Strengthening The Soul Of Your Leadership With Ruth Haley Barton

Hey all! We’re popping into your podcast feeds to share a peek at something we’re doing over on Patreon this summer! We’re calling it the Summer Poetry Fest. Each month Ruth shares a poem that has been particularly significant or meaningful to her life. She shares the context and how God used that poem or what it draws out in her. Then, Ruth offers some reflection questions for the listener to help them dive deeper into the poem and its meaning in their own lives. We conclude each episode with a reflective reading of the poem. These episodes are thoughtful and deep and are great touchpoints for your soul throughout the summer. Today we’re sharing a snippet from the May episode, which looked at the poem The Journey, by Mary Oliver. If you’d like to listen to all of this episode and the rest of our summer podcast series, head over to our Patreon page and sign up to be a member today! Also, we’re conducting a podcast survey, and we need your help! We want to know more about you, our podcast listeners, and what

In this special bonus episode Ruth converses with pastor, author, speaker and long time friend, John Ortberg about his new book 'Steps, A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough.' They explore the intersections between spiritual formation, transformation, and the powerful principles behind the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). John shares his personal journey, insights on profound spiritual practices, and the importance of vulnerability and safety in transformational spaces. Their discussion delves into the crucial role of rigorous self-examination, authentic confession, and the deep, often painful, realization of powerlessness in achieving true spiritual transformation. Mentioned in this episode: Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower isn't Enough by John Ortberg The Dangers of Christian Practice: On Wayward Gifts, Characteristic Damage, and Sin by Lauren F. Winner Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Anthem from Music in Solitude   Join us for

Christ is risen! Happy Easter Monday, friends. Once again, Ruth invites us to celebrate the Risen Jesus through five powerful post-resurrection encounters. These stories have been shared before, yet they continue to speak. As you listen, step into the story—imagine the wonder, the questions, the joy. May they draw you into His presence today.

In the final episode of season 26, we are sharing a poignant discussion with Ruth and  TC team member, Tina Harris. Tina shares her experience of tarrying as a communal and immersive practice deeply rooted in music, openness, and collective healing. Ruth and Tina explore various themes, including the confrontation of disappointment, doubt, disillusionment, and deconstruction within the tarrying process, and the transformative power of redemptive suffering. They also touch on the importance of lament in spiritual practice and the significance of embracing vulnerability, especially during Holy Week. At the end of this episode we encourage you to reflect deeply and engage fully in the practice of tarrying, to sit with your suffering in the presence of Jesus. We are journeying through Lent with a podcast season entitled “Tarry with Me Awhile: Learnings from the Black Church.” We will use Dr. Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, as a guide. Black spirituality has m

S26 Ep 6 |Desperate for God to Intervene: The Ongoing Tarry In this episode, Ruth engages in a profound conversation with Joy and David Bailey. Together, they delve into the themes from Dr. Selena Stone's book 'Tarry Awhile,' focusing on chapter six about healing. Joy and David share their extensive journey of dealing with Joy's chronic health issues, exploring how it has shaped both their faith and community life. They discuss the complexities of suffering, the importance of community support, and how leaning into God's presence has been vital in their ongoing struggle.  We are journeying through Lent with a podcast season entitled “Tarry with Me Awhile: Learnings from the Black Church.” We will use Dr. Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, as a guide. Black spirituality has much to offer us in understanding the practice of tarrying as a Lenten practice. Together we will seek a deeper understanding of waiting on God in the liminal space—where the resurrection

This week, Ruth welcomes artist and pastor Delwin Eiland to discuss the spiritual practice of tarrying. Delwin shares his experience as a worship leader, emphasizing the importance of silence and restraint in spiritual life. The episode delves into how communal tarrying can create space for deeper connection with God and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding these moments. Ruth and Delwin also discuss how silence can act as a form of resistance and sovereignty over one’s inner life. The episode concludes with a tarrying moment held by one of Delwin’s songs, titled 'Wait for You.’ We are journeying through Lent with a podcast season entitled “Tarry with Me Awhile: Learnings from the Black Church.” We will use Dr. Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, as a guide. Black spirituality has much to offer us in understanding the practice of tarrying as a Lenten practice. Together we will seek a deeper understanding of waiting on God in the liminal space—where the resu

Ruth is joined this week by Rasool Berry, teaching pastor and director of partnerships and content development at Our Daily Bread Ministries. They continue our conversations about tarrying, this time focusing on justice and the transformative nature of tarrying. Rasool shares his journey from a non-church upbringing to embracing faith, how tarrying helps him orient himself to God’s reality, and highlights the deep spiritual lessons learned through practices of waiting and quiet. The conversation underscores the importance of embodying the spirit of justice and the need for contemplative action in today's disorienting world.   We are journeying through Lent with a podcast season entitled “Tarry with Me Awhile: Learnings from the Black Church.” We will use Dr. Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, as a guide. Black spirituality has much to offer us in understanding the practice of tarrying as a Lenten practice. Together we will seek a deeper understanding of wait

This week, Ruth and guest Reverend Dr. Phaedra Blocker are exploring chapter 3, “Movement,” of Selina Stone’s book Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith. The two delve into the rich tradition of waiting on the Holy Spirit as taught in Black spirituality and its relevance for people of faith. They explore the significance of being aware of our contribution to others' sense of belonging, the challenges of socioeconomic and physical mobility for Black communities, and the biblical narrative of Hagar as a lens for understanding agency and divine justice. The episode concludes with practical advice on active tarrying as self-examination and readiness to act on divine guidance.   We are journeying through Lent with a podcast season entitled “Tarry with Me Awhile: Learnings from the Black Church.” We will use Dr. Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, as a guide. Black spirituality has much to offer us in understanding the practice of tarryin

In this episode, Ruth and special guest Reverend Dr. Prince Rivers discuss the second chapter of Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile. Prince shares personal stories from his life and ministry. He explores his experience of “two-ness” as a child, straddling two different worlds and identities. Prince also sheds light on the profound impact of communal worship, the importance of acknowledging embodied experiences in faith, and how these practices serve as a source of dignity and healing for marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the synergy between pastor, musicians, and congregation in creating transformative worship experiences, emphasizing the importance of being attuned to the Spirit as a part of the practice of tarrying.    We are journeying through Lent with a podcast season entitled “Tarry with Me Awhile: Learnings from the Black Church.” We will use Dr. Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, as a guide. Black spirituality has much to offer us

We are journeying through Lent with a podcast season entitled “Tarry with Me Awhile: Learnings from the Black Church.” We will use Dr. Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, as a guide. Black spirituality has much to offer us in understanding the practice of tarrying as a Lenten practice. Together we will seek a deeper understanding of waiting on God in the liminal space—where the resurrection feels far off, and our deaths and suffering are present.    In this inaugural episode of season 26, Ruth sits down with Dr. Selina Stone, herself. Dr. Stone, a lecturer in theology and ethics at the University of Edinburgh, shares her journey and the inspiration behind her book. They discuss the profound concept of 'tarrying' as a spiritual practice, its roots in Black Pentecostal traditions, and its significance in contemporary faith practices. Dr. Stone highlights the intersection of spirituality and social justice, the role of women in leading spiritual spaces, and the

In this final episode of the season, we are joined by none other than the author of 'Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent’ herself, Enuma Okoro!! Enuma joins Charity, Colleen, and Jeff to share the inspirations behind her book, personal insights on faith, the significance of untold stories in the Bible, and the challenges of maintaining faith. Continuing with our Advent story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, they discuss the challenges and blessings of waiting on God's “inconvenient timing.” The four also reflect on God's presence in everyday life and the importance of recognizing divine manifestations in people and situations we least expect.   This season, as Advent falls on the heels of a contentious election season here in America and amidst the reality of war and violence around the world, we here at the Transforming Center wanted to approach the Advent podcast season with the awareness that many people are deeply in need of space and hope right now. TC staff member Charity McClure and ministry

Charity, Jeff, and Colleen are joined this week by the Transforming Center’s ambassador and resident theologian, David Hughes. David brings a depth of wisdom and experience to this conversation. The four continue to explore the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah, exploring the importance of finding safe spiritual companionship, the interplay between wilderness and community in spiritual growth, and the promises of hope and joy during Advent. They emphasize the need for vulnerability, acceptance, and spiritual community, whether within or beyond traditional church settings, to navigate transformative experiences.   This season, as Advent falls on the heels of a contentious election season here in America and amidst the reality of war and violence around the world, we here at the Transforming Center wanted to approach the Advent podcast season with the awareness that many people are deeply in need of space and hope right now. TC staff member Charity McClure and ministry partners Jeff James and Colleen Powell will

Charity, Jeff, and Colleen are joined for the second week of Advent by the OG of the OGs, as far as the Transforming Center is concerned, Dalene Strieff! The episode explores the themes of waiting, barrenness, and spiritual practices, particularly silence. The conversation touches on personal experiences of loss, grief, community, and spiritual growth, reflecting on the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. The four discuss the importance of spiritual practices, like silence, in cultivating a deeper connection with God and community during challenging times. They reflect on how these practices can help in navigating personal and communal seasons of barrenness and division. This season, as Advent falls on the heels of a contentious election season here in America and amidst the reality of war and violence around the world, we here at the Transforming Center wanted to approach the Advent podcast season with the awareness that many people are deeply in need of space and hope right now. TC staff member Charity McC

This season, as Advent falls on the heels of a contentious election season here in America and amidst the reality of war and violence around the world, we here at the Transforming Center wanted to approach the Advent podcast season with the awareness that many people are deeply in need of space and hope right now. TC staff member Charity McClure and ministry partner Jeff James will be walking listeners through Advent with the intention of broadening and deepening the practice and experience of silence as a way to hold that space. Using Enuma Okoro’s book 'Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent, which highlights the story of Elizabeth and Zachariah, for inspiration and wisdom, Charity and Jeff will be joined by guests as they explore themes of lament, barrenness, waiting, dependence on God, community, friendship, and hope.   In this first episode, Charity and Jeff are joined by podcast producer Colleen Powell to delve into the themes of grief, longing, and waiting during the Advent season. They exp

In today’s episode, Ruth and guests Rev. Dr. Prince Rivers and Rev. Dr. David Hughes navigate the depths of the future of Christian spirituality through the lenses of the atonement. The discussion confronts traditional interpretations of the cross and atonement, addressing challenges posed by modern perspectives. Ruth, Prince, and David explore theories from historical and contemporary theologians, such as penal substitution, while highlighting how these interpretations impact real-life contexts, especially among marginalized communities and the oppressed. The conversation concludes with reflections on faith, suffering, and power, emphasizing transformation through love over wrath, with a heartfelt prayer for divine guidance and liberation.   This season we are exploring the future of Christian spirituality. Based on her own experience and the lives of people she accompanies on the journey, Ruth has been naming what she is noticing and observing regarding the future of Christian spirituality– how the Spirit i

In this episode, Ruth delves into the future of Christian spirituality as it pertains to the role of justice. Joined by her long-time friend and expert in reconciliation studies, Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, the discussion centers on the growing movement of the Holy Spirit towards deeper justice work, specifically racial justice. Dr. McNeil discusses her new book 'Empowered to Repair', which explores the biblical figure Nehemiah as a model for reparative actions that go beyond the warm fuzziness of relational reconciliation to concrete outcomes that reflect true justice. The conversation also addresses resistance within Christian communities towards reparations and repair, exploring how faith and a scarcity mentality influence these defenses. Ruth and Brenda call for activating all believers as ministers of reconciliation, underscoring the importance of integrating justice work with spirituality for the church to remain relevant, especially among younger generations.   This season we are exploring the future of

What does it mean to be welcoming and inclusive from a rooted depth, and how do we see the Holy Spirit nudging us towards this concept? Ruth is joined by a special guest, Transforming Center’s very own cultivator of community and connection, Tina Harris, today to discuss the many ways we are called to practice hospitality in the name of Christ. Tina shares her own transformative experiences practicing radical hospitality, what it has felt like to not be welcomed, and practical and concrete ways churches can begin to become more welcoming and inclusive of all types of people. They also discuss why they think there is a resistance to this invitation and lament the ways that beautiful words and ideas like diversity, equity, and inclusion have become politicized, hot button issues. This season we are exploring the future of Christian spirituality. Based on her own experience and the lives of people she accompanies on the journey, Ruth has been naming what she is noticing and observing regarding the future of Chri

We cannot ignore the current state of our politics and the toll it has taken on the American public. As we approach another election season we wanted to provide you with encouragement and guidance on how we connect our spirituality and our politics. Guest Michael Wear joins Ruth to discuss why he believes the state of our politics is indicative to the state of our souls. Ruth and Michael also discuss how important it is to bring our own formation to our politics,  how politics can be an essential form in which to love our neighbors and why we need to avoid the false bifurcation of our spiritual lives and our political lives.   Michael Wear is founder, president, and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution based in the nation's capital with the mission to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good. He has served as a trusted resource and advisor for a range of civic leaders on matters of faith and public life for the l

Is the Holy Spirit moving us towards a spirituality that is practice-based and practice-oriented rather than faith-based and belief-oriented? This week, Ruth and Fr. Michael Sparough sit down to discuss this question and their own experiences with a practice-based spirituality. Fr. Michael shares the ecumenical spiritual practices that have been the most transformative and the power he finds in praying and acting together across different faith traditions. They also discuss the ways in which a belief-oriented faith leaves us feeling responsible to defend the faith and God above all else. This season we are exploring the future of Christian spirituality. Based on her own experience and the lives of people she accompanies on the journey, Ruth has been naming what she is noticing and observing regarding the future of Christian spirituality– how the Spirit is moving and how we can align ourselves to participate in the future God is leading us into. Elements she is naming include respect for the role of desire; em

How is the Holy Spirit leading us to engage with scripture in new and fresh ways? That’s what Ruth and guest Esau McCaulley discuss this week. Esau shares about his work editing The New Testament in Color: A Multi-Ethnic Commentary on the New Testament. They discuss how we need each other, reading and interpreting across all kinds of different cultures and contexts in order to best discern the mind of Christ, how differently we can view a biblical story depending on which character’s shoes we put ourselves in, and the importance of relinquishing control when it comes to a broader reading of scripture. This season we are exploring the future of Christian spirituality. Based on her own experience and the lives of people she accompanies on the journey, Ruth has been naming what she is noticing and observing regarding the future of Christian spirituality– how the Spirit is moving and how we can align ourselves to participate in the future God is leading us into. Elements she is naming include respect for the role