Advertise on podcast: Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

All of us long for a deep and genuine connection with God and people. Sadly, today's world makes it easier than ever to live distracted, divided, and alone. What is Jesus' solution? He invites you to join him at the table — where sharing a meal with others becomes an opportunity to participate in the presence and belonging you were created for. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with Ian Simkins — lead pastor of The Bridge Church and author of the new book Every Table an Altar: Reclaiming Connection in a World of Division, Distraction, and Loneliness. This discussion will help you see how Jesus transforms ordinary conversations into sacred invitations. You'll be inspired to slow down and make space for deeper communion with God and others.  Resources for this EpisodeGet Ian’s Book Every Table an Altar: Reclaiming Connection in a World of Division, Distraction, and Loneliness Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

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 for this EpisodeResources from Eric Geiger Purchase The Rooted Leader: Seven Rhythms of Leaders Who Bear Fruit That LastsVisit Eric’s Website for More ContentGo Deeper with Soul Shepherding Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate 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. Resources for this EpisodeAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatSabbatical GuideMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorEarn 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. Journey of the Soul ResourcesTake the Free Spiritual Formation Stages AssessmentJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthGo Deeper With Soul ShepherdingRegister for the Free Certificate in Spiritual Direction Open HouseAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate 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. Resources for this EpisodeAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatEarn 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. Resources for this EpisodeJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate 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. Resources for this EpisodeTake the Free Spiritual Formation Stages AssessmentJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate 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. Resources for this Episode 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

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. Resources for this Episode Books and Guides: Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live Empowered Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You Lectio Divina Guides Further Support:  Sabbatical Guide (Includes Meeting with a Sabbatical Coach) Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual Director Earn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat

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. Resources for this Episode: Get Melissa’s Book Jesus for the Anxious: 8 Weeks of Practicing Peace to Calm Your Worry and Fear Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding Prayer Guides Bundle (Including Breath Prayers, Lectio Divina, and Ignatian Meditation) Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

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. Resources for this Episode: Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You Breath Prayer Guides Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual Director Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Before you ever opened the Bible or stepped into a church, the way that you see and relate to God was already taking shape. That's because family formation plays a foundational role in spiritual formation. How do we reconcile the harmful with the helpful as we desire to grow in our relationship with God and others? Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi has a special conversation with her sisters, Tara and Sue, about their family experience growing up. Their reflection will give you a window into how your own childhood has affected your life in God. Thankfully, Jesus doesn't leave us where we are — he continues to invite us into greater healing, freedom, and growth. Resources for this Episode: Healing Prayer: For Emotional & Physical Wholeness Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual Director Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

There are moments when all of us have experienced Scripture as boring or lifeless. But what if we approached the Bible as part of an intimate and interactive relationship with Jesus? Thankfully, God's Word is more than a book to study — it's an invitation to join the love song that our tender Father is singing over you and all of Creation. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi continue their conversation with Xander Stok — professional singer, songwriter, and founder of Project of Love: The Bible in Song. The "biblical soundtracks" that he creates in collaboration with the Spirit will draw you into an encounter with God as you contemplate and appreciate him through the Word and worship. Resources for this Episode: Connect with Xander Stok Learn More About Project of Love: The Bible in Song Listen to Project of Love on Spotify  Check Out Project of Love Music Videos on YouTube Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding Ignatian Meditation Guides Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us have experienced struggles that seem impossible to overcome. From wrestling with sin to battling a mental health disorder to losing faith altogether — there are times when life itself feels hopeless. Yet it's often at our lowest when Jesus seems to draw the nearest. It's there that he sets us free by awakening us to the depths of the Father's heart.``` Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi host a discussion with Xander Stok — professional singer-songwriter and founder of Project of Love: The Bible in Song. His testimony of coming to know God as a loving Father will fill you with fresh hope to discover the healing and freedom that's available through a simple, conversational, and creative walk with Jesus. Resources for this Episode: Connect with Xander Stok Learn More About Project of Love: The Bible in Song Listen to Project of Love on Spotify  Check Out Project of Love Music Videos on YouTube Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat Hearing God’s Voice Ebook Dream Interpretation Ebook Earn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It might seem like being a "good Christian" and "working hard for God" is all that's available when it comes to following Christ. Yet eventually, most of us run into struggles, questions, or doubts that leave us needing to untangle ourselves from a faith that once felt solid. What does it look like to live a better life with Jesus? Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi have a conversation with Tim Timmons — a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, plus author of a new book called Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief & Gratitude. He talks about how his diagnosis of incurable cancer helped him to wake up to Jesus' nearness and discover a lighter and freer life in God. His fresh perspective will inspire you to pursue deeper trust and fuller joy in how you relate to Jesus and follow him. Resources for this Episode: Visit Tim's Website to Get His Book, Listen to His Music, & MoreSubscribe to Tim on SubstackLearn More About Soul ShepherdingDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks