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…

An Invitation to Prayer during Holy Week

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Then Jesus came to his disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay…

Crossing the Threshold into Lent

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Oh God, let something essential happen to me, something more than interesting or entertaining or thoughtful. Oh God, let something…

child holding helmet on sidelines

“Pull Me Out of the Game, Coach!”

By Rev. Dr. J. Taylor Haley |

Editor’s Note: The heart of the Transforming Center’s mission and ministry is the two- year Transforming Community experience in which…

Epiphany: Finding Christ Where We Least Expect Him

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who…

Advent 4: Saying Yes to God

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and…

Advent 3: A Community of Waiting and Expectation

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be…

Advent 2: Preparing the Way

By Ruth Haley Barton |

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was…

Advent: Light of Our Darkness

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among the nations…

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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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