Strengthening The Soul Of Your Leadership With Ruth Haley Barton

We are revisiting last year's Easter Monday episode because we found the reflections to still be so timely with the themes we discussed during this season of the podcast. We hope it encourages and blesses you on this Easter Monday.   He is Risen, indeed! Happy Easter Monday, friends. Today, Ruth helps us celebrate the Risen Christ with five stories of post-resurrection encounters with Jesus. In each story she helps us consider our own invitations to transforming encounters with Jesus that God might have for us. Which story resonates most profoundly with you and what healing or transformation is God wanting to bring as you sit with God and these stories? We invite you to take some time today to listen to these stories reflectively, imagining yourself in them and to take a moment to be with Jesus right there in the biblical story as you find him there and as you find yourself there.   Transforming Post-Resurrection Encounters with Jesus   Weeping in the Garden (John 20:11-18)  Encountering Jesus’ Behind Locked

In this special episode, Ruth wraps up our season on suffering and the formation of hope and ushers us into the last few days of Holy Week. Holy Week allows us to practice true unity with Jesus, the “at-one-ment” she and Curt talked about this season. What does Jesus’ suffering mean for us- for our lives and our own suffering? How does it help us to make sense of our own stories? We’ve spent all season discussing how suffering can lead to true and durable hope, and how we can walk with Jesus in His suffering as a way of deep transformation for ourselves. Finally, Ruth guides us through a lectio divina practice with Romans 5:1-5, the scripture we have been sitting with all season. We encourage you to listen to this episode in a quiet setting, free from distraction, so that you can listen deeply to what the Holy Spirit might be saying to you through these verses.   Mentioned in the Episode: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  by Curt Thompson An Invitation to Walk with Christ: Stations of th

This week concludes our conversations with Curt Thompson, MD. Ruth and Curt examine what makes for a safe community. Why is it important to experience places of tension, hurt, and repair in the community? They also discuss the meaning of a hope that does not disappoint or put to shame. And as we turn our attention to Holy Week, they wonder: What is a psychologically healthy way to understand the concept of taking up the cross? Over on Patreon, Curt leads us in a practice to help us vulnerably give ourselves away to others in a safe and psychologically healthy way.   This season, psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson, MD joins us to discuss suffering and how it is the place where durable and true hope is formed. We will be working through the ideas in his new book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. Mentioned in the Episode: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  by Curt Thompson The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe about Ourselves by Curt Thomp

How does endurance or perseverance fit into this process of having a durable hope formed in us? How do we know we are making progress in this endeavor? What do we do with the stories we tell ourselves about the parts of us that are unlovable or unwantable, and how does bringing those parts before a loving and safe community change us? Ruth and Curt tackle these questions and more in this week’s episode. Over on Patreon, Curt is giving us concrete ideas on how to cultivate a confessional community, a structure for being together, and tips for how to be safe members of the community.   This season, psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson, MD joins us to discuss suffering and how it is the place where durable and true hope is formed. We will be working through the ideas in his new book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. Mentioned in the Episode: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  by Curt Thompson We are now accepting applications for Transforming Communit

This week we are taking a break from our conversations with Curt and his book The Deepest Place to talk about a different aspect of suffering: the communal, unmerited suffering that comes from oppression. Friend of the Transforming Center, Leo Ayala, is back with us to discuss this important topic. Leo and Ruth talk about the suffering his community in Puerto Rico has suffered as a part of the colonization and oppression of his country. Leo shares how no one taught him how to suffer in a Christian way and the particular problem of a faith without lament. Finally, Leo gives us practices and processes that help this kind of collective suffering form durable hope. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Leo Ayala served as a family pastor for over 15 years and later as lead pastor. For four years, he has been recovering from burnout, anxiety disorder, and depression. On his journey to heal his soul and develop new life rhythms, he completed Transforming Communities 15 and 18 with the Transforming Center. He is finish

What does God’s glory have to do with our suffering? How do we wrestle with the crucifixion of Christ and the issue of atonement as it relates to suffering and God’s anger? How do we determine when we are the cause of our own suffering, when it’s someone else’s doing or when we are being invited by God to join in the suffering of Jesus? Ruth and Curt tackle these questions and more in today’s episode. Over on Patreon, Curt guides us through a practice designed to help us discern the cause or invitation of an aspect of our own suffering and hold it with God.   This season, psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson, MD joins us to discuss suffering and how it is the place where durable and true hope is formed. We will be working through the ideas in his new book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. Mentioned in the Episode: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  by Curt Thompson “God was in Christ reconciling all things to himself”—II Corinthians 5:18,19 (NJKV) W

In this episode, Ruth and Curt dive all the way into the deep end as they discuss attachment, attunement, and internal family systems. The pair also tackle the importance of embodiment in this healing work of suffering and durable hope. Curt also has some thoughtful questions for Ruth about the role suffering has played in her life and leadership. Over on Patreon, Curt introduces an exercise that combines the concept of internal family systems with a breathing practice.   This season, psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson, MD joins us to discuss suffering and how it is the place where durable and true hope is formed. We will be working through the ideas in his new book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. Mentioned in the Episode: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  by Curt Thompson The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe about Ourselves by Curt Thompson Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson Season 16 Transforming Leadership:Managing Anxiety With

What does suffering have to do with our transformation? That is the question Ruth and Curt explore this season on the podcast! In today’s episode, they discuss how the Christian story is the only one that honors suffering, the difference between suffering and pain, what shame has to do with it, and how suffering differently can lead to durable hope. On patreon, Curt leads us in a practice that helps us to name our suffering.   This season, psychiatrist, speaker, and author Dr. Curt Thompson joins us to discuss suffering and how it is the place where durable and true hope is formed. We will be working through the ideas in his new book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. Mentioned in the Episode: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  by Curt Thompson The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe about Ourselves by Curt Thompson Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive

Lent is upon us again. In this special bonus episode, Ruth shares her remarks from our recent live, virtual event designed to help us prepare for Lent. Lent is for everyone, but it has a special application for spiritual leaders, providing a needed opportunity to “fashion our own wilderness” (Henri Nouwen) and return to God with all our hearts. On this Ash Wednesday, we invite you to take some time to prepare your heart and mind to enter the Lenten season.   Our next podcast season begins next week. Psychiatrist, speaker, and author Dr. Curt Thompson joins us all season to discuss suffering and how it is the place where durable and true hope is formed. We will be working through the ideas in his new book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope.   Mentioned in the Episode: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  by Curt Thompson Lent A Season of Returning by Ruth Haley Barton We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $5

We were so lucky to have Scott Erickson on the podcast this season! Not only did he share his wisdom and thoughtfulness, but he also shared his art and his spiritual director expertise! Over on Patreon each week we chose one of the pieces of art discussed in the episode and Scott walked us through a Visio Divina practice with that image. As a Christmas gift to all our listeners we wanted to share the first visio divina practice from episode one.   First you'll hear Ruth introduce you to the practice of Visio Divina and help you to settle in. Then at 5:35 you'll hear Scott begin the practice. We've left lots of room at the end to give you time and space to continue your practice.   As always we encourage you to do this in a set apart time, free from distraction and noise. You can find the image HERE (it's the first image from episode 1, the picture of Mary holding her belly), or you can find this same image at the beginning of Chapter 11, Assumptions, on page 88, of Scott's book, Honest Advent.   Let us k

See the image discussed in today’s episode HERE.   We’ve reached the end of our Advent journey. Ruth, Scott, and Charity come together one last time to wonder where God is in the darkness, the unfolding, and the journey. Scott shares a story of God’s intimate revelation during his own pilgrimage, and the three ponder how we move from revelation to participation. They also discuss the Magi’s journey and what God reveals about light and darkness in their story.   This season, we’ve invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and m

See the image discussed in today’s episode HERE.   Ruth, Scott, and Charity continue their journey through Advent with a conversation around Scott’s pieces, Sacred and Mighty. With these images, they explore where God is in our humanity, in our broken, imperfect bodies, and in the mightiness God displayed when he came to earth in the form of a tiny baby, choosing to go through the world in all his humanness, just as we do. They discuss how to make the ordinary sacred and the invitation to pause and notice our experiences in our very human bodies this Advent, searching for what they reveal about God.   This season, we’ve invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott

See the image discussed in today’s episode HERE.   This week, as Ruth, Scott, and Charity examine Scott’s “cover” of Sister Grace Remington’s beautiful painting Mary and Eve, they delve into womanhood, mothering, and the invitation to embrace vulnerability this advent. Why is it so scandalous to talk about God as a mother? What does the vulnerability of God coming into the world as a baby have to teach us about our own vulnerability? How does our obsession with meritocracy (defined in this conversation as the earning of God’s good grace by our deeds, awards, and success) rob us of actual grace and love?   This season, we’ve invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  S

As we mark the first week of Advent we are examining the Annunciation. How do we define a revelation and what does it expose in us? What does a revelation do to our plans and certainty? Where is God in the midst of it all? Ruth, Charity and Scott discuss Mary’s response to the news of what God was doing in her, how we know when God is doing a new thing and why we can sometimes feel crazy when we sense a sacred revelation in the middle of our very ordinary existence.   This season, we’ve invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?    See the image discussed in today’s episode HERE.   Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes aut

Advent is upon us again. This season, we’ve invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?    In today’s episode, Ruth and Charity introduce us to Scott. He shares why he wrote Honest Advent, what he was trying to convey with the images in the book and what he means by this idea of “Honest Advent.” They all discuss what longing and waiting look like in this church season, why it’s important to honestly hold both, and how the hope that God might still be doing something deeper, bigger, and truer than we can see keeps them present to what could be. See the image discussed in today’s episode HERE. Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate

Ruth sits down with producer Colleen to wrap up season 20 of the podcast. They share their learnings and highlights from these conversations and Ruth answers a listener's question about how to bring transformative worship to your congregation if you are not a part of the planning process. To close Ruth gives us a few key takeaways to help us understand and embody transformative worship.    This season we’re focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered. In addition to Ruth and Rory, we will also be bringing other guests into the conversations about worship with spiritual formation at its core. This season is for all who worship, not just pastors and leaders who plan the weekly services!   Advent is just around the corner! Our guest this season will be author, artist and speaker Scott Erickson. Ruth, Scott and Transforming C

David, Charity, and Leo return with Ruth to continue their conversation from last week. In an episode that could have been titled, “Confessions of Professional Christians,” these four vulnerably and candidly share their own struggles with perfectionism at the cost of transformation. David gives us incredible insight into the difference between a diverse community and a reconciling community. Charity shares what has mattered most to her young family as they looked for a place to worship and Leo reveals his experience as a children’s pastor when the children ruined all his well intentioned plans with their beautiful human-ness. What does it look like to make space for worship that changes us?   This season we’re focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered. In addition to Ruth and Rory, we will also be bringing other guests

We have a full house for today’s episode! Ruth and Rory are joined by David Bailey, Leo Ayala, and Charity McClure. Sunday morning continues to be the most segregated hour of the week and many of us find ourselves longing to worship alongside a community that reflects a beautiful diversity of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status and more. In this episode our brave participants discuss how little resources exist for multi ethnic worship, the ways in which worship planners can prepare services with only some members of their congregation in mind and how important it is to allow a variety of people to bring their whole selves and voices to the worship planning and execution. They also share a beautiful experience they all had together in community that gave them a glimpse of what it might look like to worship on earth as in heaven.   This season we’re focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worshi

We’re back! This season we’re focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered. In addition to Ruth and Rory, we will also be bringing other guests into the conversations about worship with spiritual formation at its core. This season is for all who worship, not just pastors and leaders who plan the weekly services!   In today’s episode Ruth and Rory are joined by Aaron Damiani, an Anglican pastor, to discuss the worship practice of Communion. Ruth and Rory share about their own painful experiences trying to celebrate the eucharist across denominations in the early days of Transforming Community and the three talk about how to wade into the places of tension the Lord’s table can hold. They also tackle why the eucharist is an important part of transforming worship and how to make communion transformative if it’s become a rote p

We’re back! This season we’re focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered. In addition to Ruth and Rory, we will also be bringing other guests into the conversations about worship with spiritual formation at its core. This season is for all who worship, not just pastors and leaders who plan the weekly services!  This week Ruth and Rory brought in podcast producer Colleen Powell to discuss the problem of Sunday morning. Is it even possible to experience transformative worship in a one hour Sunday morning (or Saturday evening) service? Should you stay at a church where you are not experiencing transformative worship? And what is the secret to services that are transformative? This conversation was challenging and hopeful all at the same time.    Rory Noland is the director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, an organization