Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton

S25 Ep 1 | Advent Week 1: An Invitation to a New Season in Advent

Nov 29, 2024

In this reflective journey through Advent, the hosts delve into the themes of longing, grief, and unanswered prayers as seen in the stories of Elizabeth and Zachariah. They highlight the power of silence and the importance of communal lament amidst societal turmoil. Insights from 'Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent' encourage listeners to engage with their emotional experiences authentically. The conversation emphasizes hope and the transformative nature of faith during challenging times, inviting deeper spiritual connection and vulnerability.

50:46

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Quick takeaways

The podcast emphasizes the importance of lamentation as a spiritual practice for fostering connections within the community and addressing personal grief.

It highlights how engaging in silence and reflection during Advent can deepen one's spiritual journey and improve reliance on God amidst uncertainty.

Deep dives

Navigating Division and Finding Space

The preparation for the upcoming season addresses the reality of division within both the community and the church, emphasizing the need for space to process feelings regardless of the election outcome. Acknowledging the overwhelming noise in contemporary discourse, the discussion highlights a profound sense of depletion and a yearning for a return to God. Drawing inspiration from Enuma Okoro’s book on silence and the invitations of Advent, there is an intent to create an environment conducive to reflection and connection. This Advent season is positioned as an opportunity for transformation, urging participants to embrace their longings and uncertainties.

Intro

3min

Longing and Faith: The Journey of Elizabeth and Zachariah

10min

Hope and Mourning in Advent

8min

Navigating Faith and Community in a New Season

3min

Navigating Faith Amidst Doubt

25min

Embracing Compassion During Advent

2min

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 explore insights from Enuma Okoro's book 'Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent,' spotlighting Elizabeth and Zachariah's deep desires and unanswered prayers. The group also discusses the importance of maintaining faith amid turmoil, communal lament, and the transformative power of silence and spiritual practices.

Mentioned in this episode:

Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent by Enuma Okoro

Music Credit:

Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist

Joseph's Prayer from Advent Music in Solitude

A Light Unto My Path from Advent Music in Solitude

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The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders. Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! Learn more and apply HERE.

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