Season 6

Invitation to Retreat

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Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast

In Season 6, Steve Wiens and Ruth Haley Barton walk through Ruth's new book, Invitation to Retreat. Why did Ruth write another book? How does it relate to Invitation to Solitude and Silence? We start with a delicious word – invitation. Ruth moves in to define our terms and discuss how retreat has been compromised in our culture. Ruth and Steve even discuss who should go on retreat. Let's reclaim the word retreat!

Season 6: Episode 1 | Strategic Withdrawal

November 21, 2018

Why did Ruth write another book? How does it relate to Invitation to Solitude and Silence? We start with a delicious word – invitation. Ruth moves in to define our terms and discuss how retreat has been compromised in our culture. Ruth and Steve even discuss who should go on retreat. Lets reclaim the word…

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Season 6: Episode 2 | Just Flop Down

November 27, 2018

Too busy? When is the best time to go on retreat? Join Ruth Haley Barton and Steve Wiens for episode 2, and don’t forget your pillow. A great discussion about how technology has caused many of us to feel we can never do enough to feel like we’ve done enough. Listen and discover how to…

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Season 6: Episode 3 | The Sources of Our Exhaustion

December 5, 2018

Are you living out of external expectations instead of God’s calling on your life? Learn more about common sources of exhaustion. Could it be that our desire to serve is more about staying in control? Ruth names some of her own sources of exhaustion. Go deeper with this content and purchase Ruth’s newest book, Invitation…

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Season 6: Episode 4 | Finding Your Rhythm on Retreat

December 12, 2018

Human beings are made with rhythms and for rhythms. A beautiful conversation ensues about the beauty of rhythms and how to find and recognize rhythms. In the Christian tradition tears are always a gift. Ruth provides a great encouragement to let the tears come. We end this episode sharing the story of Kevin and how…

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Season 6: Episode 5 | Sweet Hours of Prayer

December 19, 2018

Fixed hour of prayer. It is as simple as praying at fixed hours of the day. It is about reorienting ourselves to God. Ruth shares the four prayer movements that are used in the Transforming Community experience at the Transforming Center. Whether this is new or you have written this practice off as too rote,…

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Season 6: Episode 6 | Letting Go of Your Grip

December 26, 2018

Steve has control issues even if surrender is one of the major movements of the spiritual life. Retreat is a powerful tool to practice surrender. Could your absence from those you love while on retreat be a ministry? Ruth discusses the ministry of absence. Ruth also shares a personal story about her daughter, and how…

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Season 6: Episode 7 | Relinquishing False Self Patterns

January 2, 2019

We start with defining what is meant by false self patterns and where it fits into our spiritual journey. Ruth shares her perspective on the current popularity of the Enneagram right now. Just noticing is an important part of the journey of relinquishing. The good news is there are spiritual practices for each number on…

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Season 6: Episode 8 | Space for Discernment

January 9, 2019

If you have gotten this far and are still wondering if a retreat is a necessary practice, we knock it out of the park with discussing Jesus’ pattern of retreat. Jesus utilizes retreat for discernment even though he knew everything. Ruth shares three categories of discernment that can be practiced on retreat. Settle the crazy…

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Season 6: Episode 9 | Invitation to Recalibrate

January 16, 2019

Often time on retreat there is sadness that takes one by surprise. Who do I want to be and how do I want to live so I can be who I want to be are important questions for recalibrating on retreat. What is the question Jesus wants to be with us on retreat? Jesus wants…

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Season 6: Episode 10 | Spiritual Freedom

January 23, 2019

Is it really possible? We begin by dealing with Steve’s resistance to the chapter title. Steve might or might not be having an existential crisis. Are you the responsible one? Maybe you can start with considering where you do have freedom. What are disordered and ordered attachments and how does it relate to spiritual freedom? Ruth…

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Season 6: Episode 11 | Remember the Signs

January 30, 2019

How do we return from retreat? In this episode we get some much needed counsel and a little help from Aslan. Ruth gives very practical advice on how to return home after a retreat. Are you a blurter? Some warning about sharing your retreat experience. SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google…

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Season 6: Episode 12 | In Returning and Rest You Shall Be Saved

February 6, 2019

Ruth begins by sharing just how important the rhythm of retreat has been for her life. What is the one thing that must be present in a retreat center. Ruth shares about the lifting power of retreat and why you don’t pull up the plant to see if the roots are growing. Now it is…

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