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What do you imagine God feels when you come to mind? Many of us believe that God loves us, yet our hearts live from the assumption that he is disappointed in us. We trust that we have been forgiven while continuing to perform for God’s approval. We know that God welcomes us, but struggle to imagine that he genuinely enjoys our company. In this episode, Adam welcomes back Brian Fisher, founder of Soil & Roots, host of the Soil & Roots Podcast, and author of Soil & Roots: Cultivating Deep Discipleship. Together, they explore the difference between the beliefs we affirm with our minds and the deeper ideas from which our hearts actually live. Brian introduces “Heartview,” a practice of noticing how our thoughts, emotions, words, behaviors, relationships, health, time, and money reveal what we truly believe about God, ourselves, and the world. Brian also shares what Soil & Roots learned from its recent spiritual formation survey, including the widespread desire to hear from God more clearly, become more loving, and experience a more secure attachment to God. The conversation then turns toward Greenhouses, two-year guided communities designed to accompany people through the inward journey with Jesus and trusted friends. This is an honest conversation about suffering, transformation, spiritual community, and learning to recognize God’s delight in the ordinary experiences of our lives. In this conversation: Why theological accuracy does not always produce inner transformation The inward journey and meeting God at the wall The difference between intellectual beliefs and the ideas held within our hearts Why knowing God loves us is different from experiencing that God likes us Heartview as a practice of noticing What Soil & Roots discovered through its spiritual formation survey Why deep formation requires time, safety, relationship, and community The vision behind Soil & Roots Greenhouses Recognizing God’s affection through Scripture, creation, friendship, beauty, and everyday life About Brian Fisher Brian Fisher is the founder of Soil & Roots, host of the Soil & Roots Podcast, and author of Soil & Roots: Cultivating Deep Discipleship. His work helps Christians explore the hidden ideas, desires, wounds, and stories that shape their hearts so they can become more like Jesus from the inside out. Learn more: Soil & Roots Explore Greenhouses Brian’s book: Soil & Roots: Cultivating Deep Discipleship Brian’s writing on Substack The Soil & Roots Podcast The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Originally released on September 4, 2024, as “Deep Listening Might Save Us,” this conversation returns to The Being Formed Podcast exactly two years later. Once again, on Adam’s birthday. Coincidence? We don't think so... Bringing this episode out of the archives feels like a birthday gift because its message reflects the heart of LifePoint Resources: every soul deserves to be heard. Stephen W. Smith has been a friend and mentor to Adam Ormord as he has found his way more deeply into spiritual formation, spiritual direction, and the care of the soul. In this powerful conversation, Steve and Adam explore our fundamental need to be heard and the healing that can happen when another person offers us their attentive presence. Deep listening is more than a communication skill. It is a way of loving. When we listen without rushing to fix, advise, interrupt, or prepare our response, we create space for another person to feel seen, known, and received. The conversation was inspired by Steve’s article, “Deep Listening Might Save Us,” published in July 2024. Steve later returned for Episode 41 to discuss his book of poetry, Greening: Poems in the Unfolding of Our Lives. Including this "remixed" episode, Steve has now appeared on The Being Formed Podcast more often than any other guest. A Practice for Deep Listening Near the end of the conversation, Steve invites listeners to create an acrostic using the word LISTEN. Allow each letter to represent a posture or skill that helps you become more present to another person. Consider: Who in your life needs to be heard? What keeps you from offering that person your full attention? What might become possible if you simply listened? Links: Read “Deep Listening Might Save Us” by Stephen W. Smith Listen to Episode 41: “Greening (with Stephen W. Smith)”   The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

What happens when the ministry you have poured your life into is suddenly no longer yours? After more than three decades of ministry together, Mike and Lori McDaniel found themselves facing an unexpected and painful ending. What followed was a season of grief, disorientation, and the difficult work of discovering who they were apart from the roles and ministry that had shaped so much of their lives. In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord (host) invites Mike and Lori into a heartfelt conversation about the subtle ways identity can become entangled with what we do for God, learning the language of grief and lament, slowing down enough to pay attention to our souls, and redefining what success looks like when much of what once made it visible has been stripped away. At the heart of Mike and Lori's journey is what they now call The Great Invitation, the invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11 to come to him, learn from him, and discover a sustainable way of life with God. Before the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, perhaps we first need to hear again the Great Invitation: Come to me. About Mike & Lori McDaniel Mike and Lori are co-founders and Directors of The Great Invitation, a ministry providing soul care to pastors, church leaders, and missionaries through retreats, individual coaching and spiritual direction, and onsite coaching for ministry teams. They have spent 36 years in ministry together, leading in pastoral ministry, church planting, soul care, and spiritual direction. They founded Grace Point Church in Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2001, where Mike served as Lead Pastor for 23 years while Lori built and led ministries in children's, missions, and women's ministry. They have also lived overseas as missionaries, training leaders and planting churches. Their shared love for the nations has taken them to over 30 countries, strengthening indigenous leaders and cross-cultural workers. Mike is first and foremost a pastor at heart, having shepherded congregations for over two decades and mentored other pastors and church leaders along the way. He holds his Doctorate in Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and is a certified Spiritual Director through Denver Seminary. He is also an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and completed the Flourishing in Ministry Life Coach certification at BIOLA University. He is the author of The Resurgent Church. Lori is an experienced ministry leader, author, mentor, and Bible teacher who speaks at conferences globally. Lori holds a BS in education and psychology, an MA in theology and intercultural studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Talbot School of Theology (BIOLA University). She completed the Flourishing in Ministry certification at BIOLA and is completing both her International Coaching Federation credentials and Narrative-Focused Trauma training at the Allender Center (Seattle School of Psychology and Theology). She is the author of The Mission of God and You. Mike and Lori were high school sweethearts and have been married for 35 years. They have three married adult children and seven grandchildren. To learn more about Mike and Lori and their soul care ministry, visit https://greatinvitation.org. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

What if the greatest obstacle to the life God is inviting you into isn't a lack of ability, but the stories you've come to believe about yourself? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam sits down with transformational coach, author, and founder of We Train Coaches, Jeff Caliguire. In 2021, Adam entered Jeff's coach training program with a dream that had been sitting on the back burner for years. During that season, God rekindled the vision that would eventually become LifePoint Resources. Rather than focusing on strategies for success, this conversation dives beneath the surface, to the places where limiting beliefs, fear, and transition often keep us from becoming who God created us to be. Together, Adam and Jeff explore why transformation is always relational, why listening for God's voice matters more than simply changing behaviors, and how coaching, spiritual direction, and authentic community can help us recover the dreams we've stopped believing are possible. Whether you're standing at the beginning of a new chapter, wrestling through a season of transition, or wondering what God may still have for you, this conversation offers both hope and an invitation to take the next step. In this episode: Jeff's journey from church planter to transformational coach Why so many leaders feel alone The difference between transformational and transactional coaching Limiting beliefs and how they shape our lives Learning to recognize God's voice in seasons of transition Why spiritual formation is essential to lasting change The courage to pursue dreams we've placed on the back burner Why retirement may not be the finish line, but the beginning of your next mountain Helping the next generation navigate an AI-shaped world through wisdom, formation, and presence Memorable Quotes "The transition is often harder than the change." "A great coach doesn't allow you to stay where you are." "When we're connected to the Vine, transformation becomes possible." "Young men see visions. Old men dream dreams." "What's the downside of not taking the next step?" Resources Mentioned The Habits of Hope by Jeff Caliguire (Purchase on Amazon) We Train Coaches (https://www.wetraincoaches.com) The Next Mountain (https://thenextmountain.ai/) Whisper Ranch (https://www.soulcare.com/whisper-ranch) Reflection As you finish listening, consider taking these two questions into prayer: What might be the next mountain God is inviting me to climb? What story or limiting belief has kept me from taking the first step?   The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources. Copyright 2026.

In Part Two of this special dual-release conversation, Adam Ormord continues his dialogue with Jessica Vangsnes, host of the Transforming Us Podcast. While Part One explored some of Adam's story, this episode turns toward Jessica and her journey of ever-increasing friendship with Jesus. Together, Adam and Jessica explore how attachment, friendship, and the healing presence of Christ have shaped her own process of becoming. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on what it means to move beyond performance and self-protection into deeper trust, greater relational wholeness, and the freedom of walking with Jesus as a faithful Friend. They also discuss the importance of spiritual companionship, the gift of being known, and why transformation is rarely a solo endeavor. The episode concludes with an Ignatian-inspired prayer practice and a conversation about LifePoint Resources' upcoming Sacred Way Community—a journey of relational spiritual formation designed for those longing to grow in community with fellow pilgrims. In this episode: Jessica's story of transformation Attachment and relational healing Friendship as a catalyst for becoming Moving from self-protection to secure attachment with God Ignatian spirituality and walking with Jesus Why lasting transformation happens in community An introduction to the Sacred Way Community A reflective practice helping us return "home" Connect with Jessica Vangsnes and Transforming Us https://www.transformingus.org Learn more about LifePoint Resources and the Sacred Way Community https://www.lifepointresources.org If these conversations have encouraged you, consider sharing both episodes with someone who longs for a deeper, more relational journey with Christ. Thank you for listening to The Being Formed Podcast. Wherever you find yourself on the path today, may you discover that Jesus is already walking beside you, and that His invitation is not simply to arrive somewhere, but to be formed into a person of love. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

In this special dual-release episode, The Being Formed Podcast welcomes Jessica Vangsnes, host of the Transforming Us podcast, for the first of a two-part conversation exploring pilgrimage, attachment, and the slow work of spiritual formation. Jessica is a certified trauma-informed relationship coach, group facilitator, and the visionary behind Transforming Us. Integrating a rich background in ministry, soul care, Gottman 7 principles facilitation, and the Enneagram in relationships, Jess guides individuals and couples away from internal division and toward sacred wholeness with Christ. Her work is forged in the fire of her own need for wholeness. For 18 years, she and her husband, Travis, have navigated the beautiful, complex terrain of marriage, foster care, adoption, and caregiving. It was through her own profound seasons of pain and personal healing that Jess discovered her calling: helping others tend to the shadowy places of their souls. Today, Jess lives in South Carolina with Travis and their five children, ages 7 to 20. Jess views every person as a unique reflection of God’s image. Believing that true healing is a collaborative process with Jesus, she helps people unearth subconscious patterns and name attachment wounds, bridging practical psychological tools with spiritual formation. Part One of our two-part conversation focuses a bit more on Adam's story - from discovering spiritual direction and walking the Camino de Santiago to the lessons learned about trust, embodiment, and the transforming love of God. Along the way, Adam and Jessica explore how the Enneagram, attachment theory, and the ministry of presence can help us move from striving to abiding, from performing for God to walking with Him as a beloved friend. In this episode: Jessica's journey into spiritual formation and soul care Lessons from walking the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage as a way of life Anxious attachment and discovering God's loving gaze Friendship, presence, and spiritual companionship Learning to live in the easy yoke of Jesus Part Two continues the conversation by exploring more of Jessica's story, her journey into attachment work and relational transformation, and the ways God has shaped her through coaching and the Enneagram. Connect with Jessica Vangsnes and Transforming Us: https://transformingus.org If this conversation encourages you, consider subscribing to The Being Formed Podcast, leaving a review, and sharing the episode with someone who could use a fellow pilgrim on the journey. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Adam Ormord (LifePoint Resources) sits down with author, worship leader, coach, and spiritual director Becky Ykema to discuss her new book. After more than two decades serving in churches ranging from church plants to one of the largest churches in the country, Becky began noticing subtle patterns shaping ministry culture. Those observations became her new book, Composing Church: Considerations for the Modern Creative Leader. While written with worship leaders and creative teams in mind, this conversation reaches much further, exploring the formation of ministry leaders, the culture of our churches, and the invitation to become people who lead from authenticity rather than performance. Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, volunteer, elder, or someone who simply longs for a healthy ministry culture, we believe you'll find encouragement and hope in this conversation. In this episode, we discuss: • What it means to "compose" a church culture. • The subtle pressures ministry leaders often carry. • Performance versus presence. • How church culture shapes the souls of those who serve. • Henri Nouwen's timeless warnings about relevance, spectacle, and power. • How spiritual direction has further shaped Becky's understanding of leadership. Resources Mentioned: Composing Church: Considerations for the Modern Creative Leader (by Becky Ykema) Connect with Becky: www.beckyykema.com Thanks for listening to The Being Formed Podcast. If this conversation encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who loves the Church and longs to see her become more like Christ. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

What if the deepest truth about you is not what you do, what you believe, or even what you have accomplished, but that you were created for relationship? In this solo episode, Adam Ormord explores the idea that we are, at our core, relational souls. Drawing from the work of Richard Plass and James Cofield, Todd and Elizabeth Hall, Trevor Hudson, Henri Nouwen, and others, Adam reflects on the transformative power of loving relationships and why trust sits at the heart of spiritual formation. Along the way, he shares personal stories of God's faithfulness, explores the difference between knowing about God and knowing God relationally, and invites listeners to consider what it means to live as God's beloved. Whether you find yourself longing for deeper connection, wrestling with trust, or simply seeking a more experiential relationship with God, this conversation offers a timely reminder that transformation happens in the context of love. In This Episode What it means to be a "relational soul" The difference between informational knowing and relational knowing Why trust is central to spiritual formation How loving relationships shape our ability to love God and others The connection between attachment, belovedness, and transformation Hospitality, presence, and the ministry of spiritual direction Learning to receive God's love more deeply The invitation to come home to the Father The Sacred Way Community (LifePoint's Cohort-Learning Community) Books and Resources Mentioned The Relational Soul — Richard Plass & James Cofield Relational Spirituality — Todd Hall & Elizabeth Hall Seeking God — Trevor Hudson Reaching Out — Henri Nouwen The Life We're Looking For — Andy Crouch A Reflection Question Where in your life might God be inviting you to move from simply knowing something about Him to experiencing it more deeply through trust? Closing Thought "Perhaps the deepest invitation of the spiritual life is learning to come home - home to the God who sees us, delights in us, and has never stopped watching the horizon for our return." The Being Formed Podcast is a Soul Care Ministry of LIfePoint Resources.

What if Jesus is always moving toward us, offering us friendship and love, but we've lost the ability to notice? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord sits down with Dale Gish, founder of The Ignatian Center, spiritual director, retreat leader, and guide of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Drawing from a recent pilgrimage through Spain, Dale shares stories from visiting significant locations in the life of Ignatius of Loyola, including Montserrat and Manresa. Along the way, he reflects on the transformative power and enduring wisdom of the Spiritual Exercises, and why Ignatian spirituality continues to resonate with so many people today. Together, Adam and Dale explore the life of Ignatius and the invitation to discover God's presence in the ordinary moments of daily life. They also discuss the growing interest in the 19th Annotation of the Exercises and how this accessible pathway allows people to journey deeply with Jesus while remaining fully engaged in everyday responsibilities. Whether you're new to Ignatian spirituality or have been walking this path for years, this conversation offers a thoughtful introduction to a tradition that has helped countless people cultivate a more attentive, discerning, and relational life with God.   In this episode, you'll hear: Dale's reflections from leading an Ignatian pilgrimage through Spain A brief introduction to the life and conversion of Ignatius of Loyola An introduction to the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises Examples of how imaginative prayer draws us closer to our friend, Jesus Opportunities to engage with The Ignatian Center and upcoming training cohorts   About Dale Gish Dale Gish is the founder of The Ignatian Center, a ministry devoted to helping people encounter God through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. He is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and experienced guide of the Exercises. Through teaching, training, retreats, and pilgrimage experiences, Dale helps individuals and groups cultivate deeper attentiveness to God, greater discernment, and a more intimate relationship with Jesus.   Resources & Links The Ignatian Center: https://www.theignatiancenter.org Connect with Dale and learn more about upcoming cohorts, webinars, and training opportunities through The Ignatian Center.   Reflection Question Where do you sense yourself on the journey with Jesus right now, and what invitation might be waiting for you in this particular stretch of the road?   The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

What does it look like to walk with Jesus in a way that is relational, intentional, and deeply transformative? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam is joined by spiritual director and retreat guide Kim Van Natta for a conversation about a new initiative from LifePoint Resources called the Sacred Way Community. Together, they explore the growing hunger many people are experiencing for a more relational and experiential life with God, especially in a cultural moment marked by exhaustion, disillusionment, disconnection, and spiritual uncertainty. They discuss the difference between merely learning about God and learning how to be with God, and why intentionally small, immersive, and formational communities can become sacred spaces of healing, growth, and transformation. Adam and Kim also unpack the vision and rhythm behind The Sacred Way Community, an 18-month cohort journey centered around relational spiritual formation, shared retreats, contemplative practices, and authentic community. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and consider where God may be inviting you into deeper formation and a more sustainable way of following Jesus. In This Episode Kim’s personal journey into spiritual formation and relational discipleship Why transformational growth happens best in authentic community The growing spiritual hunger beneath disillusionment and deconstruction What we mean by “The Sacred Way” Relational spirituality and secure attachment with God Why retreats and immersive experiences matter The difference between information-based learning and transformational knowing What spiritual transformation actually looks like in everyday life Why slower, smaller, and more intentional communities matter right now Personal reflections on being with Jesus and becoming people of love About Kim Van Natta Kim Van Natta is a spiritual director, Ignatian retreat guide, and the founder of Transforming Experiences. Her work centers on helping people cultivate deeper awareness of God’s presence through spiritual direction, contemplative practices, creation-based experiences, and relational spiritual formation. Kim is helping lead the development of The Sacred Way Community and will serve as the first Director of this new initiative through LifePoint Resources. The Sacred Way Community The Sacred Way Community is an 18-month journey of relational spiritual formation designed for those longing for a deeper, slower, and more authentic life with God. The journey includes: Seven retreats over 18 months Ongoing relational connection and spiritual companionship Contemplative practices and guided formation Space for honesty, discernment, healing, and transformation A community-centered approach to becoming more deeply rooted in the love of God Our first cohort is scheduled to begin in September 2027. To receive updates and learn more as plans continue to unfold, visit: LifePoint Resources or email: swcLifePoint Resources Reflection As you listen to this conversation, where do you sense an invitation toward deeper formation in your own life? What has been stirring in you? Connect with LifePoint Resources The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources, a nonprofit ministry devoted to making soul care accessible to all. Through spiritual direction, retreats, webinars, and formational community, we help you cultivate a deeper, more sustainable life with God. www.lifepointresources.org Share the Episode If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend, colleague, or leader who may be interested in joining the Sacred Way Community.

What sustains a leader over time? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord (Founder and President of LifePoint Resources) sits down with retired Navy chaplain and author Gregory Woodard to explore the inner life of leadership. Drawing from years of experience in ministry and the military, Greg shares how leadership that lasts is not built on competence alone, but on a life that is rooted, attentive, and formed from within. Together, they explore the drift many leaders experience - remaining effective on the outside while becoming disconnected, isolated, and unhealthy on the inside - and why so many leaders struggle to finish well. Greg introduces a framework of four essential rhythms - relational, spiritual, emotional, and physical—that help leaders cultivate a more sustainable and integrated life. This conversation moves from Greg’s personal story, to practical insights for leaders today, and ultimately to the deeper invitation of becoming the kind of person who leads from the soul. In This Episode, You’ll Hear Greg’s journey from Navy chaplaincy into a new season of spiritual formation Why leadership often becomes disconnected from the inner life The hidden cost of burnout, isolation, and unprocessed emotion The four rhythms that sustain healthy leadership: relational, spiritual, emotional, and physical Why emotional awareness is essential - not optional - for leaders How identity and calling unfold over time, rather than being quickly discovered What it means to “finish well” in leadership Simple, meaningful steps toward cultivating a life of leadership from within About Greg Woodard Greg Woodard is a retired Navy chaplain who served for over two decades, walking alongside individuals and leaders in some of life’s most challenging and formative moments. He is the author of Leadership from Within: Navigating the Path Toward Soul-Driven Success, a book that invites leaders to cultivate a sustainable and integrated life through intentional rhythms of soul care. Learn more: www.gregwoodard.com Key Themes Leadership begins beneath the surface Formation over performance Integration of the inner and outer life Paying attention to the soul as a leadership practice Sustainability and finishing well Reflection As you listen, you might take a moment to notice: Where in your life are you leading from the outside in… rather than from within? And gently consider: What might it look like to pay attention to your soul - not to fix anything, but to be present to God there? Resources & Links Leadership from Within: Navigating the Path Toward Soul-Driven Success – Greg Woodard Stop Chasing Work-Life Balance: Four Rhythms for Sustainable Leadership Integration - Greg Woodard Connect with LifePoint Resources The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources, a nonprofit ministry devoted to making soul care accessible to all. Through spiritual direction, retreats, webinars, and formational community, we help individuals and leaders cultivate a deeper, more sustainable life with God. www.lifepointresources.org Share the Episode If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend, colleague, or leader who might be carrying more than they realize.

What if your life with God isn’t meant to stay in your head? In this conversation, Adam sits down with spiritual director and author Deborah Gregory to explore what it means to experience God not just in our thoughts, but in our bodies, our movement, and the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Drawing from her new book Spiritual Wayfinding, Deborah invites us into an embodied spirituality that integrates attentiveness to God with the wisdom of the body and the realities of how we are actually formed. Together, they explore how walking can become a form of prayer, how our nervous systems shape our awareness of God, and how practices of movement and attention can open us to deeper discernment. This conversation offers a timely invitation to become more present, to lift our eyes and our gaze, and to begin noticing God in places you may have overlooked. In This Episode, You’ll Hear Deborah’s personal journey into embodied spirituality How relearning to walk reshaped her understanding of life with God The connection between Ignatian spirituality and embodied awareness How the body and nervous system influence our experience of God Why walking can be a powerful form of prayer and discernment The role of neurodivergence in expanding our understanding of spiritual formation Simple ways to begin practicing awareness of God in your everyday life A Simple Invitation As you finish this episode, consider taking a walk. Notice your body. Notice your surroundings. Notice what’s happening within you. And ask: “God, where are You in this moment?” About Deborah Gregory Deborah Gregory is a spiritual director specializing in Ignatian spirituality, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, and the host of The Betwixt Podcast. Her holistic approach to Christian formation bridges ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience, helping people experience God through both body and soul. Drawing from her experience in a neurodiverse family, Deborah is passionate about cultivating an inclusive spirituality that honors the wisdom of the body and supports those navigating a neurotypical world. She leads retreats, trains spiritual directors, and lives in Central Florida with her husband and two daughters. Resources & Links Spiritual Wayfinding by Deborah Gregory: Purchase on Amazon Deborah Gregory's website: https://www.flourishspiritualdirection.com/ The Betwixt Podcast About The Being Formed Podcast The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources. It is a space for honest, thoughtful conversations about spiritual formation, leadership, and the interior life. Hosted by Adam Ormord, Co-founder and President of LifePoint, each episode invites listeners to slow down, pay attention, and participate more fully in the life of God.

In this episode, Adam sits down with Anne Richardson, author of Not Alone and a trauma-informed spiritual director, for a thoughtful and honest conversation about trauma, shame, and the slow work of healing. Anne shares from her own story, including a pivotal season that led her into deeper healing through therapy, spiritual direction, and contemplative practices with God. Together, Adam and Anne explore the impact of sexual trauma, the difference between truth and toxic shame, and what it means to rediscover God’s presence in places that once felt unsafe. In This Episode, You’ll Hear How shame takes root and distorts identity The difference between truth and toxic shame Anne’s personal journey of healing through the “desert” The role of silence, solitude, and contemplative prayer How anger, grief, and the body are part of the healing process What it looks like to rebuild trust with God, yourself, and others The importance of safe people and compassionate presence What healing and freedom can look like over time A Word for Listeners This episode touches on themes of trauma. While no graphic details are shared, you may notice something stirring as you listen. You are invited to go at your own pace. You can pause, step away, or return later. You are in control of how you engage with this conversation. Resources & Next Steps Not Alone by Anne Richardson: Purchase on Amazon Anne Richardson’s website: https://www.annemarierichardson.com Learn more about LifePoint's Webinar on April 28, 2026: Accompanying Survivors of Sexual Trauma Connect with LifePoint Resources Website: https://www.lifepointresources.org Spiritual Direction, Formational Mentoring, Retreats, and other Soul Care offerings The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

What if the wilderness isn’t something to escape… but the place where faith is actually formed? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord is joined by author, coach, and teacher Dustin Kleinschmidt to explore the deeper realities of the spiritual life, especially for those who feel disillusioned, tired, or unsure where God is in the middle of it all. Dustin brings a rare kind of honesty shaped by decades of pastoral ministry and his own lived experience with burnout, anxiety, disappointment, and the eventual unraveling of expectations. Together, they talk about what happens when doing “everything right” doesn’t lead where we thought it would, and how the wilderness may not be a detour, but the very place where God meets us. This conversation doesn’t offer sound-bite answers or quick resolutions. Instead, it offers something more needed: companionship, language for what many feel but struggle to name, and permission to walk with God in the tension. If your faith has ever felt more like wandering than arriving, you’re not alone. In This Episode, We Explore: Why the wilderness is not just a season, but the terrain of the spiritual life What happens when faithfulness doesn’t lead to clarity or relief The hidden cost of expectations in ministry, leadership, and everyday life Burnout, anxiety, and disillusionment in Christian spaces The difference between honest faith and performative spirituality How to resist spiritual bypassing and make room for emotional honesty What it means to experience God’s presence without immediate answers Finding language for the tensions we carry but often can’t articulate The important role of a safe community as we navigate the wilderness About Dustin Kleinschmidt Dustin Kleinschmidt is a longtime pastor and the author of The Wilderness Way. Over the past twenty-five years, he has served in nearly every pastoral role - from student ministry to lead pastor to church planter - giving him a unique perspective on the realities of ministry and faith. Shaped by both personal struggle and firsthand experience of the challenges within church leadership, Dustin writes and speaks for those who feel spiritually homeless, disillusioned, or exhausted by the pressure to have it all together. His work offers an honest, grounded invitation to follow Jesus in the tension of real life.  A Simple Reflection Take a few moments in quiet and consider: Where does your life feel unresolved right now? What expectations - spoken or unspoken - are shaping how you interpret this season? What would it look like to notice God’s presence here, without needing to change anything? You might pray: “God, meet me here. Not when this is over… but here, in the middle of it.” Resources & Links The Wilderness Way by Dustin Kleinschmidt:  Dustin’s website: https://www.dustinkleinschmidt.com/ Follow Dustin on Substack: https://www.dustinkleinschmidt.com/ The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord sits down with Dr. Dave Janvier, a licensed professional counselor, certified clinical trauma professional, sex therapist, and spiritual director. Dave is the founder of SIIMDA Soul Care, a ministry that integrates trauma therapy, neuroscience, and spiritual formation to help people experience deeper healing and wholeness. Together, they explore what it means to be trauma-informed in the ministry of soul care. Rather than offering quick solutions or spiritualizing pain, trauma-informed approaches invite patience, safety, and deep listening, recognizing the ways trauma lives in our bodies, our relationships, and even in our experience of faith. In this conversation, Dave helps us understand how spiritual direction can become a safe place for the soul, where wounds are gently acknowledged, and healing can begin to unfold at a compassionate pace. Whether you are a spiritual director, pastor, caregiver, or someone seeking healing in your own life, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical insight into the sacred work of healing from the inside out. Adam and Dave discuss: What it means to be trauma-informed in spiritual care How trauma affects our bodies, relationships, and experience of God The importance of safety, consent, and compassionate presence in soul care Why spiritual direction can be a powerful space for healing How neuroscience and spiritual formation can work together in the healing journey The role of patience and gentle listening in accompanying wounded Dr. Dave Janvier is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Sex Therapist, and Spiritual Director. He is the founder of SIIMDA Soul Care, where he provides trauma-informed counseling, spiritual direction, and training for those seeking integrated healing of body, mind, and spirit. His work brings together clinical insight, neuroscience, and spiritual formation to help individuals and leaders experience deeper levels of healing and wholeness. Resources: Visit SIIMDA Soul Care to learn more: https://www.siimdasoulcare.com/ Dr. Dave's Substack: https://drdavejanvier.substack.com/ The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.