Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton

In this conversation, Rasool Berry, a teaching pastor and media creator, shares his transformative journey from a non-church background to embracing faith. He emphasizes the practice of 'tarrying' — waiting on God — and its importance in fostering justice and spiritual connection. Rasool reflects on the resilience of faith in the Black tradition, exploring communal experiences and the need for contemplative action in a chaotic world. This insightful dialogue inspires listeners to seek divine guidance through stillness and reflection.

Reverend Dr. Phaedra Blocker, a dedicated preacher and educator, joins to discuss the significance of 'tarrying' in the Black church, emphasizing active waiting for God's presence even amidst challenges. They explore Hagar's biblical narrative as a lens for understanding agency and divine justice. The conversation highlights socioeconomic mobility issues affecting Black communities and the importance of belonging in faith settings. Practical insights on self-examination and readiness to act on divine guidance provide listeners with actionable takeaways during the Lenten season.

Reverend Dr. Prince Rivers, the Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church in Durham, NC, shares his insights on faith and leadership, drawing from his rich background in psychology. He reflects on his experiences of navigating dual identities, emphasizing how communal worship fosters healing for marginalized communities. The conversation delves into the practice of tarrying, highlighting its role in enhancing spiritual presence and connection. Prince also discusses the collaboration between pastors and musicians in creating transformative worship experiences, rooted in authentic relationships.

Dr. Selina Stone, a theology and ethics lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and author of "Tarry Awhile," shares her insights on the spiritual practice of 'tarrying' rooted in Black Pentecostal traditions. She discusses the transformative power of waiting on the Holy Spirit during challenging times and highlights the crucial role of women in spiritual leadership. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of genuine community support and the intersection of spirituality and social justice, encouraging listeners to embrace the beauty in vulnerability and connection.

Enuma Okoro, a Nigerian-American author and cultural critic known for her book 'Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent,' joins the conversation. She shares her insights on navigating faith, the art of vulnerability, and the profound lessons from waiting on God's timing. The discussion highlights recognizing the sacred in everyday life, the transformative power of silence, and embracing divine invitations. Enuma's reflections invite listeners to deepen their spiritual journeys and appreciate the beauty in unexpected moments.

This week, David Hughes, resident theologian at the Transforming Center, joins the team for an insightful discussion. They explore the dynamics of spiritual companionship through the narratives of Elizabeth and Zechariah, highlighting how community fosters growth in times of wilderness. Vulnerability and acceptance emerge as vital components for transformative experiences. The conversation emphasizes the power of silence and the profound connections that support waiting and spiritual journeys, encouraging listeners to embrace hope amid life’s challenges.

Dalene Strieff, a longtime member of the Transforming Center community, brings her rich experience in spiritual practices to the conversation. They delve into the themes of waiting and barrenness, reflecting on personal losses and the importance of silence in cultivating a deeper connection with God. The discussion highlights Zachariah and Elizabeth's story as an inspiring example of faithfulness amid challenges. Strieff shares insights on how communal practices can help navigate seasons of grief, emphasizing the transformative power of spiritual connection during tough times.

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.

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 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; emphasis on spiritual direction; welcoming and inclusive; committed to justice; and more. This season Ruth will sit down with thoughtful Christian leaders to discuss their thoughts on one of these elements, as it has to do with the future of Christian spirituality. This season was inspired by the Beyond Words series by the same name. Check out those posts here.   PRINCE RIVERS is senior pastor of Union Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. He has been a participant in the Pastor-Theologian Program at the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, N.J., and has a B.A. in psychology from Morehouse College and an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School and currently serves as consulting faculty at Duke Divinity School.   DAVID HUGHES served as a pastor for 37+ years. In 2013, after attending and serving in several Transforming Community experiences, he became the Executive Director of the Transforming Center, where he served for a number of years. Currently, he serves as the part-time Ambassador of the TC. He is married to Joani, and they have three adult children, and two grandchildren. His passion is to accompany church leaders and congregations in their journey to be spiritually formed and transformed in this most challenging era of the Christian church.   Mentioned in this episode: The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone Invitation to a Journey by Robert Muholland The Deeper Journey by Robert Muholland Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Yesterday Today Forever from Music in Solitude   Join us for our upcoming Online Oasis: When the Road is Dark and Dim:  Navigating the Dark Night, Depression, and Grief on the Spiritual Journey. In this Online Oasis event, Dr. Bob Watson, a licensed clinical psychologist, joins Ruth to explore the differences and the overlaps between the dark night of the soul, depression, and the experience of grief on the spiritual journey. Whether you are wondering about this for yourself,  for someone you love, or  someone you are accompanying as a pastor, psychologist or spiritual director, this conversation will equip you to more wisely discern what is really going on, help you learn how to welcome God’s presence into this aspect of the journey, and identify the appropriate resources for each.    It is ideal for:  pastors, spiritual directors, psychologists, individuals, spiritual friends. Join us on Wednesday, October 30 from 12-1:30 CST. Learn more and register HERE.   Support the podcast! This season patrons will receive special bonus episodes with each guest, guiding listeners on how to pray into these different topics. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     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.   *this post contains affiliate links

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 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; emphasis on spiritual direction; welcoming and inclusive; committed to justice; and more. This season Ruth will sit down with thoughtful Christian leaders to discuss their thoughts on one of these elements, as it has to do with the future of Christian spirituality. This season was inspired by the Beyond Words series by the same name. Check out those posts here.   Brenda Salter McNeil is a gifted teacher, preacher and a leader in the international movement for peace and reconciliation.  Her mission is to inspire, equip and empower emerging Christian leaders to be practitioners of reconciliation in their various spheres of influence. She is an Associate Professor of reconciliation studies in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University, where she also directs the Reconciliation Studies program. She also serves on the pastoral staff of Quest Church in Seattle, WA. Dr. Brenda is recognized internationally as one of the foremost leaders of reconciliation and was featured as one of the 50 most influential women to watch by Christianity Today. She is the author of a number of books, including Becoming Brave: Finding the Courage to Pursue Racial Justice Now and Empowered to Repair: Becoming People who Mend Broken Systems and Heal our Communities.    Mentioned in this episode: Empowered to Repair by Brenda Salter McNeil Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Prayer for Healing from Music in Solitude   Join us for our upcoming Online Oasis: When the Road is Dark and Dim:  Navigating the Dark Night, Depression, and Grief on the Spiritual Journey. In this Online Oasis event, Dr. Bob Watson, a licensed clinical psychologist, joins Ruth to explore the differences and the overlaps between the dark night of the soul, depression, and the experience of grief on the spiritual journey. Whether you are wondering about this for yourself,  for someone you love, or  someone you are accompanying as a pastor, psychologist or spiritual director, this conversation will equip you to more wisely discern what is really going on, help you learn how to welcome God’s presence into this aspect of the journey, and identify the appropriate resources for each.    It is ideal for:  pastors, spiritual directors, psychologists, individuals, spiritual friends. Join us on Wednesday, October 30 from 12-1:30 CST. Learn more and register HERE.   Support the podcast! This season patrons will receive special bonus episodes with each guest, guiding listeners on how to pray into these different topics. Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     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.   *this post contains affiliate links