TURN: Pause, listen and choose to follow Jesus
As Jesus was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. – Mark 2:14
“Do you turn to Jesus Christ …?” – Book of Common Prayer, 302
Like the disciples, we are called by Jesus to follow the Way of Love. With God’s help, we can turn from the powers of sin, hatred, fear, injustice, and oppression toward the way of truth, love, hope, justice, and freedom. In turning, we reorient our lives to Jesus Christ, falling in love again, again, and again.
For Reflection and Discernment
- What practices help you to turn again and again to Jesus Christ and the Way of Love?
- How will (or do) you incorporate these practices into your rhythm of life?
- Who will be your companion as you turn toward Jesus Christ?
Additional resources for practicing Turn.
Pilgrim: Turning to Christ – Stephen Cottrell, Steven Croft, Paula Gooder, Robert Atwell, and Sharon Ely Pearson
Explores the questions: What do Christians believe? Who was Jesus? Why did people want to spend time with him so long ago and why do we promise to turn to Christ and follow him today? For group or independent study.
Age: Young Adult / Adult
The Joy in Confession: Reclaiming Sacramental Confession – Hillary Raining
Hillary Raining helps reluctant Christians to understand the practical and joyful experience of confession, repentance, and returning to God.
Age: Adult
The Disciple’s Way – Gilbert Symons
Drafted by Canon Gilbert P. Symons for the original Forward Movement commission, established at General Convention in 1934, it explores the seven steps of the Disciple’s Way: Turn, Follow, Learn, Pray, Share, Serve, and Worship.
Age: Young Adult / Adult
Living Well: Discernment – John Roberto, editor
This downloadable chapter of “Living Well: Christian Practices for Everyday Life” presents one of the essential practices for a Christian way of life: Discernment.
Age: ALL
The Dream of God: A Call to Return – Verna Dozier
Again and again the Christian church has fallen away from the dream God has for it, a dream in which we are called to follow Jesus and not merely to worship him.
Age: Young Adult / Adult
Following the Way of Jesus – Michael Curry, Rob Wright, Broderick Greer, Anthony Guillien, Nora Gallagher, Meghan Castellan, Kellan Day
Michael Curry issues a clarion call for Episcopalians to join the Jesus Movement and explains what it really means. Chapters by Rob Wright on adaptive leadership; Broderick Greer on racial justice; Anthony Guillen on multicultural ministries; Megan Castellan on evangelism; Nora Gallagher on loving the earth; and Kellan Day on ministry with young people. Includes chapter study questions.
Age: Young Adult / Adult
Inside Evangelism Matters – Podcast 4 Jordan/Sandra Montes – Episcopal Cinema
Lorenzo Lebrija discusses the Evangelism Matters conference, and interviews two participants: Jordan, a Catalyst from Indiana, and Dr. Sandra Montes.
Age: Adult
Back to Way of Love introduction page and more resources.
Adult Christian Formation 