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.

sunrise with two people silhouetted on a hill in the distance

It is the Lord!

By Transforming Center |

Happy Easter Monday, friends! Once again, Ruth invites us to celebrate the risen Jesus through five powerful post-resurrection encounters. We’ve reflected on these stories before, yet they continue to speak.…

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.…

Leadership Lessons from the Life of Moses

Part Two: The Power of a Well-Timed Pause

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Spiritual leadership springs forth in grace from our very desire for God’s presence. This does not take effort or striving. …

Leadership Lessons from the Life of Moses

Part One: Coming Home to Ourselves in God’s Presence

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“When I want to do good, evil is close at hand.”  ~the apostle Paul Moses was destined to be a…

strengthening the soul of your leadership artwork

When Leaders Lose Their Souls

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“For what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more…

Staying Awake During Holy Week

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary readings and guidance on using the lectionary Good Friday: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; John 18:1-19:42 “Stay together, friends, don’t scatter and…

Join a worldwide prayer vigil on Good Friday 2018

By Ruth Haley Barton |

For many years we have hosted a Stations of the Cross prayer service on Good Friday as a way of…

Lent: Dying That We Might Live

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary readings and guidance on using the lectionary “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and…

ash wednesday and Lent

Love, Lent, and Leadership: Fashioning Your Own Wilderness

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary readings and guidance on using the lectionary Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6,…

Epiphany: Who am I now?

By Transforming Center |

Guidance on using the lectionary. Lectionary readings for January 7, 2018: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12…

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.
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