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…

orange fallen leaves sit in rainwater on ground

Practicing Relinquishment: The Enneagram Goes on Retreat 

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Every movement toward the humiliation of the false self, if we accept it, is a step toward freedom and inner…

Transforming Gift Creates Endowment Fund for Scholarships

By David Hughes |

When Anjuli Seth Nayak arrived for the first retreat of her Transforming Community, she was clearly a force to be…

Retreat: Invitation to a Counter-Cultural Practice

By Ruth Haley Barton |

 “I have lived too long where I am reachable.”–Rumi It is a wonderful thing to be invited—especially when the invitation…

man sitting on pew in old church

Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God

By Ruth Haley Barton |

 “If we don’t come apart for while, we will come apart after awhile.” –Dallas Willard Brad is a pastor whose…

Justice and the Inner Life

By Gary Haugen |

In October of 2004, I gave each of my colleagues at International Justice Mission two gifts: a blank leather journal…

Leadership Lessons from the Life of Moses

Part Four: Reenvisioning the Promised Land

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.” —Bishop Ken…

Leadership Lessons from the Life of Moses

Part Three: The Conundrum of Calling

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Calling is a much abused word today. In the church it can be little more than a pious euphemism for…

Leadership Lessons from the Life of Moses

Part Two: The Power of a Well-Timed Pause

By Ruth Haley Barton |

“Spiritual leadership springs forth in grace from our very desire for God’s presence. This does not take effort or striving. …

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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