The Contemplative Pastor Spiritual Formation in the Future of the Church (Featuring John Mark Comer)
Jan 26, 2026
John Mark Comer, pastor and author known for spiritual formation work, delivers a major teaching about renewing discipleship in local churches. He traces formation’s history, argues for moving from information to embodied practices, and outlines five pastoral shifts to prioritize long-term Christlikeness. He invites practical experiments, a modern rule of life, and communal apprenticeship as the path forward.
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Discovery That Changed a Pastor
- Comer recounts discovering formation literature and feeling disoriented about traditional church models.
- That discovery launched his search for practical ways to integrate formation into local churches.
Church Architecture Undermines Discipleship
- John Mark Comer argues the modern church's architecture isn't designed for deep transformation.
- He calls this a crisis of discipleship, not merely a lack of resources or interest.
Formation Needs The Local Church
- Comer describes four waves of the formation movement and laments it never reached the local church centrality.
- He warns that without integration into local churches formation risks becoming a passing fad.
