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.…

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…

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…

Interview with Ruth Haley Barton Regarding Sacred Rhythms

By Transforming Center |

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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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