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Behind the SealECFA's blue seal has been a symbol of trust and accountability for over four decades, but what does that mean. Author: ECFA
ECFA's blue seal has been a symbol of trust and accountability for over four decades, but what does that mean? Is it the seal alone that inspires confidence, or is it the nonprofits and churches behind the seal? Tune in to conversations between ECFA's President and CEO, Michael Martin, and prominent leaders. Together, we'll share stories from behind the scenes of various Christ-centered ministries and churches, highlighting how trust serves as the foundation of it all. Language: en Genres: Business, Christianity, Non-Profit, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Seen? Heard? Understood? | Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
Episode 14
Thursday, 20 November, 2025
Most leaders push past their own emotions without ever slowing down long enough to ask, “What’s happening in my soul?” In this episode of Behind the Seal, Bill & Kristi Gaultiere—founders of Soul Shepherding and authors of Deeply Loved—share how empathy isn’t weakness; it’s oxygen for the soul. In a conversation packed with insight and vulnerability, they unpack why emotions matter to God, how Jesus models empathy, and why healthy leaders must learn to receive empathy—not just give it. From spiritual formation to burnout prevention and the “4 A’s of Empathy,” this episode gives leaders permission to breathe again. If you’ve ever felt pressure to be strong, keep moving, or “power through,” this conversation will meet you right where you are—and remind you that you are deeply loved by God. About Bill & Kristi Gaultiere Bill & Kristi Gaultiere are the co-founders of Soul Shepherding, a ministry dedicated to helping pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders thrive in emotional and spiritual health. Together they lead the Soul Shepherding Institute, train spiritual directors and coaches, and host the Soul Talks podcast. Bill is a psychologist and spiritual director; Kristi is a psychotherapist, spiritual director, and executive leader with a passion for emotional intelligence in Christian leadership. Their newest book, Deeply Loved, guides readers into experiencing Jesus’ empathy through Scripture, prayer, and community. Their ministry has helped thousands of leaders learn to rest in Jesus’ easy yoke, receive God’s grace in deeper ways, and lead from a whole, healthy soul. Additional Resources· ECFA.org/LeaderCare· Learn more about Soul Shepherding· Deeply Loved by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere· Soul Talks Podcast· Soul Shepherding Institute Retreats· Find a Soul Shepherding spiritual director or coach If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a leader who needs a reminder that their soul matters. 💬 Comment below: Which of the 4 A’s of Empathy do you most want to grow in? 🎧 And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations on healthy leadership, emotional integrity, and caring for the souls of those who serve.Timestamps 00:00 – Intro01:21 – Michael welcomes Bill & Kristi05:57 – Leaders’ inner life: why “under the hood” matters08:22 – Kristi’s story: emotions, shame, and the healing power of empathy12:00 – Why some Christians misunderstand empathy15:00 – How emotions and thinking are meant to integrate18:13 – Unconscious resistance: why leaders block empathy without realizing it21:00 – Bill’s story: learning to feel after a lifetime of stuffing emotions27:10 – Receiving empathy vs. rushing to solutions32:09 – The 4 A’s of Empathy (Ask, Attune, Acknowledge, Affirm)38:04 – Empathy prayer and connecting with Jesus’ emotions45:19 – Empathy as oxygen for the soul47:17 – Boundaries, burnout, and stewarding empathy50:49 – We all need a safe place to process emotions52:48 – Empathy + Truth + Responsibility = Growth56:17 – Empathy Fatigue: How to set healthy boundaries with empathy1:00:04 – A word of encouragement for weary leaders1:04:35 – Outro
