Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

All of us long to open the Bible and have a meaningful conversation with Jesus. But learning to be with God through his Word feels more challenging than ever in a fast-paced world where answers are always at our fingertips. Thankfully there are tested-and-true spiritual disciplines that can help us slow down and soak up the grace-filled words of Scripture.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill chats with Steve Macchia — a spiritual director who helps leaders prioritize spiritual formation and the author of a new book titled Praying the Parables: A 40-Day Devotional Journey in Word and Image. You'll become enthused to approach Jesus' parables curiously through Lectio Divina as a fresh affection for him bubbles up in your heart and mind. Resources for this Episode:Praying the Parables of Jesus: A 40-Day Devotional Journey in Word and ImageConnect With Steve MacchiaLearn More About Leadership TransformationsLectio Divina GuidesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

You listen to people's hurts and needs and feel genuine compassion for them. Yet giving too much empathy to others drains you and creates a deficit in your own soul. Thankfully, you can learn how to trust Jesus when helping others instead of trying too hard to be Jesus for them.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach how to let go of codependent patterns and offer healthy and helpful empathy. You'll learn how to protect yourself from compassion fatigue by paying attention to the cycle of codependency, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing soul care.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us long to have a flourishing relationship with Jesus — experiencing his bottomless love for us as we walk through life with him. Yet it's easy to get discouraged when going deeper with Christ doesn't look or feel like we assumed it would. Thankfully you can learn the ways of authentic intimacy through empathy practices with God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss their unique journeys to cultivating a deep connection with Jesus. You will learn how you can develop heartfelt closeness with the Good Shepherd by meditating on his emotions in the Gospels, agreeing with his grace through self-empathy, and embracing his loving care for you through others. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It's easy to think that some people are empathetic while others are not. And it's true that empathy comes more instinctively to some than others. But did you know that Jesus created your brain for empathy? This means that all of us naturally long to share the experience of being seen and known by God and each other.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the gift of mirror neurons — brain cells that help us "feel with" those around us. You'll learn how to partner with Jesus to reflect the thoughts and feelings of others back to them by asking curious questions, attuning to their emotions, and being a warm presence.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Research shows that only 36% of people can identify their emotions as they're experiencing them. Yet learning to feel and share authentically is the path to closeness and connection. This means your emotions and experiences (even the painful ones) are actually invitations to be deeply loved by God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks to celebrate the launch of Bill and Kristi's new book, Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. They share wisdom on empathy that will help your relationships grow in intimacy, depth, and health. Plus you'll hear how you can enter to win a free copy of Deeply Loved.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouEnter to win a free copy of Deeply LovedMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Some Christians are skeptical about empathy, mistakenly assuming that it coddles others and reinforces sinful behavior. Yet genuine empathy (even when we sin) helps us understand our struggles and strengthens us to grow in Christlikeness. Thankfully, loving and healthy empathy is modeled all over the Bible and not only comforts us but leads us toward truth and responsibility.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi address concerns you might hear about empathy in some Christian circles. You'll discover fresh insights from the empathy scriptures they teach in their new book, Deeply Loved, and learn the importance of holding others in God's empathy while the Spirit draws them toward transformation.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Discover how getting stuck in your thoughts can leave you feeling detached and lonely. The hosts delve into the power of empathy, vulnerability, and self-acceptance in enriching relationships. They share how genuine emotional connection can foster personal growth and deepen intimacy. By exploring the importance of receiving and reflecting God's empathy, listeners learn to embrace their emotions and communicate openly, transforming their connections with others. The conversation highlights the journey to emotional intelligence and fulfilling relationships.

Are your big feelings misunderstood by others? All of us have tender parts of ourselves that long for a safe place to call home. Sadly, it's easy for sensitivity to get rejected as "too emotional" or "unbiblical." Yet Jesus the Feeler welcomes our emotions and cares for us in his empathetic love.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi affirm the God-given need to be seen, known, and understood as they discuss their new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. You'll experience freedom from the shame placed on emotions as you learn how your feelings actually draw you deeper into Jesus’ heart. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction

All of us can fall asleep to the reality of God's trinitarian presence and slip into making life happen on our own. Yet the Three-Person God shows us how deeply relational he is and invites us to fully immerse ourselves in intimate friendship with him.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help you wake up to the spiritual truth that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit surround you and are with you always. You'll be enthralled by their powerful vision of the Kingdom and equipped with disciplines to help you rest in the Loving Community of God during all your daily activities and endeavors. Resources for this Episode:Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredBreath Prayer GuidesDeeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Most Christians know the importance of taking their faith seriously. But getting too serious when it comes to spiritual disciplines or ministry responsibilities can miss God's heart for relationship. Thankfully, our loving and joyful Papa wants to help us move from duty into sharing his delight.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi invite you to glorify God by enjoying the radiance of Jesus all around you! You'll learn to enjoy God through simple practices like sitting and relaxing, appreciating nature, and savoring time with friends. Resources for this Episode:Breath Prayer GuidesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks