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.…

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…

Bring rhythms of fixed-hour prayer to your family

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Fixed-hour prayer gives us a way to anchor our daily lives in rhythms of prayer, Scripture reading, and silence, ensuring…

Reflecting on COVID-19 through the Lens of John 9

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Surely we are not blind, are we?” John 9:40 That the Works of God Might be Revealed Here at the Transforming…

Join us for a virtual Good Friday prayer service

By Transforming Center |

The Practice of Keeping Vigil Ruth Haley Barton “Who can stay awake in this night of God? Who will not…

crucifix

Lent and the Human Struggle

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Lent is a spiritual season which calls for greater openness to the word of God and conversion in every area…

Holding Fast to Love and Justice—In Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Ruth Haley Barton |

To mark and celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is to mark and celebrate…

Invitation to Advent: Leaders in Liminal Space

By Ruth Haley Barton |

This week, we release our Advent podcast season of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast! If you’ve already signed…

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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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