Retreat Description
Ministry is deeply relational, but for many ministry couples, it can also feel surprisingly isolating.
You keep showing up. Keep caring for people. Keep walking with others through painful, beautiful, and complicated parts of life. And yet, over time, the very work that is built around relationship can begin to feel lonely. Life in ministry can feel a little like living in a fishbowl, with expectations to carry, people depending on you, and parts of life that can be hard to share openly.
Even when you are surrounded by people, it can be difficult to find space where you can simply be honest, exhale, and receive care for your own soul. Over time, the internalized stress of ministry can slowly wear down your heart, your marriage, and your capacity to keep pouring out. Jesus shows us another way.
He does not invite His people to serve from exhaustion, striving, or self-protection. He invites them to come to Him and experience His easy yoke. That invitation is not only for the people you serve. It’s for you, too.
Facilitated by Bill and Kristi Gaultiere of Soul Shepherding, alongside a team of trained spiritual directors, Soul Care Rhythms for Ministry Couples creates room to slow down, pay attention to what is happening beneath the surface, reconnect with one another, and explore a lighter way of carrying the work God has given you. Throughout the retreat, spiritual directors are present with you, sharing meals, guiding conversations, and offering a place to be listened to and prayed for.
During Soul Care Rhythms, you and your spouse will have space to:
- Receive the invitation of Jesus for yourself
Remember that Jesus’ words — “my yoke is easy and my burden is light” — are not only for the people you serve. They are for you, too. - Name the heaviness you’ve been carrying
Recognize that the weight of ministry is real and common, and that a lighter way is available without walking away from your calling. - Slow down together in God’s presence
Step away from the pace and pressure of ministry. The unhurried time here isn’t a schedule of activities, it’s purposeful, invitational time with Jesus. This time is more Sabbath than vacation, with space to rest, be honest, reconnect, and listen to God together. - Practice rhythms that nourish the soul
Experience simple, sustainable ways of being with God and each other that can fit into the ordinary pace of life at home.
Who Can Attend Soul Care Rhythms?
- A lead or senior pastor and their spouse
- A director or associate pastor in a paid, full-time formal ministry role of a local church congregation and their spouse
- An executive director or CEO of a parachurch ministry or nonprofit organization and their spouse
- A full-time international missionary of 3+ years and their spouse
Retreat Cost
$600 per couple
Includes all meals, lodging, and programming. Taxes not included.
This experience takes place midweek, not over a weekend.
About the Speakers: Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
Bill and Kristi Gaultiere are the founders of Soul Shepherding, a ministry devoted to helping pastors, ministry leaders, and followers of Jesus care for their souls and live from the easy yoke of Christ. With decades of experience in spiritual formation, counseling, teaching, and retreat leadership, they offer a gentle and practical approach to soul care.
