Ruth Haley Barton

Ruth Haley Barton is a respected spiritual director, retreat leader, and teacher with a deep commitment to guiding individuals and communities in spiritual formation. Trained through the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership, Barton has been a pioneer in helping people experience transformation through practices of solitude, silence, and reflective prayer. She is the cofounder of the Transforming Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting leaders in their spiritual journey.

Barton is also an accomplished author of several influential spiritual formation books, including Invitation to Solitude and Silence, An Ordinary Day with Jesus, and The Truths That Free Us. Her writings encourage readers to cultivate a deeper relationship with God by integrating contemplative practices into everyday life. Through her work, Barton emphasizes the transformative power of solitude and silence, providing readers with tools to connect more deeply with the divine and to experience a life of greater peace and wholeness.

Educated at Wheaton College and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Barton has served on the pastoral staff at various churches, including Willow Creek Community Church in the Chicago area. These experiences have shaped her ministry and deepened her understanding of the challenges leaders face in maintaining a healthy spiritual life while serving others.

Barton’s ministry is focused on helping people grow spiritually through intentional practices, retreats, and experiences that allow for personal reflection and growth. She brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to her work, guiding individuals toward a deeper, more authentic faith. Ruth, her husband Chris, and their family reside in the Chicago area, where they continue to serve and support the broader Christian community in their spiritual journeys.