Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

Sometimes considered weakness or coddling, empathy is often misunderstood. We may not think we need empathy, and we may underestimate its value in our relationships. Yet empathy is a major key to our growth, our intimacy with Christ,  and our ministry with others. In this episode of Soul Talks, Bill and Kristi unpack empathy and the role it plays in relationships. Tune in to see how, as you receive the empathy the Lord has for you, there is healing and grace. Then, you can do the same for others as you respond to them with this same empathy and grace!Resources for this Episode:Soul Shepherding InstituteSpiritual Direction CertificateYou can read the transcript here. 

We know that Jesus is loving, holy, compassionate, and powerful.  On closer examination of his life in the book of Mark, we see he repeatedly handles stressful situations with a relaxed approach. We may struggle with stress and anxiety both in relationships and ministry.  Yet our relaxed and loving Lord is a wonderful example of resting in the easy yoke!In this episode of Soul Talks, Bill and Kristi focus on Jesus’ approach to life and ministry. He is our perfect example of walking in the easy yoke of the Father. You too can learn this way of life from our Lord, finding the freedom and rest he offers.Resources for this Episode:Follow Soul Shepherding on InstagramFollow Soul Shepherding on FacebookYour Best Life in Jesus’ Easy YokeSoul Shepherding StoreSoul Shepherding InstituteSoul Shepherding NetworkYou can read the transcript here. 

Some of us are enduring chronic pain or suffering that can be exhausting. We may struggle to accept our own grief, loss, and lament around difficult circumstances that drain us of life and joy. But even in the midst of these trials, sharing our true emotions with soul friends can be the means to receive God’s comforting presence.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks, as Bill and Kristi talk about long-term trials, chronic pain, and ways we can return to joy. As a wounded healers, you need to care for your soul by sharing your emotions with others who listen with compassion and love. You are then freed to be Jesus’ ambassador, offering empathy and grace to those around you. Resources for this episode:Paraclete Mission GroupSoul Shepherding InstituteJourney of the SoulSoul Shepherding CoachingYou can read the transcript here. 

Post-traumatic stress is a frequent topic of discussion in our culture today. Sometimes we may experience trials and are unable to see hope for our future. But there is another, less well-known side of trauma that is accessible to us as we lean in with our Risen Lord — post-traumatic growth.Tune into this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi interviews Georgia Shaffer —  author, speaker, coach, psychologist, and four-time cancer survivor. Georgia is a wounded healer sharing the beauty of post-traumatic growth that can flourish in the midst of pain and suffering. In and after trials, soul care practices in your discipleship to Jesus can bring you post-traumatic growth too—empowering you to face your fears, embrace your limitations, and experience deeper intimacy with Jesus.Resources for this episode: Soul Shepherding InstituteFree PDF Resource: The Difference Between Grieving and Self-PityGeorgiaShaffer.comA Gift of Mourning Glories: Restoring Your Life After LossJourney of the SoulYou can read the transcript  here. 

Some of us may have been impacted by spiritual abuse or church hurt. Many of us have hit a wall spiritually and experienced prolonged desert seasons. This doesn’t have to be the ending of our story—there is hope for healing, restoration, and freedom as we discover the hidden treasure of the Kingdom of the Heavens!Join us for this episode of Soul Talks where Bill and Kristi interview pastor Brian Steele unpacking his experiences in an abusive cult, and his journey with Jesus that ultimately led to true freedom, sabbath rest, and overflowing delight. Your heart will be encouraged to learn how you too can experience these gracious gifts from the Lord, regardless of the past seasons you’ve walked through. Resources for this Episode:Free PDF Resource from Brian Steele: Five Tools to Establish a “Kingdom-First Culture”Soul Shepherding InstituteSpiritual Direction CertificateJourney of the SoulWellspring Retreat Center for Cult VictimsYou can read the transcript here. 

As we go through various trials in life, we may experience different types of depression. This can cause us to turn our anger inward, judging and shaming ourselves into loneliness and isolation. But friends, our Risen Savior goes ahead of us always, and we are not alone. One of the hardest but most crucial things the Lord wants for us in our depression is to take action!Tune into this episode of Soul Talks, where Bill and Kristi share vulnerably about their experiences with depression. Be encouraged and filled with hope as you learn powerful, Biblical tools and practices to help you lean into an emotionally honest faith, receive empathy and support, and care for others around you who may be struggling. Resources for this Episode: Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy YokeJourney of the SoulUnforsakenSoul Shepherding NetworkSoul Shepherding InstituteFocus on the FamilyAmerican Association of Christian Counselors

Many of us have either personally experienced mental health issues like addiction, or we know and love people who have. These struggles are a normal part of our humanity, and there is no shame in these experiences. We have access to God’s healing power in the Kingdom of the Heavens right now!Join us for this episode of Soul Talks, where Bill and Kristi unpack valuable tools and techniques for addressing and overcoming addictive behavior. Be encouraged with practical strategies that you can learn and integrate with your discipleship to Jesus. Resources for this Episode:The V.I.M. Plan StrategyThe Soul Shepherding NetworkThe Soul Shepherding InstituteSoul Shepherding CoachesSoul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorsYou can read the transcript here. 

Many people are held back in their lives by anxiety. Problems with anxiety are the most common mental-emotional disorder for American adults today. But here’s the good news: there is hope for people who are struggling with anxiety! Jesus heals anxious hearts.Tune into this episode of Soul Talks, where Bill shares vulnerably about his experiences with anxiety. You’ll be equipped and inspired with tangible spiritual formation tools to help care for your own anxiety and mental health, and that of those around you as a wounded healer.Resources for this Episode: Soul Shepherding CoachesSoul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorsSoul Shepherding NetworkSoul Shepherding InstituteYou can read the transcript here. 

When we are leading conversations, preaching, or speaking to others, it can be tempting to rely solely on our own strength — on our own preparation, experiences, and knowledge. But the Lord has given us his Spirit that dwells in us and intercedes on our behalf in the Kingdom of the Heavens! As such, the greatest blessings and biggest impacts of our words come when we are guided by the Holy Spirit.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks, where Bill and Kristi share their speaking experiences and continue teaching about how you can live a Spirit-led life. You’ll be equipped with practices and habits that engage your heart and turn your focus to Jesus, allowing your speaking to be reliant on the Spirit, and abounding in God’s will. Resources for this episode: Soul Shepherding InstituteJourney of the SoulSoul Shepherding EventsYou can read the transcript here.