The Big Way of Love for Kids
A discipleship resource for kids & their beloved communities
Brought to you by The Episcopal Church in partnership with Forward Movement
Jesus loved to be with children, so we are thrilled to offer a new discipleship resource: The BIG Way of Love for Kids. It’s a set of playing cards and activities to help our kids to become the BIG, beloved children of God they were created to be.
The BIG Way of Love for Kids comes from the Way of Love, a rule of life with seven spiritual practices that help us all to look, live, and love more like Jesus.
Order sets of playing cards in the custom box or print a set at home for kids to color. The cards guide children to explore Bible stories, listen, pray, learn, and practice. They can play alone and with friends, church teachers, or family. Jesus meets us everywhere where we go, so this resource is easy to take everywhere you go.
Because we’re never too old or too young to walk the Way of Love with Jesus.
This resource comes from the heart, mind, and labor of Rachel Jones, an Episcopal leader who loved Jesus and all his little friends. If it blesses you in any way, join us in giving thanks to God for Rachel and her memory.
Introduction to the Big Way of Love for Kids
Who can use The BIG Way of Love for Kids?
The card deck is designed to be child-centered and child-led. Early readers (ages 2-5) may benefit with extra help from someone older. More seasoned readers (ages 5-8) and experienced readers (ages 8-10) may engage in more independent, self-directed play.
What’s on the cards?
The cards are designed around reading levels. On the front of each card, you will find one or more white pinwheel symbols.
* = getting started (early readers, roughly ages 2-5)
** = next level (mid-level young readers, roughly ages 5-8)
*** = all the way (advanced young readers, roughly ages 8-10)
Each card in this deck relates to one of the practices of the Way of Love.
TURN to Jesus
LEARN about Jesus
PRAY to God
WORSHIP God
BLESS people close to us
GO out to people who are different
REST in God’s grace
How do we play?
Children can pick any card they want, or they can focus on cards related to one of the seven practices (easy because every practice has its own color).
On each card, you’ll find the name and color for one of the seven practices, plus either a story from the Bible (SAY IT), a prayer (PRAY IT), or a game or activity to try out in real life (LIVE IT).
The printed cards are supplemented by seven audio recordings featuring paraphrased Bible stories related to each practice.
Encourage kids to be fearless with the cards. They may need a little help from you or a stronger reader by their side. That’s OK; the BIG Way of Love works for all kinds of young children and is designed to grow with them.
