CNLP 626 | John Mark Comer On The Crisis in Discipleship, Why Weekend Sermons and Services Aren't Resonating Like They Used To, Determining Your Real Motives, and Why He's No Longer Travelling and Speaking
Jan 23, 2024
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John Mark Comer, a spiritual growth expert and former speaker, discusses the crisis in discipleship, the decline in resonance of weekend sermons and services, and how to determine real motives. They explore the underwhelming nature of Sundays, the changing culture of weddings, and the need for honesty and spiritual realism in discipleship. They also touch on the obsession with cleanliness and perfection, the concept of practicing the way, and John Mark's personal choice to stop traveling and speaking.
Deep relationships, contemplative prayer, and suffering are the three main pathways to transformation in the second half of life.
Recognizing and addressing coping strategies and emotional attachments can lead to freedom and perspective in navigating life's challenges and relationships.
Deep dives
The Journey of the Second Half of Life
In the second half of life, the spiritual journey shifts from wrestling with the devil to wrestling with God. It involves accepting the reality of our lives and finding joy within it. Deep relationships, contemplative prayer, and suffering are the three main pathways to transformation. These stages are not predictable or linear, but understanding that both brokenness and beauty coexist is essential. Honesty about mixed motivations and naming the aspects of ourselves we tend to ignore is crucial in the journey of self-awareness and personal growth.
The Importance of Naming Coping Strategies and Attachments
The speaker emphasizes the significance of recognizing and naming coping strategies and emotional attachments. These strategies often provide a false sense of safety and happiness, leading to unloving behaviors. By acknowledging and addressing these attachments, individuals can find freedom and perspective, allowing them to better navigate life's challenges and relationships.
The Power of Losing Attachments and Embracing Liberation
The podcast explores how losing the very things we believe we need can be a transformative experience. Through the painful process of letting go of attachments, individuals can discover newfound freedom and a deeper understanding of their true identity. This liberation enables them to live more authentically and embrace a sense of peace and contentment.
The Shift from Perfectionism to Valuing Goodness
The podcast discusses the detrimental effects of perfectionism and the importance of valuing goodness instead. Perfectionism can be an anxiety coping mechanism, leading to unattainable expectations and unloving behaviors. By shifting the focus towards embracing goodness and excellence, individuals can find greater fulfillment and engage in loving actions driven by genuine love rather than fear.
John Mark also dives into the stages of spiritual growth, why weekend services and sermons aren't resonating like they used to, and how to determine your real motives. John Mark Comer and Carey discuss what's wrong with today's church services and why they're perhaps not enough, and why John Mark is no longer traveling and speaking.
After years of chaos and heartache for many church leaders, it’s a great time to look to the future. The horizon ahead isn’t all roses, but at least it’s addressable.
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