Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

A growing apprentice of Jesus walks through many stages in their journey with him. Following our Good Shepherd through change is necessary to know Jesus deeply and become more like him. But wanting to move forward doesn’t always help us get there—it can be unclear where we need to go or how to move ahead!Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help bring awareness and language to your current stage of faith. You can learn how to embrace the unique needs of your season, continue to grow in spiritual and emotional health, and trust your Guide to move deeper into Jesus’ heart.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionEarn a Certificate in CoachingJourney of the Soul CHRIST Stages Assessment

We don’t sign up to go through trials or crises in our faith, life, or leadership—they just happen! This can leave us feeling dry, worn out, and stuck. Hitting this kind of wall can be dangerous, but it’s also an opportunity to go deeper with Jesus in emotional health and loving leadership.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share part one of an insightful teaching on resilient leadership. You will be encouraged to learn that times of great renewal in Jesus often start by becoming emotionally honest and finding support during seasons of discouragement, disorientation, and doubt.Resources for this Episode:Journey of the Soul CHRIST Stages AssessmentJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many of us neglect to receive the love and care we need from Jesus because our picture of self-love has been distorted. The Bible’s teachings about selflessness can be easily misunderstood and misapplied. Plus, culture promotes a type of self-love that is detached from Jesus and leads to a fractured soul. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach about biblically sound and psychologically healthy self-love. The true way to love others like Jesus is to fully embrace his love for you and agree with the song of grace he is singing over your life!Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionHealing Prayer: For Emotional & Physical WholenessDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Jesus freely forgives our sins and instructs us not to limit the forgiveness we give others. But forgiveness can turn into a codependent relationship when we neglect to express how we really feel and overfunction to help others. This is why learning to handle relational conflict wisely is an important part of our apprenticeship to Christ.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi show you how Jesus modeled both forgiveness and limits. You can also grow to love yourself and others well by communicating your hurts and needs, setting necessary boundaries, and entrusting the care of others to the Good Shepherd.  Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEmotional Intelligence: 5 Steps with Jesus to Living & Leading EbookSoul Shepherding Enneagram ResourcesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It is confusing to hear "shame on you" after doing something wrong. Agreeing with shame seems like it will motivate us in the battle against sin, but it only reinforces the lie that we are "bad people" and leads to more temptation. Thankfully, Jesus forms us to be and act more loving by "taking shame off" instead of putting it on! Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss how to get free of shame by relying on Jesus' all-sufficient sacrifice, agreeing with his grace, and training with him. He equips you to resist sin the healthy way—by drawing empathy, support, and strength from him and his ambassadors during times of discouragement and temptation.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramEnneagram & Emotions CourseDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Those dealing with addiction can get categorized as bad people. Addiction certainly leads to sinful behavior, but to say those struggling are “just sinners” is a gross oversimplification. It is more accurate to call addiction a disease because most people don’t want to be addicted—they are formed with deep, habitual responses they can no longer control. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss how those dealing with addiction can heal from the hurts and unmet needs underlying their behavior through long apprenticeship to Jesus. Plus, we can all rally around those struggling, learn about their unique challenges, and love them with the compassion of Jesus.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Depression makes us feel like we are walking around in a heavy darkness that will never get better. Judging our faith—or receiving criticism from others—only worsens the suffocating pit of sadness and grief. Thankfully, our Good Shepherd knows how to lead us through the darkest valleys.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpackage the true meaning of faith—authentic trust in Jesus that grows as you persevere through trials by walking with him. You’ll learn how tools like honesty, empathy, spiritual friendship, and sometimes therapy help you work through depression and renew your confidence in Christ. Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramEnneagram & Emotions CourseDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many of us are familiar with the “control disease”  called anxiety. Some of us attempt to rule over outcomes while others try to manage their image. But anxiety isn’t a conscious choice—it happens when we deny our emotions brewing under the surface and get overloaded. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpackage the sources and symptoms of anxiety. They turn to the Psalms as a model to show you how to process repressed emotions and access the best remedy for anxiousness—trusting Jesus with all your soul!Resources for this Episode:Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramEnneagram & Emotions CourseYour Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Sadly, many of us have been taught that fear is wrong or even a sin. A faulty or incomplete interpretation of certain scriptures can lead us to stuff our fears, force ourselves to think positively, and try hard to muster up faith. Rest assured, there is a better route to a healthy and thriving confidence in Christ.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpack what faith in relationship with Jesus really looks like. Their well-rounded and biblical approach to overcoming fear will help you get emotionally honest, receive the support you need, and empower you to act with your fearless Savior!Resources for this Episode:Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

For many, church has had both helpful and harmful effects on their mental health. Church hurt is especially disorienting and sadly leads some to completely give up on Jesus’ body. But it is encouraging that studies show church is overall positive for mental health as God uses his family to bring reparative healing and growth to his beloved children.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share their experience with church and mental health—both their personal story and work with ministry leaders who are learning and teaching psychologically healthy faith. You will discover how valuable church is to a flourishing soul and take courage to engage in communal spiritual practices. Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorHealing Prayer: For Emotional & Physical WholenessDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It’s common to think life with Jesus should be centered only around activities perceived as “spiritual”—devotions, prayer, going to church, etc. But healthy and whole apprenticeship to Jesus is an integrated life in Christ! This includes engaging and caring for our physical bodies to love God, ourselves, and others like Jesus does.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach the importance of valuing your body—God’s dwelling place—in spiritual formation. You will learn how to bring your whole soul into harmony with God’s kingdom through intentional stewardship of your body and incorporating spiritual disciplines into your physical life.  Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatBreath Prayer GuidesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

The idea of abandoning ourselves to God can feel scary. Our broken and wounded parts unconsciously hesitate to surrender, unsure how safe it is to trust the Lord with everything. Thankfully, Abba leads the way! He sacrificially abandoned himself to us in love by giving his One and Only Son.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help you get caught up in the thrill of God’s affectionate abandonment. Abba doesn’t force you to surrender—he woos you! You will slowly but confidently come to trust him in every area as you allow yourself to be impacted by his courtship of your heart. Resources for this Episode:Healing Prayer: For Emotional & Physical WholenessMeet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It’s easy to sink deeper into negative feelings until a bad mood becomes a lousy day or depressing season. Plus, our melancholy moods can drag others into the quicksand with us! Thankfully, Jesus extends his strong and gentle hand to pull us out of this destructive downward spiral.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share how they take heart from Jesus and each other to keep from losing themselves in the traps of self-pity and mood-matching. You will be equipped with tools to help you care for yourself and others when a bad mood strikes and remain present in God’s kingdom of grace.Resources for this Episode:Talk with a Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Jesus told powerful stories! He invites us, also, to draw closer to God through the practice of storytelling. It can feel scary to uncover past wounds and questions as we attempt to make sense of our journey. But our Redeemer desires to restore us by helping us see God’s story in our story.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi interviews Dr. Barbara Peacock—spiritual director, teacher, and author of Spiritual Practices for Soul Care: 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith. You will be encouraged to embrace your whole story as you are empowered with spiritual disciplines to help you see it through God’s eyes.  Resources for this Episode:Spiritual Practices for Soul Care: 40 Ways to Deepen Your FaithSouls on Fire: Black Heroes Who Inspire Devotion to JesusJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthIgnatian Meditation GuidesBarbara L. Peacock MinistriesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul TalksReceive a Certificate in Spiritual Direction

We all know the harm our imaginations can do when we live into stories that fall short of God’s best for our lives. But creative thinking can also be a powerful tool in your apprenticeship to Christ.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach you how to set your imagination on Jesus and flourish in the reality of his invisible kingdom. Engaging your imagination during prayer and Bible meditation will help you encounter Christ in more personal and fresh ways.Resources for this Episode:Ignatian Meditation GuidesLectio Divina GuidesUnforsaken: Journey With Jesus on the Stations of the CrossVisual Devotion CardsDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

God is reaching out to us in innumerable ways, but the greatest demonstration of his love is through the Incarnation. We often reflect on Jesus’ suffering on the cross but may overlook the suffering he also endured while taking on human flesh and living among us.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss how God’s perfect empathy is revealed in his Incarnation. Meditating on Hebrews 4:15 and focusing on his experiences of suffering will help you find confidence in Jesus’ empathy for you in your trials. As you grow in this grace through community, your wounds can bring healing to others.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionEarn a Certificate in CoachingUnforsaken: Journey with Jesus on the Stations of the CrossDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Type A and Type B leaders can be on different wavelengths with opposing priorities and needs. While this may often result in conflict, there is also deeply important work to be done to learn and grow from these differences.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpack their experiences as a couple with different values, drives, and personalities. We need relationships that refine us like iron sharpens iron. Even in painful times, you can come to see these differences as a gift of love from the Lord to shape you to love and serve like Jesus. You’ll also learn ways to talk about these issues with your loved one.Resources for this Episode:Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatUpcoming Retreat Dates and LocationsEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionEarn a Certificate in CoachingDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

We all face difficult circumstances at some point in our lives. Even though they may not be what we would choose, they provide us the opportunity for deeper formation in Christlikeness.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss enduring discipline. While we may struggle in hard times, we can learn to see God loving us in them and willing good for us. Reflecting on Jesus’ example of suffering helps us practice submission and trust and recognize the hidden blessings in our own sufferings.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEarn a Spiritual Direction Training CertificateDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Real community is critical for the care of our souls. When you press into Jesus with your needs and join with others doing the same, your intimacy with Jesus grows and you find space for your soul to rest. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the benefits of a retreat community. You’ll catch a vision for the ways this powerful form of soul care creates opportunities for necessary growth and healing and equips you for more fruitful ministry and life.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding

Suffering is hard. When we face an unexpected stretch of illness or other difficult circumstances, we may feel disoriented and lost. Yet in the pause from our normal rhythm of life, God is doing a deep work. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss a recent experience of suffering. Even in the trial, there is intimacy and sweet companionship to be found in a greater understanding of Christ’s sufferings for you and his presence with you.Resources for this Episode:Earn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionEarn a Certificate in CoachingAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding