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.

photo of a night sky reflecting on a still late with a sliver of sunrise peaking through the horizon.

Advent Week 3: A Time for Courage

By Adele Ahlberg Calhoun |

Lectionary Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18 Advent Calendar (Cycle C) and guidance for using the lectionary In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis…

Praying together for our election

By Transforming Center |

PREPARATION During this election season, we encourage you to find a time to pray with friends and family, people from your church or small group, and maybe even your neighbors.…

A Spirituality of Racial Justice

Engaging a transforming conversation about policing in America

By Ruth Haley Barton |

In this ongoing series we reflect on the spiritual truths and principles that undergird the fight for racial justice, the…

Collage of canvas texture and thick paint with overly of church window and crucifix.

Ten years later, I am still in ministry!

By Transforming Center |

Note: What is the long-term impact of the Transforming Community experience in the lives of leaders? Pastor and law enforcement…

Part Five

Eastertide: Discerning the Presence of Christ

By Ruth Haley Barton |

You can also read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this series. They urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with…

Part 3

Eastertide: Women and Men in Transforming Community

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did…

A Spirituality of Racial Justice

Lamenting the Atlanta shootings

By Transforming Center |

In this ongoing series we reflect on the spiritual truths and principles that undergird the fight for racial justice, the Spirit…

A Spirituality of Racial Justice

The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone

By Transforming Center |

Editor’s Note: In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we offer the next installment of our ongoing series, featuring…

January 6, 2021: An Unexpected Epiphany

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“A leader is a person who must take special responsibility for what’s going on inside him- or herself, inside his or…

Epiphany: A Season of Revelation

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary Readings for Epiphany: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 Arise, shine; for your light has come,…

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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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