Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton

Ruth is joined by Aaron Niequest long-time friend (alumn of TC9) who has also served as worship leader in some Transforming Community® communities. Ruth and Aaron have a rich discussion about practice based faith and worship. Since they both were raised in the Plymouth Brethren tradition, they share what they believe is the best contribution this heritage had on their spiritual formation. In discussing the role of belief in our spiritual transformation, they raise the question: Is what you believe making you a better person? SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Listen to other episodes from Season 9 Access past podcast seasons Mentioned in this podcast: The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning, Aaron Niequist The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Lent and receive our Lent: A Season of Returning! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.

Church leaders seldom crash and burn because they fail at preaching or ministering. Christian leaders often burn out because they don’t know how to manage themselves and what they’re experiencing. In the second episode of a two-part conversation we lay the groundwork for understanding how human relationships work and our part in those relationships referencing the eight concepts of family systems theory developed by Murray Bowen.  Ruth is joined by a new friend R. Robert Creech (PhD, Baylor University), an experienced pastor and seminary teacher.  Robert is the director of pastoral ministries at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas and is the author of several books. SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Listen to other episodes from Season 9 Access past podcast seasons Mentioned in this podcast: Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry, R. Robert Creech The Leader's Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation, Jim Herrington , Trisha Taylor, and R. Robert Creech Extraordinary Relationships: A New Way of Thinking About Human Interactions, Roberta M. Gilbert Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Lent and receive our Lent: A Season of Returning! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.

Church leaders seldom crash and burn because they fail at preaching or ministering. Christian leaders often burn out because they don’t know how to manage themselves and what they’re experiencing. In the first episode of a two-part conversation we lay the groundwork for understanding how human relationships work and our part in those relationships referencing the eight concepts of family systems theory developed by Murray Bowen.  Ruth is joined by a new friend R. Robert Creech (PhD, Baylor University), an experienced pastor and seminary teacher to discuss the first three concepts.  Robert is the director of pastoral ministries at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas and is the author of several books.   SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Listen to other episodes from Season 9 Access past podcast seasons Mentioned in this podcast: Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry, R. Robert Creech The Leader's Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation, Jim Herrington , Trisha Taylor, and R. Robert Creech Extraordinary Relationships: A New Way of Thinking About Human Interactions, Roberta M. Gilbert Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Lent and receive our Lent: A Season of Returning! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.

A custom of our Christian tradition is to keep vigil with Christ at different times and in different ways during Holy Week. One of the places from which we draw this custom is Jesus’ request to his disciples to keep watch while he prayed and agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane. We also know that there were those few—including Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ mother Mary, and the apostle John—who stayed near the cross and kept watch as Jesus suffered and died. Despite the horror of what was taking place, those most intimate with Jesus stayed with him to the end. Walking and praying through the stations of the cross is one way we can keep vigil with Christ during these holy days. Traditionally, there are fourteen Stations of the Cross—most of them taken directly from Scripture, along with a few that have been passed down in Christian tradition. This episode is based on An Invitation to Walk with Christ: Stations of the Cross Prayer Guide by Ruth Haley Barton. Special thanks to Steve Wiens for the production of the bonus episode. Enhance your experience and pray along with us…  SOME IDEAS TO HELP YOU PREPARE:  Plan for the service to take about an hour and fifteen minutes, including a 15 minute meditation on the practice of praying the stations of the cross, along with a few simple instructions.  Review the comments below to gain a sense of who you are praying with;  add your own name if you wish, letting us know where you will be praying. It is a strength and an encouragement to know we are praying with so many from around the world. Consider creating a simple “altar” with a cross, a candle you can light before beginning the service,  and any other symbol you that might be meaningful to you and your family. If you would like to participate in the prayers and responses, receive a downloadable Order of Service (text only) when you make a donation of any amount.* In order to avoid awkwardness, make a decision ahead of time with your group about whether or not you will join in the singing of the hymns. Lyrics are included and we have intentionally chosen versions that are simple and easy to follow. The service will conclude in an open-ended way with the extinguishing of the candle. Decide ahead of time who will do this and how your group will conclude. For example, you could agree that all will leave silently in order to spend time alone in quiet and even journaling about Jesus has said to them at each station. Or it could be that there was one station individuals want to return to and linger with for awhile. *Due to the fact that our online store is currently closed, we are offering these resources for a donation to cover our costs. SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Exploring Further: Transforming Resources; Lent Resources Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you!  Music Credit: Lead me to Calvary performed by Don Moen, from the album Hymns of Hope Were you There, performed by The Vigil Project (featuring Andrea Thomas), from the album  Vigil, Series 1 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, performed by Sandra McCracken, from the album She Reads Truth: Hymns New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.   ©Ruth Haley Barton, 2020. Adapted from An Invitation to Walk with Christ: Stations of the Cross Prayer Guide.

The enormous response to Ruth's blog post last week led to Ruth Haley Barton and Steve Wiens, pastor of Genesis Covenant Church, recording a bonus podcast episode for pastors and Christian leaders addressing the corona virus pandemic. SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Mentioned in this podcast: That the Works of God Might be Revealed, Ruth Haley Barton Pursuing God’s will Together, Ruth Haley Barton (for more on John 9 story) Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Lent and receive our Lent: A Season of Returning! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray. Join us for a virtual Good Friday prayer service Join us as we keep vigil with Christ on Good Friday. We will post a recording of our Stations of the Cross Prayer Service here on Wednesday April 8, 2020 and on the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast. As much as possible, plan to pray between 12:00 -3:00 in your time zone. Learn more about how to participate and ways to enhance your experience and pray along with us.

A great conversation with long-time friend Steve Wiens, pastor of Genesis Covenant Church, about sexuality and gender that will surprisingly leave you encouraged. Ruth defines spirituality, sexuality, sex, gender and asks the question: How can we redeem our sexuality?  We need to do the work of #metoo #churchtoo, but there is hope on the other side. Dallas Willard brings it home… “the opposite of lust is ______?   SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Mentioned in this podcast: The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality Ronald Rolheiser Shining Like the Sun: Seven Mindful Practices for Rekindling Your Faith by Steve Wiens. Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Lent and receive our Lent: A Season of Returning! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.

A conversation for those who have money and those who feel they don’t have enough money. Our relationship with money reveals what we are placing our trust in. Sadly even in most Christian families there is a disconnect between our spiritual life and money. In episode 4 Ruth is joined by Todd Harper, President of Generous Giving and David Wills, President Emeritus of National Christian Foundation, friends and alumni of the Transforming Community experience for a revealing discussion about transformation and money. Mentioned in this podcast: The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life Lynne Twist Lent: A Season of Returning Ruth Haley Barton Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Lent and receive our Lent: A Season of Returning! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.

The third-part of Ruth's conversation with author Fr. Ronald Rolheiser is a thought provoking discussion of  the third stage of discipleship – giving our deaths away. How can we give something deep in our passivity like Jesus did in his passion? A fascinating dialogue about dying and the spiritual journey.  Ruth shares with us what her mother taught her in her death. This conversation is drawn from his profound and thought-provoking book, Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity. We pray these three episodes will serve you well as you begin your Lenten journey. SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Mentioned in this podcast: The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality Ronald Rolheiser Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity Ronald Rolheiser Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Lent and receive a free resource! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.

In the second-part of Ruth's conversation with author Fr. Ronald Rolheiser Ruth discusses the temptations and invitations of the second stage of discipleship – those giving their lives away. The stage where most of us find ourselves! The choice in this stage  is between bitterness and gratitude. This episode is great reminder to take pleasure in your life and to remember that anger takes you away from gratitude.  This conversation is drawn from his profound and thought-provoking book, Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity. We pray these three episodes will serve you well as you begin your Lenten journey. SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Mentioned in this podcast: The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality Ronald Rolheiser Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity Ronald Rolheiser Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Advent! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.

We are launching season 9 and keeping things fresh. This season is titled Ruth and Friends: “Conversations on Spiritual Transformation and…” In each episode Ruth invites leaders with diverse callings and expertise to dialogue and explore how spiritual transformation intersects with some of the most significant topics of this time. We begin the season by offering a three-part conversation with author Fr. Ronald Rolheiser discussing the three stages of discipleship. This conversation is drawn from his profound and thought-provoking book, Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity. In episode 1 Ruth and Ron discuss the temptations and invitations of those who are getting their lives together. We pray these three episodes will serve you well as you begin your Lenten journey. SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher. Mentioned in this podcast: The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality Ronald Rolheiser A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity Ronald Rolheiser Exploring Further: Transforming Community Ruth Haley Barton Become a patron: Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We’ve received fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more episodes. We need you! Become a patron during Advent! Music Credit: New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray.