249: What If We’ve Been Getting Empathy Wrong? | with Soul Shepherding’s Kristi Gaultiere

Most of us think we know what empathy is. But what if we’ve spent years caring for people, serving in church, and even trying to love people well without ever really learning how to receive or give it? In this conversation with Soul Shepherding’s Kristi Gaultiere, co-author of Deeply Loved, we’re talking about why empathy is so often misunderstood in the church and what could change in our relationships, our ministries, and our own emotional health if we got better at it. Listen in for: ➡️ What could change in a small church if we learned to practice empathy well ➡️ Why you may not understand empathy until you’ve actually experienced it ➡️ What happens when we rush past emotions with advice, encouragement, or even “I’m sorry” ➡️ Why receiving empathy may be harder than giving it, especially for people who spend their lives caring for others ➡️ The difference between empathy, coddling, and codependency CONNECT WITH KRISTI GAULTIERE Deeply Loved Book: Deeply Loved Soul Shepherding Retreats: Soul Shepherding Retreats Spiritual Direction Training + Certificate: CSD Training Meet with a Spiritual Director or Coach: Spiritual Director + Coach Directory RESOURCES MENTIONED Join the Everyday Influence Join our free Facebook Community Support the show SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches who need to hear this. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to Small Church Ministry Podcast! See you next week! FOLLOW US: ➡️  Website: smallchurchministry.com ➡️  Instagram: instagram.com/smallchurchministry ➡️  Facebook: facebook.com/smallchurchministry ➡️  Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry ➡️  Small Church Network: smallchurchministry.com/membership