The Way of Love
Foreword by Bishop Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and author of Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in ways that draw us ever closer to our Savior. To follow Jesus is to make extraordinary commitments: To love God with our whole being and to love others as Jesus has loved us.
One path to the Way of Love is through seven key actions: Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. Go. Rest. This practical guide explores these words in the context of our life of faith and offers encouragement to begin or deepen spiritual practices to strengthen our journey with Jesus.
Includes reflection questions, journal prompts, and a guide for developing a personal rule of life.
Contributors include Scott Gunn, Brendan O'Sullivan-Hale, Linda Ryan, Hill Liles, Sandra Montes, Richelle Thompson, Lelanda Lee, and Miriam McKenney.
After a couple of years to chew on the seven practices of the Way of Love, Scott Gunn provides readers with a practical guide to walking that Way in their own lives. With real life examples from real people, Biblical insights, down-to-earth suggestions, and lots of room to jot down your own notes, The Way of Love truly is a practical guide to following Jesus. —The Rev. Steven J. Pankey, Rector, Christ Episcopal Church, Bowling Green, KY
Every priest has a favorite book to give to newcomers to church. The Way of Love: a Practical Guide to Following Jesus is my new favorite. It is substantive enough that it will be solid food for the person who craves renewal of a dormant or childhood faith. It is simple enough that it requires no background but an instinctive longing for Jesus. Grounded in scripture, it offers the reader questions that are both reflective and pragmatic, and gives them room to answer before moving on to the next practice. By the end, readers are invited to develop a simple rule of life in conversation with their wider community, and the next steps along the Way are visible to the new follower of Jesus. –The Right Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
For anyone who has ever thought that spirituality was something too mystical and that it is accessible only to a lucky few, Bishop Curry’s “Way of Love” is a welcome approach that can be used by all. What Scott Gunn has done is in this book is he has taken that practical “Way of Love” approach and given us a blueprint to follow (with examples and stories) that can make our walk with God seem much more doable. Bottom line, this book makes the mystical less mystifying. —The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija, Director of TryTank Experimental Lab
The Way of Love: A Practical Guide to Following Jesus is the perfect combination of meditation, workbook, and how-to manual for parishioners wherever they are on their spiritual journey. As a parish priest, I can think of innumerable ways to integrate this book and its wisdom into spiritual formation. It works great for small groups, for weekly forums, or even an accompaniment to a special sermon series. Scott Gunn has written yet another fantastic resource to help any-sized congregation put together a study series with depth and intentionality. —The Rev. Kate E. Wesch, Rector, St. John the Baptist, Seattle, WA
Scott Gunn has written an accessible book exploring key practices of the Christian life, building on the work and vision of Bishop Curry. I found myself writing down my current practices and filling in gaps that I know will support my spiritual life. Whether you are a brand new to the Christian life or a lifelong Christian this book is a treasure for the church. —Fr. Everett Lees, Vicar, Christ Church, Tulsa, OK
With reflections from fellow Christians, straightforward questions for the reader and engaging exposition of the seven actions, this small guide can truly help the Way of Love become our way of life. —The Rev. Brenda Husson, Rector, St. James’ Church, New York, NY
Gunn’s The Way of Love: A Practical Guide to Following Jesus reflects the practice itself: approachable, generous, and edifying. This book is an encouraging reminder that a commitment to following Jesus is a commitment to the Way of Love—one that has been made again and again by all generations across the Church. —Katie Forsyth, Canon for Evangelism and Networking, The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan and The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan
