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…

Spiritual Direction (Part 1): A Vital Practice for Discerning Leaders

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“A spiritual director is one who helps another to recognize and to follow the inspirations of grace in his life,…

Lectio Divina: Engaging the Scriptures for Spiritual Transformation

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Lectio Divina (translated “divine [or sacred] reading”) is an approach to the Scriptures that sets us up to listen for…

Are You Longing for More in Church?

By Ruth Haley Barton |

Eventually, someone looking for a church home will ask some variation of this question:  “So, what kind of church are…

Transformed Nonconformist: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Ruth Haley Barton |

The Transforming Center is closed today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his courageous leadership in championing…

Epiphany: Celebrating the Imperfect Journey

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who…

I cannot imagine just how I did life before!

Tiptoeing Around the Edges of Burnout

By Transforming Center |

By Daniele Evans My Transforming Community (TC13) experience began with plenty excitement, anticipation and my soul tiptoeing around the edges…

Two Years Transforming: Forever Grateful

By Transforming Center |

By Nathan Albert For the last two years, I traveled to a monastery outside of Chicago every three months for…

stacked rocks

The Major Imperatives Within Mature Discipleship

By Ron Rolheiser, OMI |

“At a certain age our lives simplify and we need have only three phrases left in our spiritual vocabulary: Thank…

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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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