Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

It’s easy to assume God is absent when life gets chaotic or pain and hardship strike. But often the events we interpret as “useless” or “damaging” become the greatest blessings to our relationship with Jesus and formation in Christlikeness. That’s why we can take heart in the sovereign hand of God that guards us in all of our wanderings. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks and enjoy a “Soul Food Reading” from a recent Institute retreat. Bill shares the little-known story of John Newton — the preacher and hymnist who wrote Amazing Grace. You’ll be encouraged to see how God weaves all the details of your life together to draw you to himself, lead you deeper into grace, and shape you into a wounded healer who ministers to others with compassion.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul TalksSouls on Fire: Black Heroes Who Inspire Devotion to Jesus

Not everybody struggles with obvious addiction but all of us have a “fix.” The solutions we use to soothe our pain, meet our needs, and manage our lives apart from God seem to work temporarily but leave us with bigger problems. Thankfully, the brokenness of addiction serves as an invitation from Jesus to experience a level of intimacy and transformation that we didn’t think possible. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks for a conversation between Kristi and Ian Cron — bestselling author, psychotherapist, and Enneagram teacher. Your heart will long to surrender everything to our compassionate and powerful God after hearing Ian’s story and insights from his new book, The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone in Between.Resources for this Episode:The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone in BetweenLearn more about Ian and his work with the Ennea

The wildfires in Los Angeles have destroyed thousands of homes and displaced even more people. Our hearts are devastated for everyone affected. We’re especially praying for the friends we’ve made through Soul Shepherding who find themselves both experiencing and ministering through trauma.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with Terry Fouche — a Sr. Spiritual Director with Soul Shepherding and pastor in a neighborhood hit hard by the Eaton fires. You’ll be drawn to go deeper into the compassionate heart of Jesus as Terry shares how emotional honesty, lament, and empathy have shaped him and his community during these challenging times.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us find ourselves in conversations  — with both Christians and those who don't know Jesus — who feel it's unloving, judgmental, and arrogant to share the truth of Christ with others. It's sad when somebody's belief system keeps them from trusting the Good Shepherd more deeply. We often feel lost because we don't know the best way to love and care for them. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach you how to confidently hold the truth about Jesus while simultaneously relating to others with empathy and humility. You will be encouraged to see that building your life on the foundation of Christ will both mature the way you think and help you grow in compassion for others.Resources for this Episode:Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Right now, there’s a war happening between darkness and God’s kingdom of light. Difficulties like financial hardship, sickness, loss, and relational tension can make it challenging to live in genuine peace. But all of us can train in Jesus’ easy yoke to experience the comfort of leaning into Abba’s providential care. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi wrestle through the fully integrated process (thoughts and emotions) of trusting God deeply when your circumstances feel desolate and disorienting. They’ll equip you with practices (like The Apprentice Prayer and emotionally honest conversation) to cultivate a heart that rests in God before, during, and after hardship.  Resources for this Episode:Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

The new year is typically a time to “leave the old behind” and “look forward to the new.” But it’s easy to become so future-oriented that you miss Jesus’ presence with you here and now! That’s why it’s powerful to reflect and rejoice in Christ before you turn the page to next year. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share the heart of genuine gratitude — being thankful for who Jesus is and not only what he does. They’ll equip you with a practical discipline that will transform the way you find closure and step into new seasons with hope, focus, and a healthy soul.  Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Followers of Jesus carry the joy and power of his presence everywhere they go! This means we can cheerfully spread his mighty love to others during ordinary moments of everyday life. But opposition like hurry, stress, or over-earnestness can cause us to miss Jesus’ warm smile toward us and those around us. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpackage the miracle of the indwelling presence of Jesus’ Spirit and encourage you to live every moment in friendship with him. Your heart will come alive as you learn to joyfully and powerfully participate in your Best Friend’s work.Resources for this Episode:Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for AdventAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many of us only skim the surface when it comes to spiritual growth because we don’t know how to relate to Jesus personally. Yet an under recognized and undervalued part of growth in Christlikeness is immersion in Jesus’ presence. Engaging your senses through spiritual practices like Gospel meditation helps you come face to face with Jesus and embrace his cleansing, healing, and growth.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi reflect on a recent time of feeling saturated in Jesus’ presence while watching Handel’s oratorio, Messiah. You’ll be drawn to know and experience Christ more fully — participating in his joy, suffering, and ministry as a wounded healer. They then empower you with practical ways to go deeper with Jesus through spiritual practices.  Resources for this Episode:Ignatian Meditation GuidesSurprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for AdventAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It's easy to miss the many ways Papa God reveals his abundant love for us through Jesus. Focusing only on “major” themes when reading the Gospels (although this is good) can cause us to miss the “minor” yet meaningful ways Jesus expresses Abba’s heart.  Thankfully, practicing slow and prayerful Scripture meditation helps us know and embrace God's desire for us.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share their recent Advent meditations from the life of Joseph. You will walk away confident that Abba sees, hears, and pursues you because of his gentle and relentless love. Resources for this Episode:Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for AdventAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Do you feel disconnected from the Christmas Story? It’s easy to feel like Mary, Zechariah, or the Innkeeper are “characters” or “super saints” far removed from real life in God. But diving into the ancient context and practicing prayerful meditation will help us find our story within the Advent Story. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with A.J. Sherrill — lead pastor, teacher, and author of Rediscovering Christmas: Surprising Insights into the Story You Thought You Knew. Your heart will be filled with longing as you gain a deeper understanding of the Nativity and how it transforms your relationship with Jesus today. Resources for this Episode:Rediscovering Christmas: Surprising Insights into the Story You Thought You KnewMore Resources from A.J.Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Does the responsibility of decision-making leave you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? As life and ministry move forward, all of us face the reality that there's too much to carry without Jesus. This is when we can learn to lean on Immanuel who wants to journey with us, help shoulder the heavy load, and lead us in making decisions. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share how they practice trusting the Spirit's work through stressful ministry situations and growth. You'll learn to depend more deeply on Abba through faith-stretching circumstances as you become aware of how he's leading you and come to trust he's also guiding those around you. Resources for this Episode:Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for AdventAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Did you know that Jesus delights in the little child inside of you? It might be hard for some of us to believe that he wants to make us smile and laugh like an elated youngster during the holidays. But our Savior continues to pursue us out of his deep desire to bring us home into playful joy and secure trust. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share their reflections from a visual meditation on the Christmas Story. You will feel drawn to experience the depths of your Papa’s heart for you through the childlike experience of Jesus. Plus, they share practical ways to connect with Abba through the heart and eyes of a young one during the holidays. Resources for this Episode:Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for AdventVisual Devotion Card BundleDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Any close relationship can bring us pain or grief when those we love make choices that are opposite of what we desired. This is especially true for parents with adult children. Thankfully, we can learn to trust our Perfect Father to teach us how to transition into a new season of parenthood.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi create a safe space to explore the relational dynamics with your adult children. You’ll be encouraged to trust Jesus to surround your kids with wounded healers, pray for relational restoration, and practice patience as part of your own apprenticeship to Jesus. Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us know (maybe a little too well) that problems are everyday occurrences. Simultaneously, God's kingdom is always open to us and the risen Christ is present in every trial. Learning to put our problems in light of Jesus' smile helps us stay present to our Best Friend and loving to those around us. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach you how to practice Jesus' presence during distress. Cultivating awareness of Jesus does not mean denying your pain and needs during hard times. Instead, you can be comforted by the Good Shepherd through practices like meditating on his suffering and emotionally honest soul talks with friends.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us have an inner child who needs to be securely attached to God. But sometimes, hurts, wounds, and untrue belief systems complicate trusting his extravagant love for us. Thankfully, Jesus runs to us with open arms so we can find safety in Abba's delight.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share Bible insights that reveal a Heavenly Father who uniquely and personally pursues you in love. They give practical ways to build a secure attachment to God, including Scripture meditation, emotional honesty, finding healing for your inner resistance, and embracing warm empathy from others. Resources for this Episode:Secure: Letters From Papa to Help Moms Nurture Their Child’s DevelopmentAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us talk to ourselves! Sometimes, the voices in our heads are holy and healthy while other times they’re shaming or critical. How do we cultivate self-talk that is truly helpful and draws us closer to God? Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi alert you to some of the biggest pitfalls of self-talk, including self-help projects, cheerleading your soul, and “claiming” truth at the cost of suppressing your emotions. They use the Psalms as a model to teach you how to engage in self-talk that’s prayerful, emotionally honest, and invites empathy from God and soul friends. Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Today's world of smartphones, streaming, and productivity keeps us from ever having to endure boredom. Plus, the restlessness that surfaces when left alone with our thoughts and feelings often reveals a discomfort we'd rather avoid. But constant distraction stops us from engaging in the meaningful spiritual work Jesus accomplishes when we are bored.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the importance of embracing boredom. Sticking with practices like solitude, silence, and Sabbath (even when they feel boring) helps you get in touch with the deepest longings of your soul — your longings for Jesus. You can train to appreciate God in boredom and move into beauty, intimacy, and adventure with him. Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

The union of marriage is one way we experience Jesus — his affection, his formation, and his invitation to selfless love. But navigating both our relationship with Jesus and a spouse doesn’t come without challenges. How do we love each other well when walking through different spiritual seasons?Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana Gaultiere discuss how stages of faith influence marriage dynamics. They teach you how to understand, support, and pray for each other’s unique needs in your marriage so you can grow closer together (and closer to Jesus) instead of farther apart.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionJourney of the Soul CHRIST Stages AssessmentJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Cultivating a marriage that is spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy takes intentional work. Busy schedules, family dynamics, and personal woundedness (not to mention parenting kiddos) can make this challenging. But you and your spouse can grow closer together as you both grow in Jesus’ wholeness. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana Gaultiere talk about cultivating a marriage that honors Jesus and each other. You will learn to see and support your spouse more deeply by growing in relational awareness, spiritual friendship, and emotional safety.Resources for this Episode:Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramJourney of the Soul: Soul Talk CardsMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

The average person spends four and a half hours on their smartphone every day! Between text and email notifications, social media, sports news, and “trending” videos — there’s a lot fighting for our attention. Maybe it’s time to pause and ask an important question: What are the spiritual consequences of this constant distraction?Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana Gaultiere discuss the pros and cons of smartphones on your growth in Christlikeness. You’ll learn the valuable role that attention plays in spiritual formation and feel inspired to seek God’s wisdom on how you and your family can best use phones in apprenticeship to Jesus.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks