Please complete the short questionnaire below and our team will reach out to you to schedule a call to answer any of your questions.
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The Soul Shepherding Institute was created in 2009 by Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, therapists and spiritual directors, who were personally mentored by Dallas and Jane Willard. With their staff they provide you with life-changing experiences and learning in gatherings of about 40 Christian leaders on five day retreats.
You will leave our online programs or retreats feeling drawn closer to Jesus, supported by friends, rejuvenated, and equipped with the tools you need to flourish in your spiritual life, relationships, and ministry or work.
About the Soul Shepherding Institute
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Life-changing community and learning for Christian Leaders
Spiritual Formation
The way to overcome stress, hurt, and sin is not “believe and do what’s right,” it’s through apprenticeship to Jesus in his easy yoke. Learn the model and tools for growing in Jesus’ rhythms of grace to cultivate intimacy with God, emotional and relational health, and fruitful ministry.
Soul Care Ministry
Our distinctive Christ-centered psychology sheds light on the stress and struggles that can defeat life with God. Learn how to use our distinctive Soul Shepherding tools for personal growth and ministry to others in spiritual direction, small groups, teaching, and church ministry.
Steve Phillips, Lead Pastor - Journey Christian Church
Peter Greer, President - HOPE International Ministry
Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere have brought a monumental impact for Christ to me, my marriage, my family, my staff, and my church. My wife and I were trained together in their Institute and have made it a required training for all our pastoral staff.
The design of the retreat included… an effective organizational strategy session that Bill helped plan and facilitate. Bill’s love for Christ, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and collaborative spirit are a tremendous encouragement to our executive team.
Jesus-centered psychology for emotional and spiritual growth
Benefits Of Our Retreats
Dallas Willard’s insights on spiritual formation and soul care
Guided experiences in Scripture meditation and prayer
Spiritual direction groups (and pastor only groups)
Individual spiritual direction sessions
Friends who listen, care, and pray for each other
Rest and solitude in a beautiful location to help you hear God’s voice
Retreats are also available online through Zoom
Complete Soul Care
Explore Our Four Specialized Retreats
What Institute Graduates Are Saying…
Churches and Organizations We've Helped...
Over 500 Christian leaders from twenty different countries have participated in the Soul Shepherding Institute retreats. This includes pastors, ministry spouses, spiritual directors, coaches, therapists, church planters, missionaries, member health providers, business leaders, and other leaders.
FAQs
The Soul Shepherding Institute is a program designed to help Christian leaders and caregivers grow in their personal and spiritual lives.
The program consists of several retreats and online courses spread out over a period of time. We also have purely online certifications.
The Institute is open to pastors, ministry leaders, and other Christian caregivers who are seeking personal and spiritual growth.
The cost of the Institute varies depending on the number of retreats and courses taken. Scholarships and payment plans are available.
The Institute covers a wide range of topics including spiritual formation, soul care, leadership development, and more.
There are no specific prerequisites, but participants should have a desire for personal and spiritual growth and a commitment to Christian values.
The Institute includes in-person retreats, online courses, and one-on-one coaching sessions.
Participants can choose to attend individual retreats or commit to the entire program. However, attending the full program is recommended for the best experience.
The retreats are often held at retreat centers and host sites around the US in California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Tennessee, and Georgia. Additional locations are being added. For more specific information, please book a call with our team using the form above.
The retreat experience includes teaching sessions, personal reflection time, group discussions, and opportunities for individual spiritual direction.
The Institute is led by experienced Christian leaders and spiritual directors who are committed to providing quality teaching and guidance.
Pastors, Christian Leaders & Church Staff
Are You Struggling With Spiritual Burnout? Renew Your Faith & Revitalize Your Ministry With Our Christian Retreats Across The US
Relationally Healthy Leadership
When we minister or lead out of ego, self-reliance, or hurry, it depletes our soul and hurts the people we love. The most effective leadership and ministry follows the way of Jesus—it’s loving, relaxed, joyful, empowered, and effective. Learn key practices to help you lead from a healthy soul.
Spiritual & Psychological Development
The spiritual life is not one-size-fits-all. Each stage in the journey needs different teaching, ministry, and disciplines. Our unique LIFE in CHRIST model of spiritual and emotional growth provides customized coaching for you and the people you shepherd to thrive with Jesus.
