International Christian Coaching Institute Being Launched by Hope for the Heart

New strategic initiative to focus on equipping Professional faith-based life coaches

PLANO, Texas, July 20, 2021 – Recognizing that a faith component is often missing from professional life coaching, Hope for the Heart is launching a new strategic initiative – the International Christian Coaching Institute (ICCI). ICCI is a premier and innovative faith-based network of Christian life coaches who are dedicated to serving others with compassion and competence. The foundation is built on integrating sound coaching competencies and practice with biblical principles to assist clients in setting individualized goals through a collaborative partnership that addresses the whole person – to bring life and living into focus and maximize each person’s God-given potential.

Hope for the Heart, an internationally recognized counseling and caregiving ministry, is excited about entering the life coaching space and meeting the growing need to bring faith-based content and leadership to what is now the second fastest-growing field in the world after Information Technologies. Founded on biblical truths and practical help that can be applied to any situation, ICCI offers training, a network of like-minded support, and relevant resources that will equip individuals to lead with professionalism and excellence. 

“The team at Hope for the Heart continues to grow our ministry according to the real needs that exist in the marketplace,” said June Hunt, founder and chief servant officer. “We are excited to bring an application of Christian principles to professional life coaching where faith has been a missing component in that field.”

Individuals who join ICCI will receive training from nationally recognized coaching experts, such as Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg of the Rosberg Group, Dr. Rita Murray of Performance Consulting, Stephen Arterburn of New Life Ministries, Dr. John Trent of StrongFamilies, Alita Reynold with Women of Faith, and more! In addition, members can earn their certification as fully credentialed life coaches and will have access to wide array of member benefits.

“I don’t know if people truly understand the vital importance of having strong biblical content in the field of life coaching. Through equipping leaders with a foundation of faith, we are able to help them extend their impact and influence the lives of those they serve in a more holistic way,” said Dr. Eric Scalise, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Hope for the Heart. “The amazing partnerships Hope for the Heart is forming through ICCI are incredible and I believe, will help create a vibrant movement that will have a global impact. I am excited to see these relationships flourish between our ministry and these key leaders who are contributing to ICCI in ways that will benefit every member.”

Along with the launch of ICCI in 2021, Hope for the Heart will host an inaugural ICCI event, The Hope Together Conference, Oct. 14-16 at the Watters Creek Convention Center in Allen, Texas. Titled “In Focus & Empowered,” the conference will provide additional training, networking, inspiration, and encouragement from featured speakers such as:

• Nick Vujicic, Life Without Limbs

• Grant Lottering, Extreme Endurance Cyclist/Inter. Speaker

• Steve Arterburn, New Life Ministries

• Alita Reynolds, Women of Faith

• Dr. John Trent, StrongFamilies

• Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg, The Rosberg Group

• Dr. Mark Crear, Olympic Hall of Fame

• Dr. Eric Scalise, Hope for the Heart

• Dwight Bain, The LifeWorks Group

• Dr. Rita Murray, Performance Consulting

• Maj. Gen. Bob Dees (Ret.), Resilience Consulting

To learn more about ICCI visit, https://iccicoaching.com/.

About Hope for the Heart

Hope for the Heart is a ministry providing biblical hope and practical help for everyday problems, with the goal of equipping individuals to confidently face life and difficult trials, as well as encouraging and supporting others. Focused on using biblical truths, Hope for the Heart was founded by June Hunt in 1986. What began as a simple desire to help people find answers to life’s toughest challenges has grown into a worldwide ministry of hope. For nearly 35 years, God has used Hope for the Heart to change countless lives through its radio broadcasts, counseling services, international outreach, training, and biblical resources on 100 topics spanning more than 35 languages in over 60 countries. 

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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge, 214-912-8934
melany@alarryross.com

June Hunt Receives 2021 NRB Hall of Fame Award as Hope for the Heart Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Longtime Radio Broadcaster Honored for Invaluable Contribution to Christian Communications

PLANO, Texas, June 28, 2021 -- June Hunt, founder and chief servant officer of Hope for the Heart, a ministry that provides biblical hope and practical help for everyday problems, received the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Hall of Fame Award at the organization’s annual convention last week. Hunt began hosting the “Hope for the Heart” radio broadcast 35 years ago, added the “Hope in the Night” live counseling program in 1996, and has developed more than 100 “Keys for Living,” upon which the ministry’s biblical counseling solutions are based.

The Hall of Fame Award is NRB’s most prestigious honor, which it presents to one individual member each year for contributions to Christian broadcasting, impact on individuals, and example of faithfulness to Christ. It stands as a witness for current communicators and showcases those who uphold the highest standards in their ministry work and blaze trails for succeeding generations to follow.

“Receiving the Hall of Fame Award is a great honor, but all the glory goes to God for how He has used and blessed our ministry,” Hunt said. “People often ask me about my initial vision for Hope for the Heart, but in truth, I had none – we have always just followed where the Lord led us, meeting the unmet needs where He revealed them to us. It is the Lord who says, ‘I know the plans I have for you.’ We are just grateful to be a part of His work, sharing the hope He gives us for the future, especially for people who have had experiences that devastated their hearts.”

As a conference speaker, Hunt discovered there were no Christian resources on difficult topics that so many people were dealing with, such as childhood sexual abuse and manipulation. She saw many holes and wrote “Keys for Living” on these topics to fill that need.

Having founded Hope for the Heart and its eponymous radio program in 1986, Hunt’s impact spans multiple decades as a faithful, inspiring voice in Christian communications. Recognized for her call-in counseling program and her role as one of the few female voices on national radio, Hunt’s biblical and practical resources that cover more than 100 topics have been translated into 36 languages and used in more than 60 countries on 6 continents, enabling the ministry to reach millions with God’s truth.

“It is incredible to see the growth of Hope for the Heart since June’s initial broadcast in 1986,” said Curtis Hail, chief executive officer of Hope for the Heart. “The ministry has flourished and impacted the lives of countless individuals, and we look forward to helping even more people through our new program ‘Lifeline to Hope,’ based on June’s ‘Keys for Living.’”

Having launched this year, “Lifeline to Hope” is a suite of products on lay caregiving – including online training videos and courses as well as digital downloads and curriculum, all designed to equip people to provide support, encouragement, and spiritual care to those struggling with mental, emotional and spiritual health issues. “Lifeline to Hope” was developed by Hope for the Heart’s chief strategy officer, Dr. Eric Scalise, based on the ministry’s cornerstone resource – providing practical, biblical guidance for everyday problems.

To learn more about Hope for the Heart and June Hunt visit, https://junehunt.org/timeline/. To learn more about Lifeline to Hope, visit www.hopefortheheart.org/lifeline.

About June Hunt
June Hunt, M.A., is an author, singer, speaker and founder of Hope for the Heart, a worldwide biblical counseling ministry. Her lifework has yielded landmark contributions in the field of Christian counseling. Early family pain was the catalyst that shaped Hunt’s compassionate heart. Later as a church youth director, and then becoming a college/career director, she became aware of the need for sound biblical counsel. This led Hunt to a lifelong commitment to provide God’s truth for today’s problems. As an accomplished musician with 5 vocal CDs, Hunt was a soloist for the Billy Graham Crusades, toured with the USO, and appeared on NBC’s “Today Show.” 

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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge, 214-912-8934
melany@alarryross.com
alarryross.com/hope-for-the-heart

Hope for the Heart Hosts Grief Symposium

Register for Virtual Event to Learn How to Cope with Grief During COVID-19

PLANO, Texas, April 19, 2021 – Hope for the Heart is hosting a virtual symposium, “Grief & Loss: Coping Day-to-Day in Our COVID World,” on May 26 to provide biblical hope and practical help for the everyday challenges that come with grief.

Due to COVID-19, grief is rampant across the country. There is an urgent need to address the ever present sense of loss and despair that many are feeling. As grief is something that everyone has to walk through eventually, this webinar is widely relevant.

“We all need resources to become equipped on how to respond when those around us are hurting,” said Dr. Eric Scalise, Chief Strategy Officer for Hope for the Heart. “Learning what to say or what not to say and how to behave may be the most helpful thing we can do for those we care about.”

The virtual live steam will take place at 7:00 p.m. on May 26, and the discussion will be led by Hope for the Heart Founder June Hunt, along with Dr. Scalise. They will cover topics including how to help others who are grieving, practical steps for coping with loss, and common misconceptions and the stages of grief, among many others.

The live stream will benefit anyone who has experienced loss and is looking for hope and how to make sense of grief. It will also aid people struggling with pandemic related losses or individuals wanting to help others or gain biblical insight on loss and God’s plan through grief.

“The Bible offers guidance and teaches us many lessons on grief,” Hunt said. “Diving into God’s word gives us a resource to cope with loss in the healthiest possible way.”

The cost for the event is $19. Upon registration, attendees will also receive a free coupon code for an additional video course on grief. The video provides practical guidance and biblical insight on making sense of grief and processing emotions, while offering tips to help others move through the stages of grief with peace and hope. For more information or to sign up, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grief-and-loss-coping-day-to-day-in-our-covid-world-registration-145306177689.

About June Hunt & Dr. Eric Scalise
June Hunt, M.A., is an author, counselor, speaker and Founder of Hope for the Heart, a worldwide biblical caregiving, coaching, and counseling ministry. Her lifework has yielded landmark contributions in the fields of Christian counseling and Christian radio broadcasting as the host of the award winning radio program, Hope in the Night. Hope for the Heart’s biblical resources, including the 100-topic Keys for Living Library and Lifeline to Hope Lay Caregiving Video Courses provide biblical hope and practical help for everyday challenges.

Eric Scalise, Ph.D., is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with 40 years of clinical, professional, and ministry experience. Dr. Scalise, Hope for the Heart’s Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, is a published author and national/international speaker who frequently works with organizations, clinicians, ministry leaders, and churches globally. He is also the Course Developer and Lead Trainer of Lifeline to Hope, the lay caregiving video training courses from Hope for the Heart.

About Hope for the Heart
Hope for the Heart is a ministry providing biblical hope and practical help for everyday problems, with the goal to equip individuals with the help and hope needed to face life problems and difficult trials, as well as to equip and encourage others. Focused on using biblical resources, Hope for the Heart was founded by June Hunt in 1986. What began as a simple desire to help people find answers to life’s toughest challenges has grown into a worldwide ministry of hope. For nearly 35 years, God has used Hope for the Heart to change countless lives through its radio broadcasts, counseling services, international outreach and biblical resources on 100 topics spanning more than 35 languages in over 60 countries.

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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge, 214-912-8934
melany@alarryross.com
www.alarryross.com/the-hope-center

Hope for the Heart Announces First-of-Its-Kind Self-Study Lay-Counseling Course

Lifeline to Hope Equips Believers for Caregiving as Emotional and Mental Health Needs Escalate

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 22, 2021 – Recognizing that more and more people are facing mental health issues or simply needing emotional care due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, Hope for the Heart has launched Lifeline to Hope, a “Master Class” quality self-study course designed to teach individuals how to better provide care and counseling support for their friends, families, coworkers, and church members during these challenging times.

Lifeline to Hope was developed by Dr. Eric Scalise, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Hope for the Heart. He had a vision for seeing the ministry’s wide array of biblical counseling resources – called “Keys for Living” – employed to equip and empower others who want to hone their people-helping skills and serve those around them in emotional pain and distress.

“Our focus is training people of faith who desire to follow the scriptural command of ‘helping one another,’ but may not know how or where to start,” Dr. Scalise said. “This dynamic program prepares individuals to effectively respond to the everyday issues of life, including those who experience traumatic events, grief and loss, relational difficulties, addiction, and more. If someone needs a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and godly direction, we believe participants will develop greater skills and confidence in offering wise biblical counsel, whether friend-to-friend or as a part of a broader ministry role.”

He had the full backing of June Hunt, the ministry’s founder and chief servant officer, who provides lay-counseling through her award winning radio program, Hope In The Night, and training opportunities in a variety of settings. “Recognizing our ‘Keys for Living’ contained wisdom mined from God’s Word, Eric joined Hope for the Heart so we can maximize the value of these wonderful resources and see their impact multiplied,” Hunt said. “We are excited Eric is leading us to take these materials and this program to serve those in need across the country and through our many international partners.”

The Lifeline to Hope course draws from the depth and breadth of the scriptural principles and processes developed by Dr. Scalise and Hope for the Heart over the past four decades to bring biblical hope and practical help for everyday problems. It covers specific topics where individuals have questions or require care and support, including self-worth, grief, anger, forgiveness, and recovery for example, as well as training people helpers on how to better meet the emotional and spiritual needs of those in crisis, no matter the issue.

In addition, the course nourishes a participant’s own spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing, so they are better prepared to help without taking on everyone else’s burdens. The goal is to approach the caregiving process relationally, as studies consistently show lay-person care can be as effective as professional counseling whenever there is a strong, trusting relationship involved. Another benefit to the program is the support it gives to overworked pastors, who are often the first stop for individuals who seek out counseling or mental and emotional health care, but may be untrained in this area.

The Lifeline to Hope Self-Study Course is a 10-session, video-based training that offers flexibility for individuals to learn at their own schedule and pace and to access lessons anywhere, anytime on their computer or mobile device. The engaging curriculum is taught by experienced instructors and includes a comprehensive 300-page Caregiver Training Manual (PDF) and a Bonus session on stress, burnout, and balanced self-care. A Certificate of Completion is awarded after passing a series of tests associated with each training module.

In addition to the self-study course, Lifeline to Hope is also available as a resource for churches and ministry organizations who are interested in a group training format. While the course has application across many different ministry contexts, it is specifically designed for anyone who wants to grow in their people-helping and relational skills or gain greater insight in how to biblically help others and understand basic caregiving, crisis intervention, and counseling principles. More information is available at www.hopefortheheart.org/lifeline-to-hope-self-study/.

About Hope for the Heart
Hope for the Heart is a ministry providing biblical hope and practical help for everyday problems, with the goal of equipping individuals to confidently face life and difficult trials, as well as encouraging and supporting others. Focused on using biblical truths, Hope for the Heart was founded by June Hunt in 1986. What began as a simple desire to help people find answers to life’s toughest challenges has grown into a worldwide ministry of hope. For nearly 35 years, God has used Hope for the Heart to change countless lives through its radio broadcasts, counseling services, international outreach, and biblical resources on over 100 topics spanning 36 languages in more than 60 countries.​

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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge, 214-912-8934
melany@alarryross.com