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…

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…

What does your soul want to say to God?

What Does Your Soul Want to Say to God?

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“It is not enough for the priests and ministers of the future to be moral people, well- trained, eager to…

Epiphany: A Time for Seeking and Finding

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“When the wise men saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they…

Joseph and the Walk of Faith

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” Matthew 1:18­25 “Sooner or later,…

Advent: Training in Waiting

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Waiting is the hidden preparation through which God puts his ministers. We neglect it to our own peril.” –Richard Foster…

Spiritual Leadership And the Practice of Paying Attention

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.  …

A Leader’s Lifeline in the Crucible of Ministry

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“I didn’t want to be the leader because the leader always gets voted off the island.” Gary Hogeboom Survivor Guatemala…

A Heart of Stone to a Heart of Flesh: Experiencing Transformation in Community

By Tom Boyle |

“I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone…

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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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