600: Not Debating Trump & Being Like Jesus with John Mark Comer
Jan 17, 2024
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John Mark Comer, author of 'Practicing the Way', discusses the Trump debate being over for average evangelicals. They also delve into the high cost of non-discipleship in churches and the impact of ministry on young pastors' souls. In addition, scientists discover most people can talk chicken.
Non-discipleship in the American church leads to a lack of witness to the gospel and damage to the church's reputation.
The book emphasizes the importance of discipleship in the church, drawing on the teachings of the spiritual formation movement.
The lack of discipleship in the American church has tangible impacts, such as the erosion of its reputation and influence.
Deep dives
The Cost of Non-Discipleship
The book highlights the cost of non-discipleship in the American church. Non-discipleship leads to a lack of witness to the gospel and damage to the church's reputation. The rising secularization and hostility towards Christianity in both progressive and conservative circles present challenges to those seeking to follow Jesus. The cost of non-discipleship includes sacrifices in relationships, facing cultural pressure, and potential persecution.
Synthesizing the Formation Movement
The book aims to synthesize the teachings of the spiritual formation movement over the past 50 years. It builds upon the foundation set by theologians like Dallas Willard and Richard Foster, who drew inspiration from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book 'The Cost of Discipleship'. The author aims to present a summary of the movement's wisdom and insights, emphasizing the importance of discipleship in the church.
The Need for Discipleship in Troubled Times
The book underscores the need for discipleship in a time of increasing secularism, division, and cultural challenges. The author argues that following Jesus requires not only counting the cost, but also acknowledging the cost of not following Him. The cost of non-discipleship is highlighted, including the loss of peace, relational connection, and the fulfillment of destiny. Not prioritizing discipleship leads to a weakened witness and a failure to live out the teachings of Christ.
The Impact on the Church
The lack of discipleship in the American church has tangible impacts, such as the erosion of its reputation and influence. The book touches on the divisive nature of politics and the negative portrayal of Christians in the media. It suggests that focusing on true discipleship can help the church reclaim its witness and address the challenges presented by the secular culture.
The Problem of Cheap Grace
The podcast episode discusses the problem of cheap grace in North American Christianity. It highlights the misrepresentation of the gospel, where becoming a Christian is divorced from being a true disciple and follower of Jesus. This has led to a two-tier church, with a majority of Christians who do not actively live out their faith, and a small minority who are genuinely seeking to apprentice under Jesus. The shallow, self-help focused version of Christianity prevalent in America has failed to produce deep life change and has resulted in disillusionment, deconstruction, and apathy among believers.
The Call for an Authentic Christian Spirituality
The podcast advocates for a return to authentic Christian spirituality and the adoption of a rule of life. It recognizes that each generation needs to develop a unique Christian spirituality that addresses the specific challenges of its time. In the current context, key challenges include excessive screen usage, loneliness, secularism, and the busyness of modern life. Slowing down, disconnecting from screens, practicing ancient disciplines like solitude, silence, and deep relational connection, and intentionally countering the formation of the world are essential to living out a genuine Christian faith. The need for pastors and leaders to avoid the pursuit of fame and instead prioritize a vow of obscurity is also highlighted as a potential solution to mitigate the dangers of ego-driven ministry.
It’s been nearly a decade since Donald Trump descended on his golden escalator and turned conventional wisdom about evangelical political values upside-down. Bonnie Kristian has a new article arguing that the only one’s still fighting about whether or not to support him are the “evangelical elites,” but for average evangelicals the debate about Trump is over. John Mark Comer is back to discuss his new book, “Practicing the Way.” He talks with Skye about the high cost of non-discipleship, and the unique ways ministry can malform a young pastor’s soul. Plus, scientists in the UK discover that most people can talk chicken.
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