About Us

REST: Renewing, Engaging, Supporting, Transforming

Being a Christian leader is sometimes hard.  In the eyes of many people, Christian leaders are supposed to have it all together.  They are the individuals and families that many in the church and marketplace look up to.  Christian leaders often get put up on a pedestal where their life, marriage, and family are on display for all to see.  The result is intense pressure to have the perfect life, the perfect marriage, and the perfect family.

 

These expectations are unhealthy and unrealistic, but for many Christian leaders, that is reality.  With these expectations comes a significant amount of stress that can have an impact on the healthiest of people.  And it’s this stress that leaves many Christian leaders in need of help and encouragement.

 

As a Christian leader, where do you go for encouragement?  REST wants to encourage you.  It is the goal of REST to come along side you as Christian leaders and provide you with a safe and confidential place to navigate through any transition or any crisis you or your family might experience.  When you feel lost, REST wants to encourage you by helping you to find some direction.  When it seems like you just don't have any options, REST wants to give you some options.  REST is here to help. 

Who We Are:

REST is a ministry of LifeCare Family Services, a faith-based Community Mental Health Agency and Counseling Service. REST began in October 2008 in an effort to provide Christ-centered care for ministers, pastors, and clergy. Since that time, REST has expanded its focus to encourage Christian leaders, managers, and employees in the workplace.

Bill Speight, M. Ed.  BCPC
Certified Life Coach
Licensed Pastoral Counselor

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Bill Speight has been coaching and motivating people from all walks of life for over 30 years. Reared by two parents who were tangled in a web of dysfunction, Bill began studying how to live a better life at a young age.  Training under such greats as Zig Ziglar and John Maxwell, he is uniquely qualified to coach you to a new and improved life. Bill is a Licensed Pastoral Counselor with the National Christian Counselors Association, a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor with the International Board of Christian Counselor, and an Approved Associate with Dan Miller's 48 Days Coaching Connection. He is also a Certified Coach with the American Association of Christian Counselors. Husband of Jill Speight for 32 years and father of Wes and Ashleigh, Bill is ready to help you through the transitions and struggles of life.

Jeremy Johnson, MSMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Jeremy has worked with couples, children, teenagers, and families in counseling and church settings for over 15 years. Jeremy has a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management from Freed-Hardeman University. He is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Tennessee.  Jeremy is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He has served in full-time ministry in churches in Mississippi and Tennessee. Jeremy's ministry, counseling, and life experience has given him insight into many of the struggles of today’s Christian leaders. Jeremy and his wife, Kelli, live in Middle Tennessee with their daughter.

REST Advisory Council

The REST Advisory Council is a vital part of REST Ministry. These talented individuals assist in the development of REST resources, assist in improving public relations with civic, business, and other community representatives, assist in determining the need for new programs, provide technical assistance on matters outside the organization’s competencies, provide a talent pool from which to draw future program volunteers, and provide advice to REST staff on specific program areas. The REST Advisory Council includes the following members:

  • Dr. Neil T. Anderson, Founder and President Emeritus of Freedom in Christ Ministries
  • Bill Campbell, President, Business Partners Network
  • Henry Coles, Senior Pastor, Word of Faith Christian Center
  • Ralph Cook, MMFT, Lantern Lane Farms
  • L. H. Hardwick, Jr., Pastor Emeritus, Christ Church
  • Carol Harper, Editor and Publisher, Nashville Christian Times
  • Coylette James, Founder, God's Marketplace Ministries
  • Jeremy Johnson, LMFT, REST Director, LifeCare Family Services
  • Chuck Klusener, Vice-President, COO, LifeCare Family Services
  • Celeste LaReau, Founder and President, Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce
  • Kenny Mauck, President, CEO, LifeCare Family Services
  • Dr. Charles McGowan, President, The Operation Andrew Group
  • Tom Norvell, Minister, Hermitage church of Christ
  • Janna Pastin, Worship Pastor, Bethel World Outreach (Brentwood)
  • Stephanie Parrish (Fashioned in His Image Total Women's Center)
  • Dan Scott, Senior Pastor, Christ Church
  • Brian Sheppard, LPC, Family Minister, Hendersonville church of Christ
  • Bill Speight, REST Spiritual Director, President, iCoachLifeNetwork
  • Chaplain Yolanda Walker, Tennessee Prison for Women