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Behind the Seal

Behind the Seal

Written by: ECFA
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About this listen

 ECFA's blue seal has been a symbol of trust and accountability for over four decades, but what does that mean? Is it the seal alone that inspires confidence, or is it the nonprofits and churches behind the seal? Tune in to conversations between ECFA's President and CEO, Michael Martin, and prominent leaders. Together, we'll share stories from behind the scenes of various Christ-centered ministries and churches, highlighting how trust serves as the foundation of it all.ECFA 2022 Christianity Economics Management Management & Leadership Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Learning to Trust Again | Lysa TerKeurst

    Learning to Trust Again | Lysa TerKeurst
    Dec 4 2025

    Too many leaders assume trust should be unconditional — but Scripture tells a different story.


    In this season finale of Behind the Seal, bestselling author and Proverbs 31 Ministries president Lysa TerKeurst reveals why unconditional trust is not only unbiblical, but unsafe — and how to rebuild trust with wisdom, boundaries, and Spirit-led discernment.

    Lysa unpacks the difference between blind trust and wise trust, why forgiveness is ultimately about your freedom, and how to discern between a triggered fear and a legitimate red flag. She also shares from her own journey through heartbreak, healing, and surrender — and what it truly looks like to walk forward without becoming hardened, bitter, or closed off.

    If you’ve ever been hurt, betrayed, or left wondering if trust is even possible again — in ministry, leadership, or life — this episode will meet you right where you are.

    About Lysa TerKeurst

    Lysa TerKeurst is president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. She enjoys life with her husband Chaz and her kids and grandkids. Connect with her at www.LysaTerKeurst.com
    or on social media @LysaTerKeurst.

    Additional Resources

    · I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t – Lysa TerKeurst

    · Forgiving What You Can’t Forget – Lysa TerKeurst

    · Good Boundaries and Goodbyes – Lysa TerKeurst

    · Therapy & Theology Podcast with Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle & Jim Cress

    · American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) – for counseling referrals

    · ECFA.org/LeaderCare – Resources for healthy, trustworthy leadership

    · Proverbs 31 Ministries


    If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone navigating hurt, healing, or rebuilding trust.

    💬 Comment below: What part of Lysa’s wisdom on trust or forgiveness resonated with you most?


    🎧 And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations on healthy leadership, emotional integrity, and stewarding influence with wisdom.
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    50 mins
  • Seen? Heard? Understood? | Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

    Seen? Heard? Understood? | Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
    Nov 20 2025
    Most leaders push past their own emotions without ever slowing down long enough to ask, “What’s happening in my soul?” In this episode of Behind the Seal, Bill & Kristi Gaultiere—founders of Soul Shepherding and authors of Deeply Loved—share how empathy isn’t weakness; it’s oxygen for the soul. In a conversation packed with insight and vulnerability, they unpack why emotions matter to God, how Jesus models empathy, and why healthy leaders must learn to receive empathy—not just give it. From spiritual formation to burnout prevention and the “4 A’s of Empathy,” this episode gives leaders permission to breathe again. If you’ve ever felt pressure to be strong, keep moving, or “power through,” this conversation will meet you right where you are—and remind you that you are deeply loved by God. About Bill & Kristi Gaultiere Bill & Kristi Gaultiere are the co-founders of Soul Shepherding, a ministry dedicated to helping pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders thrive in emotional and spiritual health. Together they lead the Soul Shepherding Institute, train spiritual directors and coaches, and host the Soul Talks podcast. Bill is a psychologist and spiritual director; Kristi is a psychotherapist, spiritual director, and executive leader with a passion for emotional intelligence in Christian leadership. Their newest book, Deeply Loved, guides readers into experiencing Jesus’ empathy through Scripture, prayer, and community. Their ministry has helped thousands of leaders learn to rest in Jesus’ easy yoke, receive God’s grace in deeper ways, and lead from a whole, healthy soul. Additional Resources· ECFA.org/LeaderCare· Learn more about Soul Shepherding· Deeply Loved by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere· Soul Talks Podcast· Soul Shepherding Institute Retreats· Find a Soul Shepherding spiritual director or coach If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a leader who needs a reminder that their soul matters. 💬 Comment below: Which of the 4 A’s of Empathy do you most want to grow in? 🎧 And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations on healthy leadership, emotional integrity, and caring for the souls of those who serve.Timestamps 00:00 – Intro01:21 – Michael welcomes Bill & Kristi05:57 – Leaders’ inner life: why “under the hood” matters08:22 – Kristi’s story: emotions, shame, and the healing power of empathy12:00 – Why some Christians misunderstand empathy15:00 – How emotions and thinking are meant to integrate18:13 – Unconscious resistance: why leaders block empathy without realizing it21:00 – Bill’s story: learning to feel after a lifetime of stuffing emotions27:10 – Receiving empathy vs. rushing to solutions32:09 – The 4 A’s of Empathy (Ask, Attune, Acknowledge, Affirm)38:04 – Empathy prayer and connecting with Jesus’ emotions45:19 – Empathy as oxygen for the soul47:17 – Boundaries, burnout, and stewarding empathy50:49 – We all need a safe place to process emotions52:48 – Empathy + Truth + Responsibility = Growth56:17 – Empathy Fatigue: How to set healthy boundaries with empathy1:00:04 – A word of encouragement for weary leaders1:04:35 – Outro
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Cross-Gen Leadership | David Robbins

    Cross-Gen Leadership | David Robbins
    Nov 6 2025

    How do you lead when five generations share the same mission—but not always the same mindset?

    In this timely episode of Behind the Seal, David Robbins, Global President of Cru, joins host Michael Martin to explore the challenges and opportunities of Cross-Generational Leadership.


    From Gen Z’s boldness to Boomers’ steadfastness, David shares how understanding, repentance, and relational trust can transform generational tension into unity. Drawing from his global leadership experience and years leading FamilyLife, David offers real-life lessons on building trust, cultivating humility, and leading at the Lord’s pace.


    If you’re navigating a multi-generational team, board, or ministry, this episode will help you build bridges that strengthen your mission—and your people.


    About David Robbins:

    David Robbins serves as the Global President of Cru, a worldwide Christian ministry helping to fulfill the Great Commission through evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development.

    Over the past 25 years with Cru, David and his wife, Meg, have served in a variety of ministry contexts—from discipling college students and young professionals in New York City to leading FamilyLife, a global ministry focused on strengthening marriages and families.


    David and Meg live in Orlando, Florida, with their four children. Their family embodies his leadership message: serving together, learning together, and following Jesus faithfully across generations.

    Additional Resources:

    • ECFA.org/LeaderCare
    • Learn more about Cru
    • Learn more about FamilyLife
    • The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero
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    58 mins
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