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…

Practicing Repentance

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“While the truth that we cannot escape God’s all-seeing eye may weigh us down at times, it is finally the…

Lent: An Invitation to Return to God

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Yet even now, says the Lord, repent and return to me with all your heart.” Joel 2:13 Today is Ash…

Make a Joyful Silence

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.” Psalm 138:3 Long ago, a wise…

women sitting contemplatively next to a bench, facing water reflecting golden sunlight.

Spiritual Transformation: Hype or Hope?

By David Hughes |

Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I…

morning sun shining into dark room. Light gently illuminating face of woman pensively looking out window.

Discernment: Finding God in All Things

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Discernment in its fullness takes a practiced heart, fine-tuned to hear the word of God and the single-mindedness to follow…

Advent: Training in Waiting

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“No one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those…

silhouette of a group of people in front of a blue night sky

Beyond Teamwork: Spiritual Community at the Leadership Level

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Christian community is founded solely on Jesus Christ and in fact, it already exists in Christ. It is not an…

The Conundrum of Calling

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Calls are essentially questions. They aren’t questions you necessarily need to answer outright; they are questions to which you need…

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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