
Episode #36
Soul Care in Community: A Catalyst for Holistic Transformation (Part 1) with Kaylene Derksen
Can we really find true rest when our internal world feels just as chaotic as the world around us? In Part 1 of this deeply grounding conversation, we sit down with Kaylene Derksen to explore what it actually means to tend to our inner life. As a trauma-informed spiritual director and the President of the Soul Care Institute, Kaylene helps us all move past the frantic pace of modern culture to cultivate sustainable, life-giving rhythms. We often treat our spiritual life as just one piece of a busy calendar, but Kaylene reminds us that our soul isn't a separate category—it is our whole self. Together, we dive into how moving through loss can awaken our inner life, why technology leaves us feeling so fragmented, and how ancient practices like hospitality, community, and the intentional art of retreat can restore our sense of internal safety with ourselves, others and Jesus. If you are feeling hurried, exhausted, or longing for a deeper connection with God, this episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, disengage from the noise, and discover how soul care in community serves as the ultimate catalyst for holistic transformation. 3 Main Things You Will Hear About A Journey into Soul Care Leadership: How Kaylene stepped into leading the Soul Care Institute, the profound role of spiritual mentorship, and the task of carrying forward the rich legacy of teachers like Dallas Willard and Steve Smith. The Soul as Your "Whole" Self: Why spiritual formation isn't just an item on a checklist, but a holistic journey toward internal integration, safety, and addressing the fragmentation caused by modern culture. The Healing Power of Sacred Spaces: How intentional hospitality, shared community, and the practical art of pulling away for a retreat can uniquely awaken the inner life and deepen your connection with God. Kaylene Derksen is a trauma-informed spiritual director and the President of the Soul Care Institute. With decades of ministry experience spanning youth pastoring, worship leadership, and multicultural missions both in the U.S. and in Germany, Kaylene’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to helping leaders attend to the movements of their inner life, cultivate sustainable rhythms, and grow in awareness of God's presence in everyday experience. ✨ Memorable Quotes "Our soul is our whole, not just a piece of us." "Wholeness is what God designed us to live in." "Community is where the divine and the miraculous happen." Connect & Resources Learn More: Visit SoulCareInstitute.com to explore retreats, 2027 cohorts, and training. Get in Touch: Reach out to Kaylene directly at Kaylene@soulcareinstitute.com . Recommended Reading: Dive deeper into the foundations of spiritual formation with the teachings of Steve Smith and the works of Dallas Willard (such as The Divine Conspiracy or Renovation of the Heart ). Discover more about our coaching and resources at our website transformingus.org . Lots of FREE guides and assessments for your journey. Do you need help understanding your patterns? Book your FREE 30 min discovery call today! Go to Connect . Youtube: @transformingus Instagram: @transformingus Facebook: @transformingus






