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.

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 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis…

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 your church or small group, and maybe even your neighbors.…

sun beams bursting through dark clouds

Waking Up to the Gift of Sabbath

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“God gave us the Sabbath. Jesus taught us that we weren’t made for the Sabbath but that Sabbath was made…

Is This All There Is?

By Fritz Liedtke |

Dear Church, First of all: Thank you. Thank you for the gift of life. I grew up in you as…

Juneteenth: Celebrating the Good News of Freedom

By Transforming Center |

Where the Spirit of the Lord there is freedom. II Corinthians 3:17  Today as we mark the Juneteenth national holiday,…

A variety of different doors collaged together

Even When the Doors are Shut: Encountering the Risen Christ

By Ruth Haley Barton |

My favorite thing about the Easter story—aside from the resurrection itself—is reading the stories about Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and how…

The Practice of Keeping Vigil

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Who can stay awake in this night of God? Who will not be as if paralyzed by it? Christ’s struggle…

Lent for Leaders: With God in the Wilderness

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“We have to fashion our own desert where we can withdraw every day, shake off our compulsions, and dwell in…

Practicing Lent 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…

Pastor Joseph Nieves

Joe’s story: The impact of a Transforming Community in the life of a pastor

By Transforming Center |

Pastor Joseph Nieves (TC16) shares how he found the Transforming Center and the impact Transforming Community 16 had on his…

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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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