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.
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.
Gail Edmonson (Season 40 Guest)
Gail Edmonson has a deep longing to create space for people to feel safe – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. After serving for 18 years on her church staff in various positions including Director of Leadership Development and Director of Spiritual Formation, she entered private practice as a spiritual director. She delights in offering spiritual direction for individuals and groups, giving leadership to monthly gatherings for spiritual practices, and facilitating soul care retreats. Gail holds a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design from Baylor University. She received spiritual direction training through Leadership Transformations’ Selah Certificate Program as well as certification in spiritual formation leadership through Leadership Transformations’ Emmaus program. Additionally, Gail holds a certification in Death, Dying, and Grief from Tyndale Spiritual Formation Centre.
Gail and her husband live in Katy, Texas. They have three adult children and seven growing grandchildren.
