Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

The holiday season is often idealized as the best time of the year. Yet many of us get triggered by seeing Christmas decorations or spending time with family. Why? The trauma that you or your friends have experienced in the past can get activated in situations that cause similar pain or feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the biblical record of the first Christmas offers a roadmap for navigating emotional distress and trauma.
Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi draw on the Christmas story as a real-life account of enduring trauma. You’ll take heart from Mary’s story of taking courage from God when she was vulnerable and in danger. Whatever emotions surface for you this holiday season, you can follow in her footsteps of faith and trust God to provide the care and strength you need.
Resources for this Episode
Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for Advent
Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You
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Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

You gather with other believers each week — but is it helping you grow as a disciple of Jesus? All of us experience times when we feel disconnected at church. These moments might tempt us to critique the pastor or service as a whole. Yet Jesus' vision for church is less about an inspiring sermon or powerful worship and more about how you respond to God in your heart.
Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share a weekly practice that will transform how you interact with God at church. Regardless of how church feels right now, you can take responsibility for showing up with an attitude of faith and prayerfulness for others. This will not only help you grow with Jesus, but also bless your pastor and those around you.
Resources for this Episode
Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth
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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 Episode
Get 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 Retreat
Earn 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 Episode
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.
Resources for this Episode
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