The Being Formed Podcast

52. The Sacred Way Community (with Kim Van Natta)

What does it look like to walk with Jesus in a way that is relational, intentional, and deeply transformative? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam is joined by spiritual director and retreat guide Kim Van Natta for a conversation about a new initiative from LifePoint Resources [https://www.lifepointresources.org] called the Sacred Way Community. Together, they explore the growing hunger many people are experiencing for a more relational and experiential life with God, especially in a cultural moment marked by exhaustion, disillusionment, disconnection, and spiritual uncertainty. They discuss the difference between merely learning about God and learning how to be with God, and why intentionally small, immersive, and formational communities can become sacred spaces of healing, growth, and transformation. Adam and Kim also unpack the vision and rhythm behind The Sacred Way Community, an 18-month cohort journey centered around relational spiritual formation, shared retreats, contemplative practices, and authentic community. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and consider where God may be inviting you into deeper formation and a more sustainable way of following Jesus. In This Episode * Kim’s personal journey into spiritual formation and relational discipleship * Why transformational growth happens best in authentic community * The growing spiritual hunger beneath disillusionment and deconstruction * What we mean by “The Sacred Way” * Relational spirituality and secure attachment with God * Why retreats and immersive experiences matter * The difference between information-based learning and transformational knowing * What spiritual transformation actually looks like in everyday life * Why slower, smaller, and more intentional communities matter right now * Personal reflections on being with Jesus and becoming people of love About Kim Van Natta Kim Van Natta is a spiritual director, Ignatian retreat guide, and the founder of Transforming Experiences [https://www.transformingexperiences.org/]. Her work centers on helping people cultivate deeper awareness of God’s presence through spiritual direction, contemplative practices, creation-based experiences, and relational spiritual formation. Kim is helping lead the development of The Sacred Way Community and will serve as the first Director of this new initiative through LifePoint Resources [https://www.lifepointresources.org]. The Sacred Way Community The Sacred Way Community is an 18-month journey of relational spiritual formation designed for those longing for a deeper, slower, and more authentic life with God. The journey includes: * Seven retreats over 18 months * Ongoing relational connection and spiritual companionship * Contemplative practices and guided formation * Space for honesty, discernment, healing, and transformation * A community-centered approach to becoming more deeply rooted in the love of God Our first cohort is scheduled to begin in September 2027. To receive updates and learn more as plans continue to unfold, visit: LifePoint Resources [https://www.lifepointresources.org/sacred-way-community]or email: swcLifePoint Resources [https://www.lifepointresources.org/events] Reflection As you listen to this conversation, where do you sense an invitation toward deeper formation in your own life? What has been stirring in you? Connect with LifePoint Resources The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources [https://www.lifepointresources.org/], a nonprofit ministry devoted to making soul care accessible to all. Through spiritual direction, retreats, webinars, and formational community, we help you cultivate a deeper, more sustainable life with God. www.lifepointresources.org [https://www.thebeingformedpodcast.com/?%20In%20this%20episode%20of%20The%20Being%20Formed%20Podcast,%20Adam%20Ormord%20sits%20down%20with%20retired%20Navy%20chaplain%20and%20author%20Greg%20Woodard%20to%20explore%20the%20inner%20life%20of%20leadership.%20Drawing%20from%20years%20of%20experience%20in%20ministry%20and%20the%20military,%20Greg%20shares%20how%20leadership%20that%20lasts%20is%20not%20built%20on%20competence%20alone,%20but%20on%20a%20life%20that%20is%20rooted,%20attentive,%20and%20formed%20from%20within.%20Together,%20they%20explore%20the%20quiet%20drift%20many%20leaders%20experience%E2%80%94remaining%20effective%20on%20the%20outside%20while%20becoming%20disconnected%20on%20the%20inside%E2%80%94and%20why%20so%20many%20leaders%20struggle%20to%20finish%20well.%20Greg%20introduces%20a%20framework%20of%20four%20essential%20rhythms%E2%80%94relational,%20spiritual,%20emotional,%20and%20physical%E2%80%94that%20help%20leaders%20cultivate%20a%20more%20sustainable%20and%20integrated%20life.%20This%20conversation%20moves%20from%20Greg%E2%80%99s%20personal%20story,%20to%20practical%20insights%20for%20leaders%20today,%20and%20ultimately%20to%20the%20deeper%20invitation%20of%20becoming%20the%20kind%20of%20person%20who%20leads%20from%20the%20soul.%20%F0%9F%8C%BF%20In%20This%20Episode,%20You%E2%80%99ll%20Hear%20Greg%E2%80%99s%20journey%20from%20Navy%20chaplaincy%20into%20a%20new%20season%20of%20spiritual%20formation%20Why%20leadership%20often%20becomes%20disconnected%20from%20the%20inner%20life%20The%20hidden%20cost%20of%20burnout,%20isolation,%20and%20unprocessed%20emotion%20The%20four%20rhythms%20that%20sustain%20healthy%20leadership:%20relational,%20spiritual,%20emotional,%20and%20physical%20Why%20emotional%20awareness%20is%20essential%E2%80%94not%20optional%E2%80%94for%20leaders%20How%20identity%20and%20calling%20unfold%20over%20time,%20rather%20than%20being%20quickly%20discovered%20What%20it%20means%20to%20%E2%80%9Cfinish%20well%E2%80%9D%20in%20leadership%20Simple,%20meaningful%20steps%20toward%20cultivating%20a%20life%20of%20leadership%20from%20within%20%F0%9F%93%9A%20About%20Greg%20Woodard%20Greg%20Woodard%20is%20a%20retired%20Navy%20chaplain%20who%20served%20for%20over%20two%20decades,%20walking%20alongside%20individuals%20and%20leaders%20in%20some%20of%20life%E2%80%99s%20most%20challenging%20and%20formative%20moments.%20He%20is%20the%20author%20of%20Leadership%20from%20Within:%20Navigating%20the%20Path%20Toward%20Soul-Driven%20Success,%20a%20book%20that%20invites%20leaders%20to%20cultivate%20a%20sustainable%20and%20integrated%20life%20through%20intentional%20rhythms%20of%20soul%20care.%20Greg%20is%20currently%20a%20student%20in%20a%20spiritual%20direction%20training%20program,%20continuing%20his%20own%20journey%20of%20formation%20while%20helping%20others%20lead%20from%20a%20deeper%20place.%20%F0%9F%94%97%20Learn%20more:%20gregorywoodard.com%20%E2%9C%A8%20Key%20Themes%20Leadership%20begins%20beneath%20the%20surface%20Formation%20over%20performance%20Integration%20of%20the%20inner%20and%20outer%20life%20Paying%20attention%20to%20the%20soul%20as%20a%20leadership%20practice%20Sustainability%20and%20finishing%20well%20%F0%9F%A7%AD%20Reflection%20As%20you%20listen,%20you%20might%20take%20a%20moment%20to%20notice:%20Where%20in%20your%20life%20are%20you%20leading%20from%20the%20outside%20in%E2%80%A6%20rather%20than%20from%20within?%20And%20gently%20consider:%20What%20might%20it%20look%20like%20to%20give%20your%20attention%20to%20your%20soul%E2%80%94not%20to%20fix%20anything,%20but%20to%20be%20present%20to%20God%20there?%20%F0%9F%93%8C%20Resources%20&%20Links%20Leadership%20from%20Within:%20Navigating%20the%20Path%20Toward%20Soul-Driven%20Success%20%E2%80%93%20Greg%20Woodard%20gregorywoodard.com%20%F0%9F%A4%9D%20Connect%20with%20LifePoint%20Resources%20LifePoint%20Resources%20is%20a%20nonprofit%20ministry%20devoted%20to%20making%20soul%20care%20accessible%20to%20all.%20Through%20spiritual%20direction,%20retreats,%20and%20formational%20communities,%20we%20help%20individuals%20and%20leaders%20cultivate%20a%20deeper,%20more%20sustainable%20life%20with%20God.%20%F0%9F%94%97%20www.lifepointresources.org%20%F0%9F%94%81%20Share%20the%20Episode%20If%20this%20episode%20resonated%20with%20you,%20consider%20sharing%20it%20with%20a%20friend,%20colleague,%20or%20leader%20who%20might%20be%20carrying%20more%20than%20they%20realize.] Share the Episode If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend, colleague, or leader who may be interested in joining the Sacred Way Community.

51. Leadership from Within (with Gregory Woodard)

What sustains a leader over time? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord (Founder and President of LifePoint Resources) sits down with retired Navy chaplain and author Gregory Woodard to explore the inner life of leadership. Drawing from years of experience in ministry and the military, Greg shares how leadership that lasts is not built on competence alone, but on a life that is rooted, attentive, and formed from within. Together, they explore the drift many leaders experience - remaining effective on the outside while becoming disconnected, isolated, and unhealthy on the inside - and why so many leaders struggle to finish well. Greg introduces a framework of four essential rhythms - relational, spiritual, emotional, and physical—that help leaders cultivate a more sustainable and integrated life. This conversation moves from Greg’s personal story, to practical insights for leaders today, and ultimately to the deeper invitation of becoming the kind of person who leads from the soul. In This Episode, You’ll Hear * Greg’s journey from Navy chaplaincy into a new season of spiritual formation * Why leadership often becomes disconnected from the inner life * The hidden cost of burnout, isolation, and unprocessed emotion * The four rhythms that sustain healthy leadership: relational, spiritual, emotional, and physical * Why emotional awareness is essential - not optional - for leaders * How identity and calling unfold over time, rather than being quickly discovered * What it means to “finish well” in leadership * Simple, meaningful steps toward cultivating a life of leadership from within About Greg Woodard Greg Woodard is a retired Navy chaplain who served for over two decades, walking alongside individuals and leaders in some of life’s most challenging and formative moments. He is the author of Leadership from Within: Navigating the Path Toward Soul-Driven Success, a book that invites leaders to cultivate a sustainable and integrated life through intentional rhythms of soul care. Learn more: www.gregwoodard.com [https://www.gregwoodard.com] Key Themes * Leadership begins beneath the surface * Formation over performance * Integration of the inner and outer life * Paying attention to the soul as a leadership practice * Sustainability and finishing well Reflection As you listen, you might take a moment to notice: Where in your life are you leading from the outside in… rather than from within? And gently consider: What might it look like to pay attention to your soul - not to fix anything, but to be present to God there? Resources & Links * Leadership from Within: Navigating the Path Toward Soul-Driven Success [https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Within-Navigating-Soul-Driven-Success/dp/B0GCR54TDX/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0] – Greg Woodard * Stop Chasing Work-Life Balance: Four Rhythms for Sustainable Leadership Integration [https://www.gregwoodard.com/blog/stop-chasing-work-life-balance] - Greg Woodard Connect with LifePoint Resources The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources [https://www.lifepointresources.org], a nonprofit ministry devoted to making soul care accessible to all. Through spiritual direction, retreats, webinars, and formational community, we help individuals and leaders cultivate a deeper, more sustainable life with God. www.lifepointresources.org [?%20In%20this%20episode%20of%20The%20Being%20Formed%20Podcast,%20Adam%20Ormord%20sits%20down%20with%20retired%20Navy%20chaplain%20and%20author%20Greg%20Woodard%20to%20explore%20the%20inner%20life%20of%20leadership.%20Drawing%20from%20years%20of%20experience%20in%20ministry%20and%20the%20military,%20Greg%20shares%20how%20leadership%20that%20lasts%20is%20not%20built%20on%20competence%20alone,%20but%20on%20a%20life%20that%20is%20rooted,%20attentive,%20and%20formed%20from%20within.%20Together,%20they%20explore%20the%20quiet%20drift%20many%20leaders%20experience%E2%80%94remaining%20effective%20on%20the%20outside%20while%20becoming%20disconnected%20on%20the%20inside%E2%80%94and%20why%20so%20many%20leaders%20struggle%20to%20finish%20well.%20Greg%20introduces%20a%20framework%20of%20four%20essential%20rhythms%E2%80%94relational,%20spiritual,%20emotional,%20and%20physical%E2%80%94that%20help%20leaders%20cultivate%20a%20more%20sustainable%20and%20integrated%20life.%20This%20conversation%20moves%20from%20Greg%E2%80%99s%20personal%20story,%20to%20practical%20insights%20for%20leaders%20today,%20and%20ultimately%20to%20the%20deeper%20invitation%20of%20becoming%20the%20kind%20of%20person%20who%20leads%20from%20the%20soul.%20%F0%9F%8C%BF%20In%20This%20Episode,%20You%E2%80%99ll%20Hear%20Greg%E2%80%99s%20journey%20from%20Navy%20chaplaincy%20into%20a%20new%20season%20of%20spiritual%20formation%20Why%20leadership%20often%20becomes%20disconnected%20from%20the%20inner%20life%20The%20hidden%20cost%20of%20burnout,%20isolation,%20and%20unprocessed%20emotion%20The%20four%20rhythms%20that%20sustain%20healthy%20leadership:%20relational,%20spiritual,%20emotional,%20and%20physical%20Why%20emotional%20awareness%20is%20essential%E2%80%94not%20optional%E2%80%94for%20leaders%20How%20identity%20and%20calling%20unfold%20over%20time,%20rather%20than%20being%20quickly%20discovered%20What%20it%20means%20to%20%E2%80%9Cfinish%20well%E2%80%9D%20in%20leadership%20Simple,%20meaningful%20steps%20toward%20cultivating%20a%20life%20of%20leadership%20from%20within%20%F0%9F%93%9A%20About%20Greg%20Woodard%20Greg%20Woodard%20is%20a%20retired%20Navy%20chaplain%20who%20served%20for%20over%20two%20decades,%20walking%20alongside%20individuals%20and%20leaders%20in%20some%20of%20life%E2%80%99s%20most%20challenging%20and%20formative%20moments.%20He%20is%20the%20author%20of%20Leadership%20from%20Within:%20Navigating%20the%20Path%20Toward%20Soul-Driven%20Success,%20a%20book%20that%20invites%20leaders%20to%20cultivate%20a%20sustainable%20and%20integrated%20life%20through%20intentional%20rhythms%20of%20soul%20care.%20Greg%20is%20currently%20a%20student%20in%20a%20spiritual%20direction%20training%20program,%20continuing%20his%20own%20journey%20of%20formation%20while%20helping%20others%20lead%20from%20a%20deeper%20place.%20%F0%9F%94%97%20Learn%20more:%20gregorywoodard.com%20%E2%9C%A8%20Key%20Themes%20Leadership%20begins%20beneath%20the%20surface%20Formation%20over%20performance%20Integration%20of%20the%20inner%20and%20outer%20life%20Paying%20attention%20to%20the%20soul%20as%20a%20leadership%20practice%20Sustainability%20and%20finishing%20well%20%F0%9F%A7%AD%20Reflection%20As%20you%20listen,%20you%20might%20take%20a%20moment%20to%20notice:%20Where%20in%20your%20life%20are%20you%20leading%20from%20the%20outside%20in%E2%80%A6%20rather%20than%20from%20within?%20And%20gently%20consider:%20What%20might%20it%20look%20like%20to%20give%20your%20attention%20to%20your%20soul%E2%80%94not%20to%20fix%20anything,%20but%20to%20be%20present%20to%20God%20there?%20%F0%9F%93%8C%20Resources%20&%20Links%20Leadership%20from%20Within:%20Navigating%20the%20Path%20Toward%20Soul-Driven%20Success%20%E2%80%93%20Greg%20Woodard%20gregorywoodard.com%20%F0%9F%A4%9D%20Connect%20with%20LifePoint%20Resources%20LifePoint%20Resources%20is%20a%20nonprofit%20ministry%20devoted%20to%20making%20soul%20care%20accessible%20to%20all.%20Through%20spiritual%20direction,%20retreats,%20and%20formational%20communities,%20we%20help%20individuals%20and%20leaders%20cultivate%20a%20deeper,%20more%20sustainable%20life%20with%20God.%20%F0%9F%94%97%20www.lifepointresources.org%20%F0%9F%94%81%20Share%20the%20Episode%20If%20this%20episode%20resonated%20with%20you,%20consider%20sharing%20it%20with%20a%20friend,%20colleague,%20or%20leader%20who%20might%20be%20carrying%20more%20than%20they%20realize.] Share the Episode If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend, colleague, or leader who might be carrying more than they realize.

50. Spiritual Wayfinding (with Deborah Gregory)

What if your life with God isn’t meant to stay in your head? In this conversation, Adam sits down with spiritual director and author Deborah Gregory to explore what it means to experience God not just in our thoughts, but in our bodies, our movement, and the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Drawing from her new book Spiritual Wayfinding, Deborah invites us into an embodied spirituality that integrates attentiveness to God with the wisdom of the body and the realities of how we are actually formed. Together, they explore how walking can become a form of prayer, how our nervous systems shape our awareness of God, and how practices of movement and attention can open us to deeper discernment. This conversation offers a timely invitation to become more present, to lift our eyes and our gaze, and to begin noticing God in places you may have overlooked. In This Episode, You’ll Hear * Deborah’s personal journey into embodied spirituality * How relearning to walk reshaped her understanding of life with God * The connection between Ignatian spirituality and embodied awareness * How the body and nervous system influence our experience of God * Why walking can be a powerful form of prayer and discernment * The role of neurodivergence in expanding our understanding of spiritual formation * Simple ways to begin practicing awareness of God in your everyday life A Simple Invitation As you finish this episode, consider taking a walk. Notice your body. Notice your surroundings. Notice what’s happening within you. And ask: “God, where are You in this moment?” About Deborah Gregory Deborah Gregory is a spiritual director specializing in Ignatian spirituality, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, and the host of The Betwixt Podcast. Her holistic approach to Christian formation bridges ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience, helping people experience God through both body and soul. Drawing from her experience in a neurodiverse family, Deborah is passionate about cultivating an inclusive spirituality that honors the wisdom of the body and supports those navigating a neurotypical world. She leads retreats, trains spiritual directors, and lives in Central Florida with her husband and two daughters. Resources & Links * Spiritual Wayfinding by Deborah Gregory: Purchase on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Wayfinding-Meditations-Navigating-Embodied/dp/1514011964/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IGAQXBAGJZ5T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.c4gF_eK2xCQelTPFxDkE72jgxIqYb53TNa--cNh8d_J9cVyWkwgFW8A24WtPSY6RMJYI62TYLx7MRqMCPlbVXWoQoTv6V2Wfex5IYNVQMJEBG5DJkJBeBCQI-lYPqwOowSGTE-rm7zP1-GTmfZFUi8-rABW3bAjoTzRIAw3H6Mq0BCy1sizV6ySpPpz9Jb_w5cQ3pjqX4J54mDUq6lBfVEgcCz1Dt-bc0l6AZrx4mf0.bzOPcyn-81OuuemXNLNZnYtjrzwt_T-4cohQXTTj0Is&dib_tag=se&keywords=spiritual+wayfinding&qid=1776453269&sprefix=spiritual+way%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1] * Deborah Gregory's website: https://www.flourishspiritualdirection.com/ [https://www.flourishspiritualdirection.com/] * The Betwixt Podcast About The Being Formed Podcast The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources [https://www.lifepointresources.org]. It is a space for honest, thoughtful conversations about spiritual formation, leadership, and the interior life. Hosted by Adam Ormord, Co-founder and President of LifePoint, each episode invites listeners to slow down, pay attention, and participate more fully in the life of God.

49. Not Alone: Healing from Trauma in the Presence of God (with Anne Richardson)

In this episode, Adam sits down with Anne Richardson, author of Not Alone and a trauma-informed spiritual director, for a thoughtful and honest conversation about trauma, shame, and the slow work of healing. Anne shares from her own story, including a pivotal season that led her into deeper healing through therapy, spiritual direction, and contemplative practices with God. Together, Adam and Anne explore the impact of sexual trauma, the difference between truth and toxic shame, and what it means to rediscover God’s presence in places that once felt unsafe. In This Episode, You’ll Hear * How shame takes root and distorts identity * The difference between truth and toxic shame * Anne’s personal journey of healing through the “desert” * The role of silence, solitude, and contemplative prayer * How anger, grief, and the body are part of the healing process * What it looks like to rebuild trust with God, yourself, and others * The importance of safe people and compassionate presence * What healing and freedom can look like over time A Word for Listeners This episode touches on themes of trauma. While no graphic details are shared, you may notice something stirring as you listen. You are invited to go at your own pace. You can pause, step away, or return later. You are in control of how you engage with this conversation. Resources & Next Steps * Not Alone by Anne Richardson: Purchase on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Not-Alone-Transforming-Accompanying-Survivors/dp/1732954429] * Anne Richardson’s website: https://www.annemarierichardson.com [https://www.annemarierichardson.com/] * Learn more about LifePoint's Webinar on April 28, 2026: Accompanying Survivors of Sexual Trauma [https://www.lifepointresources.org/events] Connect with LifePoint Resources * Website: https://www.lifepointresources.org [https://www.lifepointresources.org/] * Spiritual Direction, Formational Mentoring, Retreats, and other Soul Care offerings * The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

48. The Wilderness Way (with Dustin Kleinschmidt)

What if the wilderness isn’t something to escape… but the place where faith is actually formed? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord is joined by author, coach, and teacher Dustin Kleinschmidt to explore the deeper realities of the spiritual life, especially for those who feel disillusioned, tired, or unsure where God is in the middle of it all. Dustin brings a rare kind of honesty shaped by decades of pastoral ministry and his own lived experience with burnout, anxiety, disappointment, and the eventual unraveling of expectations. Together, they talk about what happens when doing “everything right” doesn’t lead where we thought it would, and how the wilderness may not be a detour, but the very place where God meets us. This conversation doesn’t offer sound-bite answers or quick resolutions. Instead, it offers something more needed: companionship, language for what many feel but struggle to name, and permission to walk with God in the tension. If your faith has ever felt more like wandering than arriving, you’re not alone. In This Episode, We Explore: * Why the wilderness is not just a season, but the terrain of the spiritual life * What happens when faithfulness doesn’t lead to clarity or relief * The hidden cost of expectations in ministry, leadership, and everyday life * Burnout, anxiety, and disillusionment in Christian spaces * The difference between honest faith and performative spirituality * How to resist spiritual bypassing and make room for emotional honesty * What it means to experience God’s presence without immediate answers * Finding language for the tensions we carry but often can’t articulate * The important role of a safe community as we navigate the wilderness About Dustin Kleinschmidt Dustin Kleinschmidt is a longtime pastor and the author of The Wilderness Way. Over the past twenty-five years, he has served in nearly every pastoral role - from student ministry to lead pastor to church planter - giving him a unique perspective on the realities of ministry and faith. Shaped by both personal struggle and firsthand experience of the challenges within church leadership, Dustin writes and speaks for those who feel spiritually homeless, disillusioned, or exhausted by the pressure to have it all together. His work offers an honest, grounded invitation to follow Jesus in the tension of real life.  A Simple Reflection Take a few moments in quiet and consider: * Where does your life feel unresolved right now? * What expectations - spoken or unspoken - are shaping how you interpret this season? * What would it look like to notice God’s presence here, without needing to change anything? You might pray: “God, meet me here. Not when this is over… but here, in the middle of it.” Resources & Links * The Wilderness Way [https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Way-Finding-Freedom-Fractures/dp/B0FWZBVJTX/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PtLhiWdfsrQn8EL0C54EWhlnlmlXNzVMixbd9wszgDsv0_pznxpv8fxbhZ-IPpieCTAqBPBXN4duqz3cBVBc8g.TIWhy_lZslH8tH06hmL1KgLZm6To0x8vjQbsXvuqyvI&qid=1773955550&sr=8-1] by Dustin Kleinschmidt:  * Dustin’s website: https://www.dustinkleinschmidt.com/ [https://www.dustinkleinschmidt.com/] * Follow Dustin on Substack: https://www.dustinkleinschmidt.com/ [https://www.dustinkleinschmidt.com/] The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources [https://www.lifepointresources.org].