Discerning The State Of Our Souls

Caring for the Body, Tending the Soul | Season 40, Episode 2

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott, Dr. Brenda Woods

“We cannot separate the body and the soul—our bodies impact our spiritual health.” – Steve Macchia

How does your physical body shape the health of your soul? In this episode, Dr. Brenda Woods joins Steve Macchia and Matt Scott as they explore the deep connection between our physical and spiritual well-being. Together, they challenge the false divide between body and soul, inviting listeners into a more holistic vision of health. With practical wisdom and gentle encouragement, they highlight the power of small, intentional choices in caring for our bodies as an essential part of tending to 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, www.ruleoflife.com, and www.healthychurch.net.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Matt Scott (Season 40 Guest)
Matt serves on the LTI team as Creative Director. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (MDiv) and the University of Mobile (Worship Leadership and Music Performance), Matt has served various churches in the area of worship and arts, community life, shepherding, and pastoral ministry. He and his wife, Kristen, live in Sioux Falls, SD with their two children, Emerson and Ashton. Matt enjoys building furniture, writing music and running.

Dr. Brenda Woods (Season 40 Guest)
Brenda has spent her career as a physician and has now entered a season of “re-purposement” with a call to accompany others in their walk with Christ. She is married to David for 42 years. They have 4 married children with a total of 10 grandchildren who are a joy and delight! She is active in her local church serving as an elder and facilitates the spiritual direction training program that has raised up spiritual directors in her congregation. She discovered LTI during the pandemic, and the Soul Care retreats and workshops were a lifeline while practicing medicine at that time. Because of this experience with LTI, she completed the Emmaus program and is currently an intern with Selah to continue to be formed as one who listens well and joins others as they journey with God. She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Dallas Theological Seminary. She enjoys time with her family, reading, painting and being outdoors especially if water is involved!

Caring for the Body, Tending the Soul | Season 40, Episode 2 Read More »

What’s The State Of Your Soul? | Season 40, Episode 1

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott

“The soul is the only part of us that is eternal—so why do we neglect it the most?” – Steve Macchia

“How is it with your soul?” This timeless question opens the door to a deeper awareness of our life with God. In this first episode of the new season, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the meaning, depth, and importance of the soul—described as the very essence of who we are and the center of our relationship with God.

As they reflect on Scripture and lived experience, they invite listeners to consider the health of their own soul and the ways it shapes every part of life. With honesty and hope, this conversation marks the beginning of a journey toward greater attentiveness, intentionality, and care for the most vital—and often neglected—part of our being.

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.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy ChurchBroken and WholeCrafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Matt Scott (Season 40 Guest)

Matt serves on the LTI team as Creative Director. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (MDiv) and the University of Mobile (Worship Leadership and Music Performance), Matt has served various churches in the area of worship and arts, community life, shepherding, and pastoral ministry. He and his wife, Kristen, live in Sioux Falls, SD with their two children, Emerson and Ashton. Matt enjoys building furniture, writing music and running.

What’s The State Of Your Soul? | Season 40, Episode 1 Read More »

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Mitzi Mak

Selah-West Faculty & Emmaus Faculty

Mitzi started her professional life as a high school social studies teacher. She and her husband Jerry then served cross-culturally for ten+ years, living abroad first in India and then Kurdistan, N. Iraq. In addition to being a Spiritual Director, she now serves as a Formation and Care pastor in her local church in Houston, TX. She has graduated from LTI’s Selah Spiritual Direction training as well as LTI’s Emmaus Formational Leadership Program.

Mitzi enjoys engaging conversation, reading fiction, doing jigsaw/crossword puzzles, ocean gazing and exploring the world with Jerry through food and travel.

God has two main callings in Mitzi’s life: to care for those who care for others and to be a guide in helping others have a healthy relationship with the Trinity – recognizing God’s loving presence and activity in their lives and how to faithfully respond.

Selah was a transformative experience for me – allowing the contemplative within to emerge and to beautifully co-exist with my extraverted personality.