CONTEMPORARY GUIDES (1932 – PRESENT)
Ruth Haley Barton (b. 1954)
INFLUENCE ON FORMATION CHURCH’S PERSPECTIVE ON SPIRITUAL FORMATION:
Barton shapes Formation Church’s emphasis on rhythms that sustain leaders and communities through attentiveness to God.
- Solitude and silence
- Discernment in community
- Leadership grounded in soul care
Key Works: Sacred Rhythms, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Pursuing God’s Will Together
Core Teachings:
- Solitude and silence are foundational for hearing God’s voice.
- Leaders need spiritual rhythms that sustain their souls over time.
- Discernment is best practiced in community, listening together to God.
Signature Themes:
- Sacred rhythms
- Leadership and soul care
- Communal discernment
Primary Writings & Major Editions:
- Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation.
- Ruth Haley Barton, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.
- Ruth Haley Barton, Pursuing God’s Will Together.
- Ruth Haley Barton, Invitation to Solitude and Silence.
