Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton

Why does Elijah say the same things again? We expect Elijah’s experience of God’s presence to transform him, but there is a comforting interpretation of this passage. The good news: we don’t have to beg God for guidance. He is our shepherd and wants to guide. A great conversation ensues around how silence and solitude connects to receiving guidance. We conclude with a practice that leads us into guidance.  Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

In this podcast, Ruth Haley Barton and Steve Weins discuss the transformative power of desiring God's presence above all things. They explore the story of Elijah and how it led him to the pure presence of God, finding rest and true identity. They also discuss Ruth's new book, Invitation to Retreat, and the practice of deep breathing to connect with God. Reflect on areas of life that need transformation and join a transforming community to embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

We are in the chaos with Elijah. In solitude and silence we feel the battle between the false self and the true self. Some of the most important questions emerge from the chaos. Ruth and Steve discuss what facing ourself really means and how our true self is hidden with Christ in God. This is the narrow path. As always, we end with a practice to help you face yourself. 

It takes stamina to stay in silence and solitude. Why does God meet us in such vast emptiness? Ruth has a thought. There is great encouragement in Elijah’s journey and how long it took. Emptiness can be very lonely, yet you don’t have to go alone. It is good to have some human support and we discuss the ministry of presence. Our practice starts with acknowledging we have places of emptiness. Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

We have made it to the cave with Elijah and he is telling the whole truth. The good news is God can handle anything. Ruth shares about being in solitude and silence with gratitude and how restful and energizing it can be. What if we feel like God didn’t show up? Ruth has some advice. Faithfulness to these practices will bear fruit because the work is happening underneath. Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

We are moving through this story slowly and it is good. At this point God asks Elijah a question. Allowing the mind rest into the heart is a helpful way to describe letting the mind rest without discounting the contribution of the mind. Ruth shares a personal example of resting and trusting God. We end this episode by resting with our questions in God’s presence.   Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

What is not to like about the fact that God instructed Elijah to take not one but two naps? Why do we treat our body so poorly? Ruth and Steve discuss a powerful psalm to better understand the dynamic of silence and solitude. They also discuss how the daily examen can help us get in touch with our bodies. We are developing a rhythm of practice in this season; this episode will help you get in touch with your body.   Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

Steve Wiens, Senior Pastor of Genesis in Minneapolis, brings valuable insights on leadership and the importance of rest. They delve into the story of Elijah, discussing the need for rest before recovery and how to recognize signs of being dangerously tired. Conversation highlights include distinguishing healthy fatigue from exhaustion, setting boundaries with technology, and the rising anxiety among pastors. Steve and Ruth also explore the practical rhythms of work and rest, emphasizing the integration of medical help with spiritual practices.

Our lives are not in danger like Elijahs, but we all have to face resistance. If you feel the push pull, then this is likely a signal God is at work.  How do we push through our fear? What if we are afraid God will not show up? It is good to know our own baggage. The best part is that God will meet you even if you have a lot of resistance. Ruth shares her experience with people who seem most resistant to silence and solitude. We end again with a practice.  Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton Transforming Community Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.

Learning to be present with God alone – where do we begin? How do we get to the point where we recognize that what needs done in our lives only God can do? We define our terms in this episode – what is silence and what is solitude? Steve is already overachieving, Ruth encourages people to begin with a much smaller amount of time in silence and solitude Mentioned in this podcast: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton The Way of the Heart, Henri Nouwen Exploring Further: Music in Solitude Ruth Haley Barton Steve Wiens Become a patron:  Join a growing movement of transforming leaders. We have gotten fantastic feedback about the podcast, and we would like to create even more content. We need you! Become a patron and receive exclusive bonuses and our gratitude. Learn more on our Patreon.com page. Music Credit: The intro and outro by Aaron Niequist.