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…

Group of people looking up at a starry night sky

Epiphany: When the Star Beckons

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary Readings for Epiphany: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 “They set out; and there ahead of…

Graphic illustration of a winding path heading towards a mountain chain with stars above in the night sky.

You are Made for More

By Ruth Haley Barton |

We’re made for more. And yet, the road between where we are and where we want to go can feel…

Advent: Waiting for the Light

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“God comes to us like the sun in the morning—when it is time.”—Carlo Carretto, The God Who Comes My favorite…

red and yellow flower growing next to a rusty beam

Finding Freedom Through Sabbath Resistance

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“If you aren’t resting, you are a slave to something.” – Adele Calhoun We tend to think of sabbath as…

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…

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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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