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.…

Discerning God’s Will Together: Discovering a Process of Leadership Discernment

By Ruth Haley Barton |

It was a conversation similar to many I have had with Christian leaders. A pastor from a large church was…

Epiphany: A New Kind of Journey

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Today is the day when the Christian church celebrates epiphany—the “showing forth” or “the revelation” of Christ in the world.…

The Gift of Waiting

By Ruth Haley Barton |

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

Gratitude for Ordinary People

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“And they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 As we emerge from Thanksgiving week…

Are You Dangerously Tired? Exploring the Symptoms and Sources of Spiritual Exhaustion in Ministry

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Because we do not rest we lose our way. Poisoned by this hypnotic belief that good things come only through…

The Transforming Leader: Giving the Best I’ve Got

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Spiritual transformation has become quite the buzzword in Christian circles today. The good news is that it speaks to our…

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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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