Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton

Discover the challenges of parenting in a digital age as hosts tackle the impact of technology on family dynamics. They discuss setting boundaries around device use and the societal risks of social media for teens. Hear insights on fostering empathy among parents and the importance of community support in navigating these pressures. The hosts share practical tips for low-tech family practices, while emphasizing the need for intentional Sabbath moments that create joy and connection. It's a thoughtful exploration of modern parenting dilemmas.

Ruth and Jay discuss how digital technology affects our attention spans and mental health. They reflect on the mental toll of constant news exposure and the need for intentionality to protect our inner peace. The conversation highlights attention as a valuable gift that needs stewardship against distractions. They explore the risks of multitasking and the psychological impacts of tech, while offering practical practices to reclaim focus. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with technology and assess its influence on their lives.

In this engaging discussion, Jay Y. Kim, the lead pastor at West Gate Church and author of the Digital Examen podcast, joins Ruth Haley Barton to unpack the relationship between technology and spiritual life. They explore the vital need for solitude and silence, especially amid digital distractions. Jay shares practical strategies like turning smartphones into 'dummy phones' to enhance focus. They also reflect on the challenges of digital addiction, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in creating clutter-free sacred spaces for a deeper connection with God.

Jay Y. Kim, lead pastor at West Gate Church and author, dives into the complex relationship between technology and spirituality. He shares emotional anecdotes from his family life in Silicon Valley, revealing technology's duality as both a facilitator and a barrier to connection. Ruth and Jay discuss how digital tools can impact spiritual practices and community engagement. They advocate for balancing tech use with meaningful, face-to-face interactions, setting the stage for a dynamic exploration of faith in the digital age.

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 you want to hear from the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast! It takes less than 5 minutes, and the information you can provide will be so valuable to us to help continue to make podcast episodes that serve you and your leadership. Take our podcast survey today!

In this enlightening discussion, John Ortberg, a renowned pastor and author, shares insights from his new book on spiritual transformation. He delves into the powerful intersections between spiritual practices and the 12-step recovery model. Ortberg emphasizes the vital role of vulnerability and the confession of powerlessness in achieving genuine change. Personal stories illustrate the transformative potential of community and self-examination, highlighting how embracing one’s limitations can foster deeper connections and lead to a more authentic spiritual journey.

The discussion highlights five powerful post-resurrection encounters with Jesus, emphasizing their transformative nature. Listeners are invited to reflect on personal experiences of loss and doubt in light of these biblical stories. The theme of healing and deeper relationships with God resonates throughout, encouraging personal connection and spiritual renewal. The wonder and joy of these encounters bring a fresh perspective to the significance of Christ's presence in our lives.

Tina Harris, an ordained United Methodist pastor with a Master of Divinity, shares her insights on the communal practice of tarrying. She emphasizes the power of vulnerability and lament during difficult times, especially in spiritual contexts. The conversation explores how confronting disappointment and engaging with collective suffering can lead to healing. Tina encourages listeners to embrace the marginalized and reflect on their journeys through faith, ultimately inviting deeper connections with God amidst life's challenges.

Joy Bailey, a photographer and writer, and David Bailey, a public theologian and catalyst, engage in a heartfelt discussion about their journey through chronic health challenges. They explore the depths of suffering and the crucial role of community support in healing. The couple shares how their faith has evolved amid adversity, emphasizing the practice of 'tarrying' as a means to connect with God and others. Their reflections highlight the intersection of spirituality and health, inviting listeners to engage compassionately with their own stories and those of marginalized communities.

In this engaging conversation, Delwin Eiland, an artist, pastor, and worship leader, shares his insights on the powerful spiritual practice of tarrying. He emphasizes the importance of silence and restraint during worship, highlighting how these moments foster deeper connections with God. Delwin discusses the balance of self-expression and the need for quiet, especially within communal settings, and introduces the Haven initiative aimed at enriching spiritual connections among leaders. The discussion beautifully concludes with a moment of reflection inspired by his song 'Wait for You.'