Beyond Words®

Reflections on the Soul of Leadership

Written by Ruth Haley Barton, each reflection provides spiritual guidance and encouragement for those seeking to be in God for the world.

a light cast shadows on step in the darkness

Staying Awake During Holy Week

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary readings and guidance on using the lectionary Monday of Holy Week (April 14, 2025): Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 36:5-11, Hebrews 9:11-15, John 12:1-11 “Stay together, friends, don’t scatter and sleep.…

Image of sun breaking through dark clouds with a cross silhouetted against the sky

A Leader’s Prayer During Lent

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary Readings for Fifth Sunday in Lent (April 6, 2025): Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 Lent Calendar (Cycle C) and guidance for using the lectionary “Lent is…

Lent Resources for Spiritual Leaders

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Many of us as pastors and ministry leaders are at this very moment preparing to guide others into this most…

Epiphany – There and Back Again: An Unexpected Journey

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14;  Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 Epiphany (Cycle C) and guidance for using the lectionary…

photo of a night sky reflecting on a still late with a sliver of sunrise peaking through the horizon.

Advent Week 3: A Time for Courage

By Adele Ahlberg Calhoun |

Lectionary Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18 Advent Calendar (Cycle C) and guidance for using the lectionary In…

Praying together for our election

By Transforming Center |

PREPARATION During this election season, we encourage you to find a time to pray with friends and family, people from…

Becoming More

The Future of Christian Spirituality: Part 6 | Searching for Wholeness—in Christ

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“In him all things hold together…and through him God was pleased to reconcile all things to himself.” Colossians 1:17, 20…

Becoming More

The Future of Christian Spirituality: Part 5 | Profoundly Justice Oriented

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is not a huge leap to…

Becoming More

The Future of Christian Spirituality: Part 4 | A More Welcoming Stance from a Rooted Depth

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” —Jesus As I journeyed with my desire and with a good spiritual…

Becoming More

The Future of Christian Spirituality: Part 3 | A Spirituality that is Practice-Oriented and Practice-Based

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“We do not know God by thinking, but by encountering.” –John of the Cross As my director and I transitioned…

FREE RESOURCE

Pay attention to the soul of your leadership with a FREE series written by Ruth Haley Barton

  • Reflections written for spiritual leaders delivered over 4 weeks each Saturday morning
  • Includes guidance to listen to what your soul wants to say to God and what God wants to say to your soul
  • Every reflection includes a recording by Ruth that goes deeper into topic.
  • More