Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

Let's be honest — leadership is hard. Sadly, we've all seen leaders we admire topple under the weight of their calling. Many of us have felt this pressure of leading and caring for others firsthand. Nobody wants to get derailed by stress, perfectionism, or conflict. How can we be healthy and effective as Christian leaders in today’s world?

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk with Eric Geiger — senior pastor of Mariners Church and author of The Rooted Leader: Seven Rhythms of Leaders Who Bear Fruit That Lasts. This conversation will help you deepen your roots in Christ to be formed like him and grow in fruitfulness in your work and relationships.  You’ll glean insights and tools to shepherd others in the way of Jesus.

Resources from Eric Geiger

• Purchase The Rooted Leader: Seven Rhythms of Leaders Who Bear Fruit That Lasts
• Visit Eric’s Website for More Content

Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding

• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Serving God as a pastor or shepherd often takes a toll on those called to it. Perhaps efforts to grow the church fall short, friends leave for other ministries, or the needs of the flock are large and burdensome. What does the Lord Jesus offer to those who feel tired or discouraged?

Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill shares a special meditation for pastors and shepherds. If you care for others, it’s important to hear Jesus' affirming, encouraging words for you! It will bring you comfort and strength to know the Good Shepherd is with you and appreciates the sacrifices that others might overlook.

• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Sabbatical Guide
• Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual Director
• Earn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction 
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

You probably desire to live out God’s best for you. What does it look like to flourish in the Father’s world? God’s heart is to draw all believers into deeper union with himself. It’s there that you come to delight in the pleasure of being with the Trinity and loving all people in Jesus’ name. 

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpack the Transforming Union stage of faith. It’s easy to assume that growth culminates in someone who is an “expert” in spiritual things. You might be surprised to learn that God is shaping you to enjoy a life of simple and ceaseless prayer  — walking out a childlike, conversational relationship with him.

• Take the Free Spiritual Formation Stages Assessment
• Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth

• Register for the Free Certificate in Spiritual Direction Open House
• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Maybe you have learned how to live and work for God. While this approach is sincere and offered in love, we might not realize it’s also limited. New grace comes when we learn to live with God. This includes learning to trust Jesus in our weaknesses, which helps us rely more on his grace.

Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the Spirit-Led Ministry stage of faith. Are you longing for more joy and power to love and help others? You don't have to push or press to get there. Instead, you can grow in surrender to God's presence and purposes by cultivating a more prayerful partnership with Jesus.

• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Earn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction 
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

We all have parts of ourselves that feel uncomfortable to look at. Often, we don't even realize the memories, emotions, needs, longings, and stressors that strain our relationship with Jesus and the ministry we offer others. Thankfully the Good Shepherd wants to meet us in the tender places that need God's healing and care.

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the Inner Journey stage of faith. What does following Jesus look like when the Spirit draws you to pay more attention to your interior life? You'll learn how to set limits and cultivate a space for the Wonderful Counselor to do a deep work of grace inside your soul.

• Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth
• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual Director
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Have you ever felt stuck in the journey with Jesus? It can be distressing when feelings of closeness to God disappear or we face trials that test our faith. We might assume we've done something wrong or even wonder how God feels toward us. It's helpful to learn that seasons of desolation are hidden opportunities to go deeper in God's grace.

Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the deep work God is desiring to do in your soul when you hit the wall. You'll learn how to lean into Jesus during seasons that test your faith as he leads you into deeper trust and spiritual renewal.

• Take the Free Spiritual Formation Stages Assessment
• Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth
• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

You long to flourish in intimacy with Jesus. Your heart is to love God and others more like him. But let’s be honest — the path to growing in Christlikeness often doesn’t match our ideals. Spiritual disciplines become dry, we wonder if we’re making progress, and we get exhausted trying to figure out what we need. 

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi reveal the key to accessing God’s grace right where you are. You don’t have to keep trying harder at what’s no longer working. Their unique model for growth (the CHRIST Stages) will help you understand where you are in your spiritual and emotional development — and what your soul needs to keep moving forward with Jesus.

Is it possible to be a strong leader with a healthy soul? Let's be honest — prioritizing soul care can feel at odds with the results-driven culture that sometimes exists in ministry. Even so, the Good Shepherd invites us to slow down to receive the nourishment and refreshment that will not only bless us, but also those we lead.

Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi has a conversation with Adam Jungeblut — a pastor of 22 years and soon-to-be graduate of the Soul Shepherding Certificate in Spiritual Direction program. His story illustrates how even the most driven leaders benefit from creating space to heal, grow, and overflow. You'll gain practical insight to help you stay on mission while also prioritizing soul care practices like solitude, silence, and empathy.

Books and Guides:

Further Support: 

Many Christians have learned it's wrong or sinful to be anxious. This often leads them to deny their emotions — only making their struggles worse. What if we allowed anxiety to draw us closer to Jesus instead of pushing us farther away?

Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with Melissa Fisher — licensed mental health counselor and author of the new book, Jesus for the Anxious: 8 Weeks of Practicing Peace to Calm Your Worry and Fear. You'll be equipped to bring the reality of anxiety into your spiritual formation through cultivating awareness, leaning on prayer practices, and integrating psychological tools.

Get Melissa’s Book

Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding

All of us know that pain and suffering are part of life — Jesus himself promises as much (John 16:33). But that doesn't make it easier when health struggles, relational loss, or other crises come knocking at our door uninvited and unexpected. What does it look like to have faith when life falls apart?

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and her sisters discuss finding God in the midst of suffering. Their emotionally honest and resilient pursuit of Jesus amid confusion, loss, and grief will provide a roadmap for you to walk out raw faith through the hard realities of life.