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.…

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…

My Words Can’t Carry All the Praise

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Editors Note: The poems of Pastor Ted Loder have accompanied us on many Transforming Center retreats, guiding us into moments…

Transforming Worship

Transformational Worship: Encountering God in Ways that Change Us

By Rory Noland |

Editor’s Note: Rory Noland is a composer and songwriter who has joined the Transforming Center team to help us continue…

Releasing Ourselves to God: A Leader’s Invitation to Solitude and Silence

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Editor’s note: The following article is adapted from Dallas Willard’s forward to Invitation to Solitude and Silence (Ruth Haley Barton,…

The Lenten Way: Following Christ in Death and in Life

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Lent is a time of returning to God. It is a time to confess how we keep looking for joy,…

From Desire to Discipline

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Editor’s Note: The Transforming Center takes very seriously its mission to equip leaders to guide their churches in becoming spiritually…

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world and forfeit their soul?” —Jesus Recently, I made…

Solitude: A Place for Your Soul to Come Out

Solitude: A Place for Your Soul to Come Out

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Solitude may be one of the greatest challenges for Christian leaders because we have this sense that everyone is waiting for us to come in and do what we can do. Solitude offers leaders a concrete way that God can come and do what only God can do—in our lives personally and also in our ministries.

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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