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.

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.…

Image of sun breaking through dark clouds with a cross silhouetted against the sky

A Leader’s Prayer During Lent

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectionary Readings for Fifth Sunday in Lent (April 6, 2025): Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 Lent Calendar (Cycle C) and guidance for using the lectionary “Lent is…

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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