The Way of Grace

Here is your Lenten reading for 2025! I
intended a quick, breezy read, but I got arrested by several aspects of the book. A major strength is its structure: Text, Commentary, Reflections, Devotional and Leader’s Guide. With some beautiful language and seminal ideas, it mandates pause for pondering about your life during the season of self-examination.
Walter “Buddy” Shurden, former chair of the department of Christianity, Callaway Professor of Christianity, and executive director of the Center for Baptist Studies at Mercer University.

The Way of Grace: Gospel Stories for Lent by Chuck Warnock and Jim Stovall is a treasure house of rich, spiritual insight written by a seasoned pastor and a world-class journalism professor with a deep faith and a sharp mind. There is both wit and wisdom here penned in a lively style for clergy and laity alike. Organized for small groups and bible studies, the thoughtful resources in this book make it accessible to everyone. Warnock’s illustrations and Stovall’s observations bring the biblical texts to life in truly incarnational ways. I recommend this book highly for all those who are still growing in their faith!
William J Carl, former Homiletics, Worship and New Testament Greek professor and former president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. (More about Bill Carl below)

Journey through the transformative season of Lent with this thoughtful and accessible study guide that illuminates seven powerful Gospel stories. The Way of Grace: Gospel Stories for Lent offers both individual readers and study groups a fresh perspective on Jesus' path from the wilderness to the cross—and beyond to resurrection.

Written by pastor Chuck Warnock and journalist Jim Stovall, this guide combines pastoral wisdom with journalistic clarity to create a unique study experience. Each chapter delves deep into familiar Gospel passages while revealing unexpected insights and contemporary applications. From Jesus' temptation in the wilderness to the women's discovery of the empty tomb, readers will find:

• Seven complete lesson plans with historical context and modern applications
• Daily devotional readings that connect ancient wisdom to contemporary life
• Discussion questions that prompt meaningful conversation and personal reflection
• Detailed leader's guides for group study
• Real-life stories that illuminate scriptural truths

What sets this Lenten study apart is its dual focus on both understanding and application. The authors weave together biblical scholarship, pastoral experience, and contemporary storytelling to create a guide that speaks to both mind and heart. Modern narratives—from a German soldier finding grace in a POW camp to a family discovering hope in tragedy—parallel the Gospel stories, showing how ancient truths resonate in today's world.

Perfect for:
• Individual spiritual reflection during Lent
• Sunday School classes and Bible study groups
• Pastor and lay leader preparation
• Small group discussions
• Personal devotional reading

Whether you're a pastor planning Lenten services, a study group leader seeking fresh material, or an individual looking for meaningful Lenten meditation, "The Way of Grace" offers a journey that transforms ancient stories into living truth for today's world. Join us as we walk the way of grace from Ash Wednesday to Easter morning.

(William J Carl is a former homiletics, worship and New Testament Greek professor, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Dallas (TX), and president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is also an award-winning author of nine books including The Lord’s Prayer for Today, Preaching Christian Doctrine and an espionage novel titled Assassin’s Manuscript.)

Chuck Warnock likes the rhythm of his life. His day begins about sunrise each morning with his wife, Debbie and their rescue cat, Buddy. After a hearty bowl of oatmeal - for Buddy, cat chow -- Chuck and Debbie spend the first moments of the day with an inspirational meditation, while Buddy snoozes in his lap of choice.Chuck is reluctantly retired because his heart tried to kill him, not once, but twice. However, they are now on speaking terms, having realized they really do need to work together. Both have made promises to do so going forward, and so far, so good. Previously, Chuck enjoyed serving congregations across the southeast as pastor. In addition to speaking at churches, conferences, and conventions over the years, writing became his way to engage with new folks and contribute to a wider faith conversation. Now Chuck has what he has always wanted -- more time to write. He posts to his website regularly, and several new projects call him to the keyboard daily.Chuck's Baptist heritage is tempered with a chronic ecumenical curiosity. He recites The Apostles' Creed, follows the Christian Year, and once spent a week at a Trappist monastery. He wishes he had said this, but St. Augustine, or someone, gets the credit: In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.

Jim Stovall gets up too early in the morning and starts his day by drinking coffee, tuning in a couple of daily devotional podcasts (Pray as You Go and Grace for All), listening to Baroque music, and reading as little news as possible. He spends the rest of his day reading, walking with his wife Sally, writing (blog posts, newsletter items, books, and the like), painting (watercolors) and drawing (pen and ink), riding his tractor, gardening, woodworking, and generally trying to make his day better than the one before both for himself and other people.In a previous life, Jim was a journalism professor and author of a top-selling textbook on writing. He taught at the University of Alabama, Emory and Henry College, and the University of Tennessee. He spent four years on active duty in the United States Navy. He grew up in Nashville and now lives in East Tennessee.As a good Methodist, he tries to advance the Kingdom of Heaven on earth by, in John Wesley's words, doing all the good he can, all the times he can, and in all the places he can.