The Discerning Leader Podcast

Епизоде

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  Meeting The False Self | Season 41, Episode 3 17.09.2026 41мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "The truth of Jesus will set you free. But also, the truth of your story will set you free." — Steve Macchia In this episode, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the false self and the layers of identity we develop through our stories, wounds, choices, shame, and expectations of others. Together, they consider how these patterns can become so familiar that we barely recognize them.  Receive God's invitation through this conversation--to slow down, tell the truth, give attention to your emotions, and live in honest community. In doing so, we return to our truest identity as God's beloved children. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  
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  Coming Home To Your True Self | Season 41, Episode 2 10.09.2026 37мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "We have to keep coming home and pursuing God and godliness rather than self and selfishness." — Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the difference between our true self and our false self—and the ways we can quietly lose ourselves when we begin to derive our identity from what we do rather than who we are. In a world saturated with messages of self-improvement, self-promotion, and self-actualization, it can be easy to forget our heart's true home: our belovedness as children of God. Steve and Matt consider what happens when our roles and accomplishments become our identity, and they invite us back to the deeper reality that our truest identity is not something we earn, but something we receive. This is an invitation to let go of the striving, return to God's embrace, and rediscover the freedom of living from the identity God has already given us. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  Mark Buchanan | September 2026 Special Edition, Episode 01 08.09.2026 1ч 9мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Mark Buchanan "All of my books begin as self-therapy. They begin as sort of addressing an ache in me, a wonderment, a puzzle, a hurt, whatever it happens to be, where I have to figure something out." - Mark Buchanan In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia welcomes author and longtime friend Mark Buchanan for a rich conversation about the spiritual dimensions of reading and writing. Mark shares how a fifth-grade teacher first awakened his love for language and story, how his books have emerged from his own questions and struggles, and why the discipline of simply showing up may be one of the most important practices for any writer. Steve and Mark explore the journey of finding your own voice, the freedom of beginning before everything is perfectly planned, the importance of good editing, and the temptation to pursue publication rather than the deeper work of simply having something to say. The conversation then turns toward reading as a spiritual practice. Mark describes reading as an act of submission—an invitation to enter another person's world, listen deeply, and allow ourselves to be changed. Together, Steve and Mark consider how reading broadly and deeply can cultivate humility, nuance, compassion, and discernment. Whether you are an aspiring writer, an avid reader, or simply someone seeking to become more attentive to God and the world around you, this conversation invites you to slow down, listen well, and discover what God might want to say to you—and through you. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  
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  The Gift of (Being Your) Self | Season 41, Episode 1 03.09.2026 37мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "Our life would be so different—and our churches and marriages and families and communities would be so different—if we remembered our Creator and delighted in everything that he has created." – Steve Macchia What if the truest version of ourselves isn't something we have to create, perfect, or promote—but something we learn to receive? In the opening episode of Season 41, Discerning the Self, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore what it means to understand ourselves in light of the God who created us. Drawing from Augustine, Calvin, Genesis, and the biblical language of being made in God's image, they consider the profound connection between knowing God and knowing ourselves. In a world that constantly invites us to self-promote, self-improve, achieve, and prove our worth, Steve and Matt invite us to a different way of living: slowing down, receiving our identity as God's beloved creation, and learning to delight in the unique gift of who we are—and who others are. Before there was correction, there was delight. Before striving, there was belovedness. This conversation invites us to move from treating ourselves as perpetual self-improvement projects toward receiving ourselves as the unique, fearfully and wonderfully made people God delights in. And from that place of being, we can become more fruitful in doing what God has called us to do. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  
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  Abigail Carroll | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 09 27.08.2026 49мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Abigail Carroll This episode originally aired on May 4, 2023 as Episode 4 of Season 26. "Poetry is the premise and the tool for submitting myself to beauty." - Abigail Carroll In this concluding conversation of our Summer 2026: Rewind series, Steve Macchia welcomes poet and pastor Abigail Carroll to explore the spiritual significance of beauty, creativity, poetry, and wonder. She shares how God met her through beauty as a child, how she rediscovered her poetic identity after years of silence, and how poetry has become a way of praying, grieving, noticing, and naming God. Together, Steve and Abigail consider what it means to slow down and "submit ourselves to beauty," to allow metaphors to deepen our prayers, and to recognize the creative capacity God has placed within each of us. Whether or not you consider yourself an artist, this conversation invites you to pay attention, receive the beauty around you, and release the creativity God has given you as an offering to him. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  
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  Mark Buchanan | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 8 20.08.2026 39мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Mark Buchanan This episode originally aired on June 17, 2021 as Episode 3 of Season 11. "The premier physical activity for spiritual formation is walking." — Mark Buchanan In this REWIND episode, Steve Macchia welcomes Mark Buchanan to explore God Walk and what it means to move at "the speed of your soul"—the speed of love and grace. They reflect on Sabbath, attentiveness, companionship with God, and walking faithfully with him. Mark suggests that walking is a deeply embodied practice of spiritual formation. Unlike a race or a march, a pilgrimage is paced by the slowest person, inviting us to accompany one another and resist the hurried, competitive patterns that so easily shape our lives and churches. This episdoe invites you not just to consider "Where are we going?" but, "At what pace are we getting there?" Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  
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  Amy Murgatroyd | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 7 13.08.2026 48мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Amy Murgatroyd This episode originally aired on October 14, 2021 as Episode 4 of Season 14. "I'm not creating these moments. I'm bearing witness to them." – Amy Murgatroyd   What would change if we slowed down enough to really see? In this episode, Steve Macchia talks with photographer and filmmaker Amy Murgatroyd about the spiritual practice of noticing. After a health crisis awakened Amy to the fragility and beauty of ordinary life, she began seeing the world differently—and eventually picked up a camera to capture the "glory moments" she encountered. Together, Steve and Amy explore Exodus 33 and Moses' audacious prayer, "Now show me your glory," and consider what it means to develop an "eye of the heart" that notices God's presence in the people, relationships, beauty, and stories right in front of us. Amy describes creativity not simply as a gift, but as a spiritual discipline—an invitation to co-create with God, slow down, listen for inspiration, and receive the sacred moments He places before us. They also explore empathy, spiritual friendship, the power of story, and what it means to become "story catchers" who bear witness to the beauty and ache of another person's life. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  
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  Rich Plass | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 6 06.08.2026 47мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Rich Plass This episode originally aired on August 19, 2021 as Episode 2 of Season 13. "Every leader needs someone who can hear their story without judgment." - Rich Plass Steve Macchia welcomes longtime friend Dr. Richard Plass, author of The Relational Soul, to explore how our earliest relationships form us and why healing often begins when we have the courage to tell our story to a safe companion. Together they discuss the difference between sin and woundedness, the power of spiritual friendship, and how God's presence meets us in the places we've tried to hide. If you've ever felt isolated, burdened by your past, or unsure how to move toward greater freedom, this conversation offers hope. Healing is possible—not through striving or pretending, but through trusted relationships, honest around our story, and abiding in the healing presence of Christ. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  Alice Fryling | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 5 30.07.2026 46мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Alice Fryling This episode originally aired on October 28, 2021 as Episode 6 of Season 14. "Aging faithfully isn't about holding onto what once was—it's about trusting the God who remains faithful in every season." - Alice Fryling In this thoughtful conversation, Steve Macchia welcomes author and spiritual director Alice Fryling to explore the holy invitation of aging faithfully. Together they reflect on moving from productivity to fruitfulness, letting go of the false self, embracing vulnerability, and discovering God's transforming presence in every season of life. Whether you're navigating retirement, caring for aging parents, experiencing significant life transitions, or simply wondering how to age with grace and purpose, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and encouragement. Rather than fearing what is lost, you'll be invited to notice what God is lovingly forming within you. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  Alan Fadling | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 4 23.07.2026 47мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Sara Singleton This episode originally aired on November 4, 2021 as Episode 1 of Season 15. "We have a cultural assumption that fast is good and slow is bad…how might slow be good for your soul?" – Alan Fadling In this episode, Steve Macchia welcomes author, spiritual director, and Unhurried Living founder Alan Fadling for a rich conversation about slowing down to the pace of God's grace. Together they explore why so many leaders find themselves exhausted, how brokenness and weariness can become invitations to deeper communion with Christ, and why Jesus remains the ultimate model of an unhurried life. From the practice of extended personal communion with God to the countercultural rhythms of rest, silence, and trust, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone longing to exchange striving for abiding. Whether you're leading others, caring for your family, or simply trying to keep up with life's demands, you'll discover that God's invitation has never changed: Come to me... and you will find rest for your soul. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.    
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  Sara Singleton | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 3 16.07.2026 45мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Sara Singleton This episode originally aired on May 12, 2022 as Episode 7 of Season 18. "You don't have to do anything or be anything for God to love you more." - Sarah Singleton In this deeply moving conversation with Steve Macchia, Sarah shares the remarkable story of God's faithfulness through infertility, adoption, heartbreaking loss, vocational calling, racial reconciliation, and unexpected redemption. Along the way, she discovers that spiritual maturity is less about striving for God and more about allowing God to reshape our deepest assumptions about His love. Through decades of joy, grief, waiting, and surrender, Sarah learned that the deepest work of God happens beneath the surface—where false images of God are dismantled, the soul is re-parented by grace, and hospitality becomes a way of life. This episode is an invitation to trust that even when God's purposes remain hidden, His love never does. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  
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  Adele Calhoun | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 2 09.07.2026 50мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Adele Calhoun This episode originally aired on September 23, 2021 as Episode 1 of Season 14. "Shaming voices have the power to cripple us. They isolate us from the truth about ourselves and others." – Adele Calhoun How we deal with the shaming voices of our past will either set us free to live more abundantly, or will keep us crippled by their falsehood. In this week's Summer 2026: Rewind episode, Adele Calhoun offers great wisdom and truth about the importance of knowing and naming the shaming narratives of our lives. This conversation invites us trust Jesus with our shame as we embrace practices that lead to redemptive healing.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  
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  Gary Franklin | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 1 02.07.2026 45мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Gary Franklin *This episode originally aired on May 11, 2023 as Episode 5 of Season 26.* "For the first twenty years of my ministry, discernment wasn't a part of my way of life – it was just busyness and activity." – Gary Franklin  A large part of discernment is learning to pay attention to our soul. Gary Franklin is a pastor in the greater Atlanta area who has ministered for over four decades, is the founder of the Leaders Heart Inc, and is a graduate of LTI's Emmaus program. Gary joins Steve Macchia to share his story of transformation, becoming a formational leader rather than a strategic leader. Gary describes his journey as one of holding on to God's presence, peace, power, and courage in the context of massive transitions. We are encouraged to cultivate our capacity to be present with God, to know ourselves, and restore the wonder of God's presence. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  Caring for Your Soul in Every Season | Season 40, Episode 12 25.06.2026 40мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "A spiritual practice is not a prescription for success; it's an invitation to deeper intimacy with God." - Steve Macchia As Season 40 of The Discerning Leader Podcast comes to a close, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott reflect on the journey of exploring the state of our souls through the lens of LTI's Soul Care Audit. Together they revisit key themes from the season—including caring for our bodies, minds, and emotions; practicing silence, solitude, and Sabbath; cultivating spiritual friendship and community; and embracing the gift of spiritual direction. Through listener questions, Steve and Matt offer practical wisdom for navigating demanding seasons of life, creating space for God in the midst of busyness, building meaningful relationships, and discovering sustainable rhythms of soul care. Ultimately, this conversation points listeners toward a holistic vision of spiritual formation and the life-giving invitation of a personal Rule of Life—a pathway to deeper intimacy with God and greater attentiveness to the health of the soul. The 3 page Soul Care Audit offers you a handful of questions to consider how well you're caring for your soul. You can download the PDF here and spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your current rhythms and practices.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  The Monastery of the Soul | Season 40, Episode 11 18.06.2026 42мин

  Host: Steve Macchia Guests: Gayle Heaslip, Matt Scott "Hospitality of the soul is about a gracious welcome, not just a literal space. It's a kind of inner spaciousness and unhurried quality that's created within our hearts." – Steve Macchia What does it mean to practice hospitality—not just in our homes, but within our souls? In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia welcomes Gayle Heaslip and Matt Scott for a rich conversation about soul hospitality—the practice of creating a spacious, welcoming place for God, ourselves, and others. Together they explore how God invites us into a deeper relationship than we often expect, how we learn to embrace both the beautiful and broken parts of ourselves, and why cultivating an inner sanctuary becomes the foundation for offering grace-filled presence to others. They discuss the importance of wonder, attentive listening, and creating safe spaces where people can encounter the love and transforming presence of God. If you've ever longed for a deeper sense of God's welcome—or wondered how to extend that welcome to others—this conversation offers a gentle invitation to slow down, make room, and discover the hospitality of the soul. We've provided a 3 page Soul Care Audit that will offer you a handful of questions to consider how well you're caring for your soul. You can download the PDF here and spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your current rhythms and practices.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  Spiritual Community: A Safe Space For The Soul | Season 40, Episode 10 11.06.2026 38мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Gail Edmonson, Matt Scott "Community is built through trust, but it is redeemed through love, grace, forgiveness, and a lot of listening." - Steve Macchia In this episode, Steve Macchia, Matt Scott, and Gail Edmondson explore the beauty, challenges, and transformative power of spiritual community. Together they discuss why healthy community requires trust, humility, listening, and commitment; how God uses relationships to shape us into the image of Christ; and why true belonging often emerges in the midst of life's messiness. You'll discover practical wisdom for creating safe spaces where people can be heard, loved, honored, and known. Whether you're searching for deeper friendships, seeking to strengthen a small group, or longing for authentic connection in your church, this conversation offers hope and encouragement for the journey. We've provided a 3 page Soul Care Audit that will offer you a handful of questions to consider how well you're caring for your soul. You can download the PDF here and spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your current rhythms and practices.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  How Spiritual Direction Nurtures The Soul | Season 40, Episode 9 04.06.2026 41мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Susan Currie, Matt Scott "I'm becoming more and more convinced that every leader needs a spiritual director." – Steve Macchia This week's episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, offers a thoughtful conversation about the transformative practice of spiritual direction. Steve Macchia and Susan Currie explore what spiritual direction is, how it differs from counseling, mentoring, and coaching, and why it has become one of the most meaningful practices for nurturing intimacy with God. Susan shares her own journey into spiritual direction and explains how a spiritual director serves not as someone who fixes problems or gives answers, but as a companion who helps us attend to the presence and voice of the Holy Spirit. Along the way, the conversation explores the importance of contemplative listening, the role of silence, the gift of being deeply heard, and the value of having trusted companions for the journey of faith. Whether you're curious about spiritual direction for the first time or looking to deepen your own practice, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance for tending the health and vitality of your soul. We've provided a 3 page Soul Care Audit that will offer you a handful of questions to consider how well you're caring for your soul. You can download the PDF here and spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your current rhythms and practices.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  The Power of Spiritual Friendships | Season 40, Episode 8 28.05.2026 40мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Rick Anderson, Matt Scott "We all need people who believe the best in us, stand beside us when we feel like falling, and help us keep going." – Steve Macchia If you've ever longed for deeper connection, wondered how to cultivate genuine soul friendships, or found yourself feeling isolated in leadership or life, this conversation offers encouragement and practical next steps. In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia is joined by friends and colleagues Rick Anderson and Matt Scott for a conversation on spiritual friendship and its impact on the health and vitality of our souls. Together they explore the difference between surface friendship, deep friendship, and spiritual friendship—and why so many people, especially men and leaders, often experience isolation and loneliness beneath the surface. Through stories, reflections, and shared wisdom, they discuss the courage it takes to be truly known, the importance of vulnerability and trust, and how spiritual friends help us become more fully ourselves. We've provided a 3 page Soul Care Audit that will offer you a handful of questions to consider how well you're caring for your soul. You can download the PDF here and spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your current rhythms and practices.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  Our Emotions Are Not Our Enemies | Season 40, Episode 7 21.05.2026 42мин

  Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Marcos Leon, Matt Scott "If we don't go to the place of owning and identifying our feelings and emotions, we won't be able to embrace both our brokenness and wholeness." – Steve Macchia Why do so many of us struggle to name what we feel? How do family systems and early experiences shape our emotional lives? And what might happen if we stopped treating emotions as enemies and started receiving them as messengers? In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia is joined by Marcos Leon and Matt Scott for a conversation on emotional well-being and its profound impact on the health of our souls. Together they explore how emotions are not obstacles to our spiritual lives but invitations into deeper awareness, healing, and communion with God.  We've provided a 3 page Soul Care Audit that will offer you a handful of questions to consider how well you're caring for your soul. You can download the PDF here and spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your current rhythms and practices.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
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  Creating Space In A Crowded Life | Season 40, Episode 6 14.05.2026 43мин

  Host: Steve Macchia Guest: Suz Skinner, Matt Scott "Soul care begins by creating space to listen." - Steve Macchia If you feel spiritually weary, distracted, or hungry for deeper intimacy with God, this episode offers a gentle invitation to create space for the One who refreshes our souls. Steve Macchia is joined by Suz Skinner and Matt Scott for a rich conversation about creating space to be with God and how that space nourishes the soul. Together they explore the many ways God meets us—in prayer closets and art studios, through journaling and gratitude, in silence, Scripture, creativity, nature, and the ordinary rhythms of daily life. This conversation invites listeners to slow down, pay attention, and rediscover that soul care is less about perfect practices and more about relational presence with God. We've provided a 3 page Soul Care Audit that will offer you a handful of questions to consider how well you're caring for your soul. You can download the PDF here and spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your current rhythms and practices.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.