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.

We have moved Ruth Haley Barton’s Beyond Words to Substack

New writing from Ruth will now be on Substack. This move allows us to bring our blog, podcast, and community together in one simple place — making it easier for you to stay connected and support our work.

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Cynthia

Cynthia’s Story: The impact of a Transforming Community in the life of a pastor

By Transforming Center |

My name is Cynthia and I am an ordained United Methodist pastor. Transforming Community came at the right time for me. I was looking for a spiritual director when I…

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.…

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 |

“And what is the use of praying if at the very moment of prayer, we have so little confidence in…

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…

Spiritual formation in the church must begin with the pastor.

How the Spiritual Formation of the Pastor Affects Spiritual Formation in the Congregation

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“It you attempt to act and do for others or for the world without deepening your own self-understanding, freedom, integrity…

Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation

By Ruth Haley Barton |

I remember the first time I noticed that some people arrange their lives to see sunsets.  It was summertime in…

Rocky lake floor seen through still water with quiet reflection of sunset.

A Powerful Model for Leadership Transformation: A Two-Year Experience of Spiritual Formation for Leaders

By Transforming Center |

Wheaton, IL–First there were 12. Then 25, then 38—and now 70. Those numbers testify to the quiet-but-steady growth of a…

Practicing Lent: Preparing for Holy Week

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Editor’s note: In this article, guest author Peter Giersch reflects on some of the oldest traditions of the Church for…

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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
  • 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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