About Me / Speaking

Chuck DeGroat, PhD, LPC

I’m a follower of Jesus, a husband to Sara for 32 years, and father to two amazing daughters and a fantastic son-in-law. I serve as Professor of Counseling and Christian Spirituality and Founding 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 and founder of The Soul Care Collaborative, a resource for people to get care.

I’m a licensed therapist specializing in pastoral (and leadership) health, spiritual abuse and religious trauma, and navigating spiritual and emotional obstacles on the faith journey. I work not just with pastors, but with anyone longing for flourishing and wholeness in their lives.

I’m also a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America who pastored in Orlando and San Francisco before transitioning to training and forming pastors. I have decades of experience in training clergy in issues of abuse and trauma, conducting pastor and planter assessments, and facilitating church consultations and inquiries of abuse among pastors and within congregations.

I’ve written six books with a seventh on its way in October 2026. Check out my books here. And contact me if you’d like to inquire about booking me to speak or lead a retreat.

Speaking

2025

January 21-23 - Chicago, IL Pastor’s Gathering through The Ministry Collective

March 15 - 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 

March 18-20 - Asbury University and Theological Seminary

March 26 - Southern New England Ministry Network (Assemblies of God) - Speaking on Ministry Health

April 20 - Zeeland MI - Winning at Home Counseling Services - When Narcissism Comes to Church

2027

June 14-18 - Colorado Springs, CO - Soul Care Institute

Small Group Pastor/Leader Gatherings

Spend two days together in a setting of your choice exploring character development, spiritual and emotional health, wholeness, and maturity through teaching, conversation, reflection exercises, spiritual practices, and more.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Inquire about Chuck’s availability to speak