Forward Movement invokes its roots with new Lenten devotional

Cincinnati—In Lent of 1935, the first publication emerged from the Forward Movement, a newly established ministry of The Episcopal Church. With a mission to “reinvigorate the life of the church,” the first publication was a bold summons to follow Jesus.

The first head of Forward Movement is reported to have said, “If we want the Episcopal Church to be strong, we need our congregations to be strong. And if we want our congregations to be strong, we need them to be filled not with habitual Christians, but with disciples of Jesus Christ.”

To celebrate and give thanks for 90 years of ministry, Forward Movement has re-released its first call to discipleship, featuring the original content enhanced by new reflections from current church leaders.

The Disciple’s Way: Daily Reflections for Lent reissues the call to individuals and the wider church to practice seven steps of discipleship: turn, follow, learn, pray, serve, worship, and share.

Contributors include: Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones, Chris Corbin, Scott Gunn, Marcus George Halley, Deon K. Johnson, Everett Lees, Frank Logue, Troy Mendez, Hugo Olaiz, Anna Olson, Hillary Raining, Tyler Richards, Richard H. Schmidt, Stephen Smith, Jay Sidebotham, Kate E. Wesch, and Joseph Yoo.

“My prayer and fervent hope are that we will put Jesus first,” writes Forward Movement Executive Director Scott Gunn in the book’s introduction. “I hope you will find this Lenten devotional book helpful in rekindling—or beginning—your journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ.”

The Disciple’s Way: Daily Reflections for Lent is available at forwardmovement.org, or anywhere you buy books, including as an eBook on Amazon Kindle and Apple Books.

Churches receive bulk discounts when ordering directly from Forward Movement.