Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton

Lent is upon us again. In this special bonus episode, Ruth shares her remarks from our recent live, virtual event designed to help us prepare for Lent. Lent is for everyone, but it has a special application for spiritual leaders, providing a needed opportunity to “fashion our own wilderness” (Henri Nouwen) and return to God with all our hearts. On this Ash Wednesday, we invite you to take some time to prepare your heart and mind to enter the Lenten season.   Our next podcast season begins next week. Psychiatrist, speaker, and author Dr. Curt Thompson joins us all season to discuss suffering and how it is the place where durable and true hope is formed. We will be working through the ideas in his new book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope.   Mentioned in the Episode: The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope  by Curt Thompson Lent A Season of Returning by Ruth Haley Barton We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Lent 2024 can be found HERE. A digital version of our reflections for Lent resource, Lent A Season of Returning is available for purchase in our bookstore.   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist O Sacred Head, Now Wounded from Lent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons will receive weekly bonus episodes entitled “The Work,” where Curt and Ruth will discuss and provide practical and applicable practices that open us up to God’s presence in our suffering so that durable hope can be formed. 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! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

We were so lucky to have Scott Erickson on the podcast this season! Not only did he share his wisdom and thoughtfulness, but he also shared his art and his spiritual director expertise! Over on Patreon each week we chose one of the pieces of art discussed in the episode and Scott walked us through a Visio Divina practice with that image. As a Christmas gift to all our listeners we wanted to share the first visio divina practice from episode one.   First you'll hear Ruth introduce you to the practice of Visio Divina and help you to settle in. Then at 5:35 you'll hear Scott begin the practice. We've left lots of room at the end to give you time and space to continue your practice.   As always we encourage you to do this in a set apart time, free from distraction and noise. You can find the image HERE (it's the first image from episode 1, the picture of Mary holding her belly), or you can find this same image at the beginning of Chapter 11, Assumptions, on page 88, of Scott's book, Honest Advent.   Let us know how this practice was for you! We'll be doing this each week during Advent. Praying for you as you open yourself to the unseen work of God this Advent season.

Scott Erickson, an artist, author, and spiritual director, joins Ruth and Charity to explore the divine in darkness and uncertainty as they conclude their Advent journey. He shares a personal pilgrimage story that reveals God’s intimate presence. The trio delves into themes of vulnerability and the transformative nature of spiritual awakenings, drawing parallels between the Magi's journey and their own. Together, they contemplate moving from revelation to active participation in faith and the importance of community support along the way.

In this podcast, Ruth, Scott, and Charity explore where God is in our humanity and our imperfect bodies. They discuss making the ordinary sacred, vulnerability, uncertainty, and the significance of our bodies in spirituality. They also delve into the importance of staying present and faithful during Advent, recognizing sacredness in everyday life, and exploring the connection between our bodies and God.

See the image discussed in today’s episode HERE.   This week, as Ruth, Scott, and Charity examine Scott’s “cover” of Sister Grace Remington’s beautiful painting Mary and Eve, they delve into womanhood, mothering, and the invitation to embrace vulnerability this advent. Why is it so scandalous to talk about God as a mother? What does the vulnerability of God coming into the world as a baby have to teach us about our own vulnerability? How does our obsession with meritocracy (defined in this conversation as the earning of God’s good grace by our deeds, awards, and success) rob us of actual grace and love?   This season, we’ve invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you’d like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist There is Room from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  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! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

Scott Erickson, an artist and author known for his works on Honest Advent, joins Ruth and Charity to explore the complexities of divine revelations, especially during Advent. They discuss how moments of vulnerability can lead to personal growth amidst uncertainty, vividly illustrating Mary’s Annunciation. The conversation delves into where God can be found in our everyday struggles and the importance of community support in spiritual journeys. Together, they highlight that embracing God's calls requires both honesty and a willingness to say 'yes' to the unknown.

Scott Erickson, an artist and author known for his work on Honest Advent, joins Ruth and Charity for a deep dive into the honesty of the Advent season. They explore the intertwining of vulnerability and hope, discussing how embracing longing and uncertainty can enrich spiritual journeys. Scott shares insights on his book and the significance of visual imagery in faith, while challenging traditional nativity depictions. The conversation encourages listeners to hold space for authentic feelings and reflect on the beauty of divine presence amidst life's complexities.

Ruth sits down with producer Colleen to wrap up season 20 of the podcast. They share their learnings and highlights from these conversations and Ruth answers a listener's question about how to bring transformative worship to your congregation if you are not a part of the planning process. To close Ruth gives us a few key takeaways to help us understand and embody transformative worship.    This season we’re focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered. In addition to Ruth and Rory, we will also be bringing other guests into the conversations about worship with spiritual formation at its core. This season is for all who worship, not just pastors and leaders who plan the weekly services!   Advent is just around the corner! Our guest this season will be author, artist and speaker Scott Erickson. Ruth, Scott and Transforming Center team member Charity McClure (whose voice you’ll recognize from this season!) will be exploring the themes from Scott’s book, Honest Advent. This season starts Friday, November 24. Purchase Honest Advent wherever you buy books and let’s discover how an honest Advent leads to an honest hope! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.   Mentioned in the episode: Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered by Rory Noland Kelly Latimore Icons Honest Advent by Scott Erickson Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive bonus conversations, extra content and guided practices relating to Rory’s book.  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!

David, Charity, and Leo return with Ruth to continue their conversation from last week. In an episode that could have been titled, “Confessions of Professional Christians,” these four vulnerably and candidly share their own struggles with perfectionism at the cost of transformation. David gives us incredible insight into the difference between a diverse community and a reconciling community. Charity shares what has mattered most to her young family as they looked for a place to worship and Leo reveals his experience as a children’s pastor when the children ruined all his well intentioned plans with their beautiful human-ness. What does it look like to make space for worship that changes us?   This season we’re focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered. In addition to Ruth and Rory, we will also be bringing other guests into the conversations about worship with spiritual formation at its core. This season is for all who worship, not just pastors and leaders who plan the weekly services!   David Bailey is a public theologian, culture maker, and catalyst focused on building reconciling communities. David is the founder and Chief Vision Officer of Arrabon, a spiritual formation ministry that equips the American Church to actively and creatively pursue racial healing in their communities. He is the co-author of the study series, A People, A Place, and A Just Society, and the executive producer of the documentary 11 am: Hope for America's Most Segregated Hour and the Urban Doxology Project. David is rooted at East End Covenant Fellowship, serving on the preaching team, and his greatest honor is to be married to his wonderful wife, Joy.   Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Leo Ayala served as a family pastor for over 15 years and later as lead pastor. For four years, he has been recovering from burnout, anxiety disorder, and depression. On his journey to heal his soul and develop new life rhythms, he completed two years with the Transforming Center (TC15 and now TC19). He is finishing a DMin. in Spiritual Formation on the topic of spirituality during seasons of disorientation. He is a liaison pastor for the Caminando Juntos (Urban Strategies) program, where he looks to improve the holistic well-being of Latino pastors.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Rory Noland is the director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, an organization dedicated to serving artists in the church. He mentors worship leaders, speaks at churches and conferences, leads retreats for artists, and consults with churches in the areas of worship and the arts. Rory is also a trained spiritual director, a published songwriter and has authored five books, including the best-seller, The Heart of the Artist: A Character-Building Guide For You and Your Ministry Team. Rory earned a Doctoral Degree from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. He was part of TC2 and led worship for the The Transforming Center for fifteen years.   We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.   Mentioned in the episode: Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered by Rory Noland Arrabon Urban Doxology Theology of the Womb by Christine Angelle Bauman   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Anthem from Music in Solitude Purge Me from Urban Doxology   Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive bonus conversations, extra content and guided practices relating to Rory’s book.  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!

We have a full house for today’s episode! Ruth and Rory are joined by David Bailey, Leo Ayala, and Charity McClure. Sunday morning continues to be the most segregated hour of the week and many of us find ourselves longing to worship alongside a community that reflects a beautiful diversity of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status and more. In this episode our brave participants discuss how little resources exist for multi ethnic worship, the ways in which worship planners can prepare services with only some members of their congregation in mind and how important it is to allow a variety of people to bring their whole selves and voices to the worship planning and execution. They also share a beautiful experience they all had together in community that gave them a glimpse of what it might look like to worship on earth as in heaven.   This season we’re focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered. In addition to Ruth and Rory, we will also be bringing other guests into the conversations about worship with spiritual formation at its core. This season is for all who worship, not just pastors and leaders who plan the weekly services!   David Bailey is a public theologian, culture maker, and catalyst focused on building reconciling communities. David is the founder and Chief Vision Officer of Arrabon, a spiritual formation ministry that equips the American Church to actively and creatively pursue racial healing in their communities. He is the co-author of the study series, A People, A Place, and A Just Society, and the executive producer of the documentary 11 am: Hope for America's Most Segregated Hour and the Urban Doxology Project. David is rooted at East End Covenant Fellowship, serving on the preaching team, and his greatest honor is to be married to his wonderful wife, Joy. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Leo Ayala served as a family pastor for over 15 years and later as lead pastor. For four years, he has been recovering from burnout, anxiety disorder, and depression. On his journey to heal his soul and develop new life rhythms, he completed two years with the Transforming Center (TC15 and now TC19). He is finishing a DMin. in Spiritual Formation on the topic of spirituality during seasons of disorientation. He is a liaison pastor for the Caminando Juntos (Urban Strategies) program, where he looks to improve the holistic well-being of Latino pastors.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Rory Noland is the director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, an organization dedicated to serving artists in the church. He mentors worship leaders, speaks at churches and conferences, leads retreats for artists, and consults with churches in the areas of worship and the arts. Rory is also a trained spiritual director, a published songwriter and has authored five books, including the best-seller, The Heart of the Artist: A Character-Building Guide For You and Your Ministry Team. Rory earned a Doctoral Degree from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. He was part of TC2 and led worship for the The Transforming Center for fifteen years.   We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.   Mentioned in the episode: Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered by Rory Noland All music in this episode is featured on the Transforming Resource, The Lord is In Our Midst CD Urban Doxology   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Chasing Butterflies from Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive bonus conversations, extra content and guided practices relating to Rory’s book.  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!