The Way of Love is an initiative of the Episcopal Church that is easily adaptable for other denominations. Rather than a program or curriculum, it is a way of life. It’s a commitment to follow Jesus through seven intentional practices: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest.

Resources for Utilizing the Way of Love as a Congregation

General Resources

• The Way of Love website from the Episcopal Church
  • Tons of resources from print materials to video series
• The Way of Love Podcast
  • The Way of Love Podcast has four seasons and interviews some awesome folks
• Traveling the Way of Love Video Series 
  • Includes small group reflection guide

Small Group & Curriculum Resources

• Building Intentional Small Groups
  • Resources for creating an intentional small group ministry in your congregation as well as resource specific to the Way of Love such as graphics and an intentional Way of Love-infused structure for your small group gatherings.
• Living the Way of Love in Community
  • Way of Love small group curriculum
• Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times by Bishop Michael Curry.
  • Small group guide by M. Kathryn Morrow, Claire Brown, Miriiam G. Willard McKenney, Katherine Kanto Doyle, and Lisa Barrowclough (Google doc and PDF)
• The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children by Roger Hutchison
  • Children’s book with lesson plans and coloring pages.
• Traveling the Way of Love Video Series 
  • Includes small group reflection guide
• The Way of Love Vestry Bible Study TURN from Allison English

Books & Book Study Suggestions

• Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times by Bishop Michael Curry.
  • Book with small group guide by M. Kathryn Morrow, Claire Brown, Miriiam G. Willard McKenney, Katherine Kanto Doyle, and Lisa Barrowclough (Google doc and PDF)
• Picture Books, The Way of Love, & Becoming Beloved Community by Miriam McKenney
  • Article on pictures books & the Way of Love along with top picks and a list of 370+ picture books with corresponding Way of Love practice
• The Way of Love: A Practical Guide to Following Jesus by Scott Gunn
  • A good introductory book
• The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children by Roger Hutchison
  • Children’s book with lesson plans and coloring pages.
• Rector’s Book Study Way of Love from Allison English
  • One book for each of the seven Way of Love practices
  • Additional book suggestions: REST: Afoot and Lighthearted By Bonnie Smith Whitehouse; LEARN: Altar In the World by Barbara Brown Taylor; WORSHIP: Walk in Love by Scott Gunn; LEARN: Living Into God’s Dream, Catherine Meeks; TURN: Discernment by Henri Nouwen; PRAY: With Open Hands by Henri Nouwen

Liturgical & Seasonal Resources

• Journeying the Way of Love Advent Curriculum and Calendar 
• The Way of Love Prayers of the People by Allison English
• The Way of Love Vestry Bible Study TURN from Allison English
• Way of Love Sermon Series Flyer from Allison English
• Way of Love Sermon Series outline for 2019 from Allison English

Webinar Recording

In this webinar hosted by Sarah Bentley Allred panelists shared examples of ways they have implemented The Way of Love in their own parishes and ideas from others. Whether you lead an entire parish or a small group, whether your church is small and underfunded or not, this webinar is for you.

Panelist

Aimee Bostwick is the Director of Programs for Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas where she has served since 2014. She oversees parish life events and Christian formation for all ages in hopes of encouraging collaboration between all members of the parish. Aimee’s role at Good Shepherd brought her to Austin from Virginia, where she served as Diocesan Youth Coordinator for the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia for eight years. Aimee is currently attending the Seminary of the Southwest to pursue her masters in Spiritual Formation. Her passion is for all to feel welcomed into the Episcopal Church and experience God’s Love. Aimee has two children, Hunter and Arden, and is married to Hank. Together they enjoy hiking, camping, cooking for others and dancing to all sorts of music.

The Reverend Allison English has served in parishes of all sizes for the past 15 years. She is currently rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Cincinnati, a medium-sized parish with a part-time program staff. Her passion lies in equipping lay people with ways to bring their spiritual gifts to life in their church and community. In each congregation she has served, she has paid special attention to developing thoughtful liturgy and forming energized disciples.