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A lively dialogue with Ruth Haley Barton about forging and maintaining a life-giving connection with God in the midst of leading. Learn more at www.transformingcenter.org.
Episodes

Jul 15, 2020
Jul 15, 2020
29 min
What is Holistic Spirituality? How does one nurture the whole person along with answering this question: What does love require of me? Because insisting on "being myself” is really not holistic spirituality. Ruth Haley Barton and Steve Wiens discuss both the positive and negative expressions of each of the Myers-Briggs personality types.
You can also access this episode on Google Play or Stitcher.
Listen to other episodes from Season 10 Access past podcast seasons
This season we are walking through Invitation to a Journey, part of the Transforming Resources collection published by InterVarsity Press. We encourage you to get a copy of the book, and now more than ever is a great way to support a local book store, or you can buy it directly from the publishers website. IVP is even offering Invitation to A Journey at 30% off — Visit them at Ivpress.com and use code: SOUL30. Offer expires on July 15, 2020.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, M. Robert Mulholland
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 this summer and receive our free Fixed- Hour Prayers for Families with guidance for how to get started and ideas for engaging children when you become a patron at any level.
Music Credit:
I am New by Joel Hanson. Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist

Jul 8, 2020
Jul 8, 2020
39 min
Listen in to learn what creation gifts are and how they relate to our spiritual journey. Make no mistake, this journey is not about self actualization. Ruth Haley Barton and Steve Wiens discuss why Mulholland uses Myers-Briggs. A relevant conversation in a time when the Enneagram is overhyped.
You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher.
Listen to other episodes from Season 10 | Access past podcast seasons
This season we are walking through Invitation to a Journey, part of the Transforming Resources collection published by InterVarsity Press. We encourage you to get a copy of the book, and now more than ever is a great way to support a local book store, or you can buy it directly from the publishers website. IVP is even offering Invitation to A Journey at 30% off — Visit them at Ivpress.com and use code: SOUL30. Offer expires on July 15, 2020.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, M. Robert Mulholland
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 this summer and receive our free Fixed- Hour Prayers for Families with guidance for how to get started and ideas for engaging children when you become a patron at any level.
Music Credit:
I am New by Joel Hanson. Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist

Jul 1, 2020
Jul 1, 2020
36 min
Ruth Haley Barton and Steve Wiens continue their conversation about the road map of spiritual formation and discuss what it means to be transformed into the image of Christ. Confirmed to the image of Christ does not mean we are trying to copy Christ, because when we try to copy someone we are not being changed. This is something far deeper. A wonderful rich conversation about holiness as wholeness. If you feel shame, you want to listen to this episode. We conclude with the idea of what "for the sake of others” means.
You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher.
Listen to other episodes from Season 10 | Access past podcast seasons
———————————————
This season we are walking through Invitation to a Journey, part of the Transforming Resources collection published by InterVarsity Press. We encourage you to get a copy of the book, and now more than ever is a great way to support a local book store, or you can buy it directly from the publishers website. IVP is even offering Invitation to A Journey at 30% off — Visit them at Ivpress.com and use code: SOUL30. Offer expires on July 15, 2020.
———————————————
Mentioned in this podcast:
- Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, M. Robert Mulholland
- The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery by David Benner
- Mr Rogers Documentary: Won't You Be My Neighbor?
- A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
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 this summer and receive our free Fixed- Hour Prayers for Families with guidance for how to get started and ideas for engaging children when you become a patron at any level. Music
Credit: I am New by Joel Hanson. Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist

Jun 24, 2020
Jun 24, 2020
39 min
You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher.
———————————————
This season we are walking through Invitation to a Journey, part of the Transforming Resources collection published by InterVarsity Press. We encourage you to get a copy of the book, and now more than ever is a great way to support a local book store, or you can buy it directly from the publishers website. IVP is even offering Invitation to A Journey at 30% off — Visit them at Ivpress.com and use code: SOUL30. Offer expires on July 15, 2020.
———————————————
Mentioned in this podcast:
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, M. Robert Mulholland
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 this summer and receive our free Fixed- Hour Prayers for Families with guidance for how to get started and ideas for engaging children when you become a patron at any level.
Music Credit:
I am New by Joel Hanson. Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist

Jun 17, 2020
Jun 17, 2020
4 min
This season we are walking through Invitation to a Journey, part of the Transforming Resources collection published by InterVarsity Press. We encourage you to get a copy of the book, and now more than ever is a great way to support a local book store, or you can buy it directly from the publishers website. IVP is even offering Invitation to A Journey at 30% off — Visit them at Ivpress.com and use code: SOUL30. Offer expires on July 15, 2020.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, M. Robert Mulholland
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 this summer and receive our free Fixed- Hour Prayers for Families with guidance for how to get started and ideas for engaging children when you become a patron at any level.
Music Credit:
New Way to Live written by Joel Hanson. I am New written by Joel Hanson and Jason Gray. Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist.
You can also access podcast on Google Play or Stitcher.

May 27, 2020
May 27, 2020
8 min
What is spiritual transformation—really? How can we move from the false self to the true self in Christ? Is it possible to talk about sin without being judgmental? What is the relationship between personal spiritual formation and our mission in the world? Listen in as Robert Mulholland and Ruth Haley Barton discuss these questions and share stories of their own journeys of transformation in Christ. This is a recording from 2015 and was the last time Ruth spent with Bob before his death from cancer. We are closing this season for now, but intend to do more "Ruth and Friends" in the future. Don't miss the announcement of what in store for Season 10 of the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast.
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:
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, Robert Mulholland
Exploring Further:
Transforming Community
Ruth Haley Barton
Read Ruth's tribute to M. Robert Mulholland
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.

May 15, 2020
May 15, 2020
45 min
What happens when you record a podcast and the lawn service is working very hard outside your window? Find out on today’s podcast! We will also discuss the integration of psychology and spirituality – an important topic for spiritual leaders. Leaders can fall into the trap of over spiritualizing in order to avoid doing the hard psychological work of facing real brokenness. Ruth invites her friend Bob Watson, a licensed clinical psychologist, for a fascinating discussion. As part of their own self leadership leaders need to not just look at the spiritual aspects of their lives, but also attend to their mental health. Control, pain, drivenness, and shame are just some of the topics covered. The episode concludes with helpful guidance on how a leader can know when the thing that we are dealing with should be attended to psychologically with therapy--as part of their journey towards wholeness in Christ.
Dr. Robert Watson, PsyD, LP holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Bob is licensed as a clinical psychologist in the states of Michigan and Illinois. Bob considers himself privileged to play a part in healing the “noble wounds” of those in ministry, and serves as the director of counseling at Alongside, a Christian retreat center offering professional counseling and shared community designed to help leaders and their families emerge from burnout or breakdown . Learn more Alongside by visiting their site. In addition, Bob maintains a counseling practice in Hoffman Estates, IL.
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:
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, Robert Mulholland
The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard
The Awakened Heart: Opening Yourself to the Love You Need, Gerald G. May M.D.
Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology Gerald G. May M.D.
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.

May 6, 2020
May 6, 2020
48 min
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?
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.

Apr 29, 2020
Apr 29, 2020
40 min
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.
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.

Apr 22, 2020
Apr 22, 2020
40 min
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.