Ruth Haley Barton
Ruth Haley Barton is the founding president of the Transforming Center, an evangelical ministry devoted to spiritual formation for pastors and leaders. Drawing on contemplative Christian streams while remaining rooted in evangelical convictions, she has written widely on solitude, silence, sabbath, and corporate discernment. Her work has helped many pastors recover sustainable rhythms of leadership grounded in their own life with God.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruth Haley Barton
Who is Ruth Haley Barton?
Ruth Haley Barton is a spiritual director, teacher, and founding president of the Transforming Center, a ministry near Chicago devoted to the spiritual formation of pastors and Christian leaders. She previously served as associate director of spiritual formation at Willow Creek Community Church and trained at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation.
What is the Transforming Center?
The Transforming Center, founded by Barton in 2000, offers retreats and two-year 'Transforming Community' experiences that guide pastors and leaders through spiritual practices such as solitude, silence, sabbath, and communal discernment. It serves leaders from a wide range of denominations.
What books has Ruth Haley Barton written?
Her best-known books include Sacred Rhythms, Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, and Pursuing God's Will Together. They focus on sustainable rhythms of life with God for people in ministry leadership.
Is Ruth Haley Barton evangelical?
Yes, though she draws deeply from contemplative and monastic streams of the broader Christian tradition. Her work is sometimes questioned by evangelicals wary of contemplative spirituality, while many pastors credit it with saving their ministries from burnout.