Come to an Institute Retreat
You can go deeper with Jesus in emotional health and loving relationships on an immersive retreat.
Typical Christian activities and trying to believe and do what’s right are not enough to overcome your hurts and struggles and develop healthy rhythms in your life, relationships, and work. To develop a flourishing life you need training in Jesus-centered psychology and spirituality, care from mentors and friends you can trust, and practical tools.
Retreat Registration
Accepted applicants and returning alumni register here to attend a retreat
About the
Soul Shepherding Institute
About the Soul Shepherding Institute
The Soul Shepherding Institute was created in 2013 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.
This includes pastors, missionaries, and other Christian leaders, most of whom have participated in more than one retreat.
It’s your turn to go deeper with Jesus and be renewed in an empathetic community of leaders like you!
You will leave each retreat 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. Can’t come in person? All retreats are also available online through Zoom
Retreat Benefits
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Jesus-centered psychology for emotional and spiritual growth
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Dallas Willard’s insights on spiritual formation and soul care
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Guided experiences in Scripture meditation and prayer
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Spiritual direction groups (and pastor only groups)
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Individual spiritual direction sessions
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Friends who listen, care, and pray for each other
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Rest and solitude in a beautiful location to help you hear God’s voice
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Retreats are also available online through Zoom
4 Retreats
Spiritual Formation
Soul Care Ministry
Spiritual & Psychological Development
Relationally Healthy Leadership
Spiritual Formation
Spiritual & Psychological Development
Soul Care Ministry
Relationally Healthy Leadership
Retreat Registration
Accepted applicants and returning alumni register here to attend a retreat
Questions? Talk to Us!
You can connect with a member of our team via email or Zoom!
What Institute Graduates Are Saying…
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.
Through Bill and Kristi’s vast knowledge and readings, they take us to places where we can really go deep with Jesus.
Churches and Organizations We've Helped
Over 2,150 Christian leaders from over 25 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.
Spiritual Formation
St. Simons Island, Georgia led by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
(Registration deadline September 20th)
Spiritual & Psychological Development
Phoenix, Arizona led by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
Relationally Healthy Leadership
Bells, Texas led by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
Spiritual & Psychological Development
Bells, Texas led by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
Spiritual Formation
Calabasas, California led by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
Soul Care Ministry
Phoenix, Arizona led by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
Certificate in Spiritual Direction: Starts March 1st of each year (late registration is open until May 31st). Attendance at required Soul Shepherding Institute retreats can start anytime.
Certificate in Coaching: Starts April 1st of each year (late registration is open until May 31st). Prior completion of the Certificate in Spiritual Direction is required. Attendance at the required additional (fifth) Institute retreat can be scheduled anytime.
Retreat Registration
Accepted applicants and returning alumni register here to attend a retreat
Cost
$1,100* early bird price (60 days ahead) for each 5-day retreat
$1,200* regular price for each 5-day retreat.
What’s Included: Training, lodging, food, digital notebook, and spiritual direction groups.
OR pay just $369 per month* for 24 months for all 4 Institute retreats plus the online Certificate in Spiritual Direction program.
*Additional costs for individual spiritual direction sessions, books, and private room on retreats.
**Pastors and missionaries can apply for partial scholarship assistance. We offer a 25% discount for a spouse attending the same retreat.
Custom Retreats/Training
Customized retreats and trainings are available for church staff teams, missionary groups, elder boards, pastor couples, intensives, and Sabbaticals.
Cost:
$500 per hour or $3,000 per day for Drs. Bill and/or Kristi Gaultiere.
$300 per hour or $1,800 per day for another Soul Shepherding staff speaker.
Contact us for more information.
Grow Your Ministry!
Certificate in Spiritual Direction Program
Take your learning one step further with our popular 2-year certificate program in the ministry of spiritual direction.
This online training program builds on the Institute retreats and:
- Equips you to serve as a Spiritual Director
- Gives you monthly groups that feature live teaching and discussion
- Teaches you empathy and soul care ministry through experience and practice
- Provides you community with other leaders and support from Soul Shepherding supervisors
The program is led by Drs. Bill & Kristi Gaultiere and a team of Sr. Spiritual Directors they’ve trained. It meets the qualifications of the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association.
Cost: $369 per month* for 24 months for all 4 Institute retreats and the online Certificate in Spiritual Direction program.
