a follower of Jesus, a husband to Sara for 30 years, and father to two amazing daughters. I serve as Professor of Counseling and Christian Spirituality and Executive Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Western Theological Seminary Holland MI. I’m also a faculty member for the Soul Care Institute.
I’m a licensed therapist, a spiritual director, author of five books, and retreat leader/speaker. As a therapist, I’ve specialized in issues of abuse and trauma, pastoral (and leadership) health, and navigating issues of doubt and dark nights on the faith journey. I’m also a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America. I pastored in Orlando and San Francisco before transitioning to training and forming pastors. I also train clergy in issues of abuse and trauma, conduct pastor and planter assessments, facilitate church consultations and investigations of abuse among pastors and within congregations.
You can learn more about my books at the link above. My newest book is coming in early October and available for pre-order now. It’s called Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself and to God When You’re Weary, Wounded, and Wandering.
Speaking
2024
September 14 - Chattanooga, TN - When Resilience Comes to Church: Contagious Fortitude for Life & Leadership - Richmont University /The Mission Chattanooga
Oct 10-11 - Houston, TX. Houston Baptist Association Pastor’s Conference.
October 21-22 - Jacksonville, FL. Diocese of Florida Clergy Retreat
November 1-3 - Charleston, SC - One Fellowship Church Men’s Conference
November 18-20 - San Diego, CA
2025
January 21-23 - Chicago, IL Pastor’s Gathering through The Ministry Collective
March 24-25 - Portland, OR - Healing What’s Within, Common Hope Network
May 22-23 - Puerto Rico - Kineo Men’s Gathering
June 9-13 - Colorado Springs, CO - Soul Care Institute
July 7-11 - NC - Soul Care Institute
Sept 25-28 - Colorado Springs, CO -Young Life Soul Care Retreat
Oct 24-26 - Columbus, Ohio, Healing What’s Within Retreat and Sunday Sermon, Ohio State CRU
2026
Jan 19-23 - Camp Geneva, Michigan - Soul Care institute
Small Group Pastor/Leader Gatherings
Spend two days together in a setting of your choice exploring spiritual and emotional health, wholeness, intelligence, and maturity through a vision of becoming REFLECTIVE, REGULATED, ROOTED, RELATIONAL, AND RESILIENT.
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Gather a group of interested pastors and/or leaders, find a setting (retreat center, city center location, etc.), and secure a gathering space and resources for our time.
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I’ll join you during this time and lead you through 2-3 days filled with some teaching, reflection, storytelling, processing of life and wounds, and conversation.
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I will join you for at least two full days / 16 ± hours, often gathering as well for planned dinners and more.
Our ideal size is 5-10 to assure some opportunity for trust, intimacy, honesty, and depth.
Cost - $5000 plus travel, stay, and other reasonable expenses.
