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Longing for More: A Woman's Path to Transformation in Christ
In the quiet places of your heart, do you ever yearn for something more? Many Christian women, if we are honest, feel discontented about aspects of our lives. Some of us long to be married, while others long to escape from marriage. Some of us struggle with our roles in the church, wondering why God would give us gifts that are not allowed to flourish. Some of us feel we have no voice. Others of us have no idea what we would say if we did. Ruth Haley Barton believes that what lies underneath all our confusion is a longing for freedom―not the freedom to do as we please, but the freedom to discover our full identity in Christ and use our gifts to serve God. With wisdom and charity Barton's exhilarating book explores the many areas of a woman's life that need the freeing touch of Christ such as vocation, relationships, spirituality, identity, sexuality, singleness, marriage and motherhood. Avoiding both feminist and fundamentalist trappings, she affirms our longings as important markers which point us toward God's renewing love. Barton's honesty, biblical insight, practical examples and loving encouragement combine to form a powerful, empowering book that will transform the way you live out your identity and purpose in God's kingdom.
251 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2000
31 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Haley Barton
48 books277 followersRuth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Trained at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the Institute for Pastoral Studies Loyola University Chicago, Ruth is a seasoned retreat leader and spiritual director. A sought-after speaker and preacher, she has served on the pastoral staff of several churches and teaches frequently at seminaries and graduate schools. Ruth is the author of numerous books and resources on the spiritual life, including Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Sacred Rhythms, Longing for More, Pursuing God's Will Together, and Life Together in Christ. She continues to share her thoughts and perspectives on soulful leadership through an online resource called eReflections as well as a podcast entitled Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 2, 2021
I used this book as a morning devotional. Ruth Haley Barton covers the span of a woman's life from identity, purpose, marriage, sexuality and motherhood using several examples of women in the Old Testament. All of this from the perspective that women have value in God's eyes as well as women should have a voice in the church. As always each chapter ends with reflection questions and encouragement to be silent and meditate on what you've read. This is a very solid read for new women of faith or women who have felt undervalued by their church. I would also recommend it to those seeking to understand what Christianity offers women.
January 12, 2023
"Why should women be like Christ in humility and suffering and yet unlike Him in authority and power?"
I found in this book the echo of my own thoughts, I was so encouraged to see that the conclusions I had come to through my own studies and struggles for truth were shared and expressed cohesively by the author herself. To hear the same heart cries lead to the same place for another person walking a very different path lends a sense of validity that yes... God is speaking to His daughters and we are all waking to the same truths.
Gracefully, yet powerfully communicated, this book addresses some of the deepest struggles and questions we have as Christian women when it comes to leadership, teaching, submission, and authority in balance with what we know is our God-design and nature. A powerful blending and revealing of both...this is freedom without 'rebellion', this is graceful empowerment, this is women realizing their role in the Church and the world as heirs of Christ and not second rate citizens.
October 29, 2020
Just what I needed!
August 19, 2021
Barton's story, as well as her heart for women is evident. It would be a good source for women in complimentarian environments
June 15, 2023
Like having a more mature Christian woman come alongside you and have a conversation.
July 3, 2023
Thoroughly empowering if you grew up in a traditional church world.
October 25, 2010
Per Elaine Scott:
The book is about transformation in Christ - specifically geared toward women, the author challenges women to walk in truth, and to really explore God's purposes and plans for them as individuals. She raises good questions about the traditional "roles" women have had - in the home, workplace, and even in the church. Also, she encourages spiritual disciplines as a means of connecting with God.
best audience is women who are seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with God. there is one chapter on marriage and one on parenting so if it's a group of single ladies, might consider skipping those.
Per Kate Mitcham:
"""Longing for More"" is a fabulous book for women - each chapter is about a topic that speaks right to the heart of what women struggle with most - finding identity in Christ, finding purpose, living in truth, embracing sexuality, the importance of spiritual friendship and other important topics.
One of the best books I have read this year. Love the topics she covers and the fresh perspective she brings. A great book for staff and leaders. May not be appropriate for really new believers."
11 weeks, 1-2 hours per week, or 15 minutes per day
book format
shelves: intimacy, community, womens specific
The book is about transformation in Christ - specifically geared toward women, the author challenges women to walk in truth, and to really explore God's purposes and plans for them as individuals. She raises good questions about the traditional "roles" women have had - in the home, workplace, and even in the church. Also, she encourages spiritual disciplines as a means of connecting with God.
best audience is women who are seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with God. there is one chapter on marriage and one on parenting so if it's a group of single ladies, might consider skipping those.
Per Kate Mitcham:
"""Longing for More"" is a fabulous book for women - each chapter is about a topic that speaks right to the heart of what women struggle with most - finding identity in Christ, finding purpose, living in truth, embracing sexuality, the importance of spiritual friendship and other important topics.
One of the best books I have read this year. Love the topics she covers and the fresh perspective she brings. A great book for staff and leaders. May not be appropriate for really new believers."
11 weeks, 1-2 hours per week, or 15 minutes per day
book format
shelves: intimacy, community, womens specific
August 13, 2008
Barton tries to help women deal with feelings of dissatisfaction by finding freedom in who we are in Christ. She presents case for women being gifted and called by God. She thinks some church and social structure leads to women suppressing and not using these gifts. She covers topics such as identity, vocation, relationships, spirituality, singleness/marriage, sexuality, and motherhood. She believes we all have a calling that lives itself out in all these areas.
I think that was a good book, but not GREAT (as suggested by a friend). Some of the chapters felt redundant when read 2 per week for a group. It might have been a better fast read. It might also apply more to older women in a different part of the country (I am 32 and live in California).
I think that was a good book, but not GREAT (as suggested by a friend). Some of the chapters felt redundant when read 2 per week for a group. It might have been a better fast read. It might also apply more to older women in a different part of the country (I am 32 and live in California).
January 5, 2009
Ok, I shamefacedly admit I have pride issues about reading this type of book. If it hadn't been recommended by my friend Paula, I never would have touched it. Recommended: people in your life who push you out of your pride/comfort zone!
The book really was excellent on content and quite decently written. I don't know that I'd recommend it for non-Christian, non-women types :) , but for those who do fall into those categories, it really is a worthwhile survey of numerous topics. It's especially targeted at women who grew up in evangelical circles, but I think it has application beyond that...
I actually think I'll go back through it, more slowly this time. For those of my friends who have read/end up reading it, I really would be curious about your thoughts on it: let's talk!
The book really was excellent on content and quite decently written. I don't know that I'd recommend it for non-Christian, non-women types :) , but for those who do fall into those categories, it really is a worthwhile survey of numerous topics. It's especially targeted at women who grew up in evangelical circles, but I think it has application beyond that...
I actually think I'll go back through it, more slowly this time. For those of my friends who have read/end up reading it, I really would be curious about your thoughts on it: let's talk!
May 8, 2008
This is probably something I should read again... Aimed at women, I found some of it to be helpful and challenging...
However, two things keep getting in the way:
1) The author's egalitarian view of the role of women in the church was inhibiting to me (I favor the complementarian view).
2) There is something about this author that makes me uncomfortable. Is it the egalitarianism? Is it her Type-A personality? Is it that she is saying something I need to hear? Maybe it's the idea of a woman as mystic spiritual director. Sometimes it seems too smart/ intellectual/ psychological/ deep, flirting with extra to non Biblical. Other times, it seems superficial... i don't know.
However, two things keep getting in the way:
1) The author's egalitarian view of the role of women in the church was inhibiting to me (I favor the complementarian view).
2) There is something about this author that makes me uncomfortable. Is it the egalitarianism? Is it her Type-A personality? Is it that she is saying something I need to hear? Maybe it's the idea of a woman as mystic spiritual director. Sometimes it seems too smart/ intellectual/ psychological/ deep, flirting with extra to non Biblical. Other times, it seems superficial... i don't know.
August 17, 2010
This was a fantastic book that really challenges women to live into who God has made them to be in all of the unique giftings and callings He place in our lives. It's a very honest and real look at following Christ.
October 7, 2010
I have read this before- but find I have to read it again and again.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews