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Revitalize your ministry.

Barna research reveals that 1 in 3 pastors are at risk of burnout, and 75% of pastors know at least one fellow pastor whose ministry ended due to stress. We started the Soul Shepherding Institute to help pastors and ministry leaders just like you avoid burnout through individual and group spiritual direction and coaching.

At the Soul Shepherding Institute, you’ll:

  • Have space to hear God’s voice
  • Engage in soul training that will keep you from burning out
  • Be renewed spiritually to thrive in all you do as a pastor or ministry leader

About the Soul Shepherding Institute

An 18-month program of experiential learning over four, 5-day retreats.

Designed exclusively for pastors, ministry leaders, spiritual directors, missionaries, and business leaders, the Soul Shepherding Institute is led by Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, who:

  • Are Doctors of Psychology, Spiritual Directors, and authors
  • Were personally mentored by Dallas and Jane Willard
  • Have a 25-year history of coaching and mentoring pastors and leaders

Each retreat features:

  • Dynamic teaching on soul care
  • Individual and group spiritual direction
  • Rest, solitude, and silence in beautiful surroundings
  • Guided experiences for spiritual formation
  • Customized spiritual and psychological coaching

You’ll leave each retreat feeling rested, rejuvenated, encouraged, and equipped with the tools you need to thrive in your life, relationships, ministry/work, and leadership.

Join an exclusive community of 25 pastors and ministry leaders at one of our upcoming retreats! Apply today and get the care your soul needs.

*Great news! The Soul Shepherding Institute is now available to you via Zoom!*

4 Retreats

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 Christ-centered spiritual 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 soul friendships, small groups, sermons, and church ministry.

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 psychological maturity provides customized coaching for you and the people you shepherd to thrive with Jesus.

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 place.

What Institute Graduates Are Saying...

Dr.'s 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.

Through Bill and Kristi’s vast knowledge and readings, they take us to places where we can really go deep with Jesus.

Upcoming Dates

Focus: Spiritual Formation

East Coast Cohort
October 12-16, 2020
Atlanta, GA

West Coast Cohort
July 12-16, 2021
Hilltop Retreat Center
Southern CA

Joining a cohort includes 4 retreats over 18 months. View all retreat dates.

Cost

Retreats start at $900/person for each 5-day retreat.

What’s Included: Lodging, food, spiritual direction & coaching.

Partial scholarships are available upon approval. We offer a 25% discount for a spouse attending the same retreat.

Custom Retreats

Custom retreats/trainings are available for church staff teams, elder boards, pastor couples, and pastor Sabbaticals.

Cost:

$320 for one 90-minute coaching session

$1,500 for one retreat day

Contact us for more information.

What’s Next?

Spiritual Direction Certification

Take your learning one step further with our 2-year certificate program in the ministry of Spiritual Direction.

This online training program will:

    • Equip you to serve as a Soul Shepherd for others
    • Give you access to monthly groups that feature live teaching and discussion
    • Teach you the foundations of soul care ministry through experience and practice
    • Offer encouragement and feedback from Soul Shepherding supervisors and teachers

The program is led by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere and some of their associates and meets the qualifications of the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association.

Cost: $150/month for 24 months

Soul Shepherding