S2 Ep1144: Practicing the Way of Jesus in Radical Community: John Mark Comer
Jan 15, 2024
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John Mark Comer, former pastor at Bridgetown Church in Portland, shares his vision for Practicing the Way. Topics include simplifying lives and digital cleanses, challenges and transformation of practicing the way of Jesus, the importance of meal-based small groups, gathering around a table as a spiritual discipline, and the preference for organic spiritual community.
Creating intentional spaces for spiritual formation and growth in everyday life through community-based discipleship.
The power of sharing meals as a central aspect of community and fostering unity and vulnerability.
The significance of commitment and consistency in building transformative, accountable relationships within a community.
Deep dives
The Shift to Community-based Discipleship
The podcast episode centers around the shift from a traditional model of church to a community-based discipleship approach. The speaker highlights the importance of creating intentional spaces for spiritual formation and growth in everyday life. They emphasize the significance of being intentional about sharing meals and practicing spiritual disciplines together as a community, rather than solely relying on Sunday services. The approach is aimed at creating deeper relationships and fostering a sense of equality and unity among members.
Challenges and Successes
The episode acknowledges the challenges that arise when implementing this community-based discipleship model. It addresses the resistance some individuals may have to participate fully or the initial pruning effect it may have on the church community. However, the speaker also highlights the positive outcomes and successes experienced when the model is fully embraced. They share stories of transformation and growth, indicating that the intentional focus on community and spiritual practices has brought forth fruitful seasons in the church.
Importance of Shared Meals and Table Communities
The podcast underscores the significance of sharing meals around a table with a smaller group of people on a regular basis. This practice is described as a central aspect of community and discipleship. The speaker emphasizes the power of gathering together for a meal in the name of Jesus, fostering genuine connections and vulnerability among participants. They highlight that meals are a context for equalizing social classes and creating a sense of unity among diverse individuals.
Organic Community Experiences
The episode acknowledges the speaker's personal experiences with Christian community, noting that the richest times often arose from organic, unplanned gatherings. The speaker reflects on the challenges of traditional small group structures and the potential shallow nature of programmed gatherings. They express a preference for more natural, spontaneous gatherings centered around relationships and worship. The emphasis is on cultivating authentic community in everyday life rather than solely relying on organized church activities.
The Importance of Commitment and Consistency in Community
One of the main markers of a transformative relational environment is the level of commitment and consistency in community. This involves showing up every single week, helping with practical tasks, supporting others, and actively engaging in the lives of fellow community members. Commitment fosters intimacy and allows for deep relationships to form. It provides a safe space for confession of sin, accountability, and growth. While sporadic and organic gatherings with special friends can be enjoyable, they lack the commitment and consistency necessary for long-term transformative community.
Selectivity in Allowing Others to Speak into Our Lives
When it comes to seeking guidance and input from others in our lives, it is important to be discerning and selective. Not everyone is qualified or suitable to speak into our personal journey. We may have reservations about specific individuals due to differences in values, lifestyle choices, or guidance preferences. While authentic relationships and vulnerability are key for growth, it is crucial to find people who are godly, trustworthy, and can serve as both confidantes and mentors. These individuals can challenge us, help us confront blind spots, and push us towards spiritual growth and maturity.
For nearly two decades, John Mark pastored at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. After leading Bridgetown through five years of spiritual formation initiatives and seeing the impact, he wanted to help other churches discover a similar path of apprenticing under Jesus. In 2021, with the blessing of the church, John Mark stepped away from his role as pastor to launch Practicing the Way, a nonprofit designed to create simple, beautiful formation resources for church communities around the world.
Today, John Mark is developing new practices, courses, and podcasts for Practicing the Way and serving as a teacher in residence at Vintage Church LA with his wife Tammy and their three kids: Jude, Moses, and Sunday.
This podcast conversation is all about John Mark’s vision for practicing the way.
