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.…

Christian Busyness and Solitude and Silence

By Jeffery James |

To celebrate the launch of the expanded edition of Invitation to Solitude and Silence we are going to post a series…

What is solitude and silence?

By Jeffery James |

To celebrate the launch of the expanded edition of Invitation to Solitude and Silence we are going to post a series…

Strengthening the Souls of Youth Pastors

By Jeffery James |

Ruth Haley Barton is a general session speaker at the Simply Youth Conference presented by Group and Doug Fields on…

Solitude, Community and Leadership

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Let him who cannot be alone beware of community.  He will only do harm to himself and to the community…But…

Study highlights the fact that Christian leaders neglect self-care

By Ruth Haley Barton |

This article was linked in a recent eReflections, but we thought it was worth highlighting it here. Read the article…

A Blessing For One Who is Exhausted

By Ruth Haley Barton |

The Transforming Center exists to guide pastors and Christian leaders into life rhythms that will help them be healthy and…

paraglider and sunset over mountains

Praying with a Back-Up Plan

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Cowardice keeps us ‘double minded’—hesitating between the world and God. In this hesitation, there is no true faith—faith remains an…

Let Me Live Grace-fully

By Ruth Haley Barton |

For many pastors and Christian leaders, the beginning of summer signals a change of pace (hopefully a slower one!) and…

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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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