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.…

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…

Advent resource written by Ruth Haley Barton

Updated Advent Reflections For Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary

By Transforming Center |

This beautiful 40 page Advent resource written by Ruth Haley Barton is designed to help individuals, spiritual friends, small groups…

Advent Liturgies for Families

By Charity McClure |

Growing up, I remember the anticipation leading up to Christmas. I remember the surprise of gifts, I remember the joy of…

ECFA logo

Transforming Center Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization

By Transforming Center |

The ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) announced on August 19, 2021 the accreditation of Transforming Center of Wheaton, IL.…

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.
  • More