Ruth Haley Barton – författare

Drawing on the imagery of the natural rhythms of the created order, Sacred Rhythms explores the practices that spiritual seekers and growing disciples have used throughout history to grow closer to God. In a similar way, the disciplines of the spiritual life are the basic components of the rhythm of intimacy that feeds the soul, keeping Christians open and available to God’s surprising initiative in their lives.In this six session video-based study (DVD/digital video sold separately), Ruth Haley Barton provides guidance for you and your group in a way that links the disciplines of the Christian faith to the most compelling desires of the human soul. Each of the following sessions offers specific practices that allow you to experience each discipline and incorporate it into your life.Sessions include:Longing for MoreCreating Space for GodEngaging the ScripturesFlesh and Blood SpiritualityBringing My Whole Self to GodA Rule of LifeDesigned for use with the Sacred Rhythms Video Study (sold separately).

Spiritual Practices for Burnt Out Leaders"I''m tired of helping others enjoy God—I just want to enjoy God for myself."With this painful admission, Ruth Haley Barton invites spiritual leaders into an honest exploration of what happens when they lose track of their souls. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership weaves together contemporary illustrations with penetrating insights from the life of Moses to help ministry leaders care for their own souls so that they may in turn minister well to others.Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership explores topics including:- responding to the dynamics of calling- facing the loneliness of leadership- leading from your authentic self- cultivating spiritual community- discerning God''s will togetherEach chapter includes a spiritual practice to ensure your soul gets the nourishment it needs. Barton shows that forging and maintaining a life-giving connection with God is the best choice you can make for yourself and for those you lead.What''s New in the Expanded EditionThis expanded edition includes the popular "How Is It with Your Soul?" assessment for leaders and a flexible six- or twelve-week guided experience for groups.Start Your Journey to Spiritual HealthDon''t wait to transform the way you approach leadership. Discover how to lead from a place of spiritual health with Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.

Cultivate and Catalyze Spiritual Transformation in Your CommunityMany Christian communities long for deeper spiritual growth but find themselves stuck, not knowing how to move forward together. If you are a leader seeking to guide your community toward genuine, God-centered transformation, this book provides the vision and tools you need.In Leading a Transforming Community, spiritual formation thought leader Ruth Haley Barton shares insights from over twenty-five years of guiding leaders through the Transforming Center. She casts a compelling vision for what is possible when a community gathers around the presence of Christ with the shared goal of spiritual transformation.This seminal work is an essential resource for pastors, small group leaders, and leaders of all Christian communities who believe that change and transformation should be the norm, not the exception.Leading a Transforming Community will equip you and your team with- Biblical and theological foundations for spiritual transformation in community;- Shared attitudes, practices, and experiences to do together as a group;- Real-life examples and stories from fellow leaders; and- Practical, intentional strategies for opening to God as a community.This book shows how spiritual transformation is central to the message of the gospel and the mission of the church. With Leading a Transforming Community, learn to cultivate a community of spiritual transformation that discerns and does the will of God together, and in turn empowers others to do the same.

Will You Accept God''s Gift of Sabbath Rest?In our frenzied culture, the possibility of living in balanced rhythms of work and rest often feels elusive. This rings especially true for pastors and leaders who carry the weight of nonstop responsibility. Most know they need rest but might be surprised to find within themselves a deep resistance to letting go and resting in God one day a week, let alone for longer seasons of sabbatical.The journey to a meaningful sabbath practice is slow and gradual, and it is a journey we need to take in community. Sharing her own story of practicing sabbath for the past twenty years, Ruth Haley Barton offers hard-won wisdom regarding the rhythms of sabbath, exploring both weekly sabbath keeping as well as extended periods of sabbatical time.In Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest, you''ll find:- Practical steps for embedding sabbath rhythms in churches and organizations, grounding us in God''s intentions in giving us the gift of sabbath,- An opportunity at the end of each chapter to reflect and engage God around your own journey with the material, and- A conversation guide for small groups and communities to foster transformation on a community-level.Sabbath is more than a practice—it is a way of life ordered around God''s invitation to regular rhythms of work, rest, and replenishment that will sustain us for the long haul of life in leadership.