Posts by Transforming Center

Episode 8 highlights God’s faithfulness in meeting us in the loneliness of our leadership and how that leads to discerning together. We do an overview of corporate leadership discernment (All…

Leadership opens leaders up to a whole world of pain. Moses is such a great leader because he always brings the difficulties people brought to God. You don’t hear much…

The story of Moses and Jethro brings us right into the topic of sane rhythms in the life of the leader. What are the signs we are dangerously tired? What…

In this episode Ruth and Steve start looking at the implications of the leadership journey, and how to guide others on their spiritual journey. Ruth makes a distinction between first…

This episode begins a bit differently. Instead of starting with the biblical story (Moses) Steve dives in and turns the table on Ruth, asking her about her own calling and…

Don’t wait till you’re headed into a collision to recognize the need to pay attention. Ruth shares a funny, but sobering example. In this episode Ruth and Steve discuss practices…

Ruth and Steve jump right into the story of Moses and we learn why he is such a great guide for those who are in leadership. Ruth and Steve explore…

It was 10 years ago that Strengthening the Soul of your Leadership was published by InterVarsity Press. Last year we launched this podcast by the same name, and this year…

Last episode of Season 3. Are you still listening? Listening is a huge part of corporate leadership discernment. Ruth points out the role of listening in the discernment process in…

This episode begins with a discussion of why sailing is such a beautiful metaphor for discernment. In this episode Ruth and Steve delve into what helps groups cross the threshold…

We are seven episodes in and we haven’t yet talked about the practice of discerning together. Everyone knows that it doesn’t go well when you paint a room and skip…

The truth is, sadly, that many have lost faith that a community can be a safe place. How many leadership teams talk about love in the context of leadership? Ruth…

What is the first thing that goes when a leadership team gets busy? Does community mean two hours of checking in about how the kids and grandkids are doing? Ruth…

What is corporate leadership discernment? Ruth kicks off this episode with defining each word and leads us through the movements of corporate leadership discernment. Discover why hikers and sailors value…

Magical thinking not allowed in this episode… ok not in any episode. Steve leads by pondering whether the western church needs to make a confession. In this episode, Ruth and…

What is the best thing a leader brings to leadership? The answer is countercultural. Ruth makes a clear distinction between being healthy and transforming. Listen for an important question that…

It is 2018 and we are excited to be back with Ruth Haley Barton and Transforming Center friend and Transforming Community (TC6) alum, Steve Wiens. In this episode Ruth and Steve…

As we conclude season two, the disciples on the Emmaus Road are so excited about what has happened in and through their encounter with Jesus on the Emmaus Road that…

Ever had a conversation you wish didn’t have to end? The two disciples were so stirred by their conversation that “they urged Jesus strongly to stay.” And it was in…

Jesus is on a roll now—helping the disciples on the Emmaus Road to see their story and what felt so personal to them as part of the larger story of…

Jesus listened long enough to the disciples on the Emmaus Road to offer a spiritual perspective on the hardest experiences of life. In this conversation, Ruth and Steve discuss the…

If you read the Emmaus Road conversation carefully in Luke 24, you will notice that part of the story the disciples told Jesus was that “the women of our group…

In their conversation on the Emmaus Road, Jesus created a safe space for the disciples to share their deepest desire. Getting in touch with our deepest desire is like peeling…

Continuing the story of the Emmaus Road, Jesus plays dumb and models what spiritual companionship can look like. How do we become the kind of person who can listen rather…

Jesus wants to be in your juicy conversations. Just think about it—the Emmaus Road encounter would not have happened had the disciples not welcomed “the stranger” on their journey home.…

Many of us are carrying a lot of baggage regarding Christian community.  Ruth has often commented that it is one of the most over-promised, under-delivered aspects of the Christian life—which…

The final episode of Season 1: Sacred Rhythms in the Life of the Leader. Ruth and Steve wrap up season 1 with a lively discussion of how to put it…

Are you a missional or a formational organization? Steve and Ruth take on this dualism. As usual, the conversation begins with looking at Scripture, showing the cause and effect relationship…

Discernment is not a subjective woo-woo experience! Ruth begins episode 7 by explaining why discernment is an art AND a practice. This discussion highlights the unlikely place discernment begins, and…

This podcast kicks off with a discussion of the ancient practice of the Examen. In case you are wondering, self-examination is so much more than just asking God to show…

Ruth draws from Elijah’s story to shed light on the role of the body in the spiritual life. This episode explores the connection between our bodies and our spiritual lives.…

What happens to a leader’s soul when s/he only engages Scripture for ministry? Steve asks for a friend. 😉 What can a pastor or leader do when they are no…

How does Ruth respond when a pastor admits they don’t know how to pray anymore? You will be surprised. This episode is for those who feel stuck in their prayer…

Do you sleep with your phone? You won’t believe who has your number! Ruth and Steve talk about the challenge of technology for leaders who desire to practice silence and solitude.…

Join us on the journey of transforming leadership! What do pastors and ministry leaders tell Ruth when they know they are safe? In the very first episode of the Strengthening the…