What is the Way of Love?
From Presiding Bishop Michael Curry:
In the first century Jesus of Nazareth inspired a movement. A community of people whose lives were centered on Jesus Christ and committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial and redemptive love. Before they were called “church” or “Christian,” this Jesus Movement was simply called “the way.”
Today I believe our vocation is to live as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. But how can we together grow more deeply with Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, so we can bear witness to his way of love in and for the world?
The deep roots of our Christian tradition may offer just such a path. For centuries, monastic communities have shaped their lives around rhythms and disciplines for following Jesus together. Such a pattern is known as a “Rule of Life.” The framework you now hold – The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Life – outlines a Rule for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.
It is designed to be spare and spacious, so that individuals, ministry groups, congregations and networks can flesh it out in unique ways and build a church-wide treasure trove of stories and resources. There is no specific order you need to follow. If you already keep a Rule or spiritual disciplines, you might reflect and discover how that path intersects with this one. By entering into reflection, discernment and commitment around the practices of Turn – Learn – Pray – Worship – Bless – Go – Rest, I pray we will grow as communities following the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus. His way has the power to change each of our lives and to change this world.
Resources
From the Episcopal Church
Living the Way of Love small group curriculum and resources
Information on getting started
Some general resources:
A variety of materials suitable for printing
Way of Love podcast episodes, featuring Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Resources for each of the seven practices of the Way of Love that each are sorted by
- age
- group size
- types of resources
Turn – pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus
Learn – reflect on Scripture each day, especially on Jesus’ life and teachings
Pray – dwell intentionally with God each day
Worship – gather in community weekly to thank, praise and dwell with God
Bless – share faith and unselfishly give and serve
Go – cross boundaries, listen deeply and live like Jesus
Rest – receive the gift of God’s grace, peace and restoration
Way of Love printed materials, from Forward Movement
Way of Love trifold brochure ($12 for a package of 50)
Way of Love wallet card ($10 for a package of 50)
Some materials also are available in Spanish
Other resources
Downloadable Way of Love posters. A set of four, in color and black-and-white, from Church Publishing ($18.95)
Other Way of Love books and resources, from Church Publishing
“The Way of Love Bible Challenge,” from Forward Movement
Electronic Common Prayer (interactive BCP app for mobile devices, $9.99)
Daily Offices from the Brotherhood of St. Gregory
Daily Offices from Mission St. Clare
“Brother, Give Us a Word” from the Society of St. John the Evangelist