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.…

Advent: The Courage to Wait

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“God comes to us like the sun in the morning…when it is time. We must assume an attitude of waiting,…

Sweet Hours of Prayer: How Fixed Hour Prayer Nurtures Community

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Part II “We are formed together as we learn to pray together. Ancient Jews and Christians uttered sacred prayers together.…

forest

Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Without solitude it is impossible to have a spiritual life.”    –Henri Nouwen It is a wonderful thing to be invited.…

Available to God on Behalf of Others

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.” Psalm 138:3 This week I went…

Holy Week: An Invitation to Walk with Christ

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Stay together, friends, don’t scatter and sleep. Our friendship is made of being awake.” Rumi In her book Cloister Walk,…

Practicing Repentance

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“While the truth that we cannot escape God’s all-seeing eye may weigh us down at times, it is finally the…

Lent: An Invitation to Return to God

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Yet even now, says the Lord, repent and return to me with all your heart.” Joel 2:13 Today is Ash…

Make a Joyful Silence

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.” Psalm 138:3 Long ago, a wise…

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
  • 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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