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.

Becoming More

The Future of Christian Spirituality: Part 4 | A More Welcoming Stance from a Rooted Depth

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” —Jesus As I journeyed with my desire and with a good spiritual director, something else was happening, too. Wrestling with my tradition…

Becoming More

The Future of Christian Spirituality: Part 3 | A Spirituality that is Practice-Oriented and Practice-Based

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“We do not know God by thinking, but by encountering.” –John of the Cross As my director and I transitioned into a new kind of relationship I was still thinking…

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,…

Leo Ayala

Leo’s story: The impact of a Transforming Community in the life of a pastor

By Transforming Center |

Note: What is the impact of the Transforming Center in the lives of leaders? Pastor Leo Ayala, a recipient of a Robert…

A Prayer on Election Day

By Ruth Haley Barton |

O God, we acknowledge you today as Lord, Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments. We thank you…

A Spirituality of Racial Justice

Part 1: Lament that Leads to Partnership in God’s Transforming Work

By Ruth Haley Barton |

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

Transforming Center Partners with Seminary Now, an On-Demand Streaming Platform Providing Biblical Training Courses

By Transforming Center |

Seminary Now makes biblical training accessible to those who desire to lead the church in a changing environment. The Transforming Center is…

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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