John Mark Comer Teachings

Join John Mark Comer, a dedicated pastor and author focused on Christian formation, as he explores the riveting concept of spiritual cartography. He elegantly divides life into two halves, discussing the unique challenges and invitations that come with each stage. From the energetic, identity-seeking first half of life to the inward maturity and surrender emphasized in the second half, John Mark highlights how transformation is about deepening faith rather than mere achievement. He urges listeners to embrace their current season and find God's goodness amidst life’s journey.

In this discussion, John Mark Comer, an insightful author and pastor focused on spiritual formation, delves into the layers of sin in our lives. He presents a four-layer model, starting with gross sins and moving through conscious choices to unconscious motivations. John Mark emphasizes the importance of surrendering attachments that become idolatrous. He illustrates how true transformation requires confronting these layers through suffering and surrender, ultimately leading to profound peace in Jesus.

John Mark Comer, a pastor and author focused on Christian formation, explores the essence of Jesus as 'gentle and humble' in Matthew 11. He discusses the cultural epidemic of burnout and the importance of finding soul rest. John Mark highlights Jesus’ relationship with the Father, emphasizing gentleness as a transformative aspect of faith. He contrasts high-intensity leadership with the strength found in gentleness, urging listeners to embrace a more humble worldview, meditating on Jesus’ heart for true spiritual growth.

Bethany Allen, an Associate Pastor at Bridgetown Church, dives deep into the theme of love for Advent, emphasizing the importance of receiving God's love. She discusses how surrender and vulnerability open us to transformative love, reshaping our identities and guiding us toward a life of peace. Bethany highlights the barriers of pride and self-reliance, urging listeners to trust and allow God to meet them in their messiness. Her personal reflections inspire a journey of embracing God's boundary-breaking affection this season.

Ken Shigematsu, a senior pastor and author, dives into the transformative power of joy during Advent. He explores Tolkien's 'sudden joyous turn' through captivating stories, including a POW narrative and Mary's encounter with Gabriel. Shigematsu discusses the universal joy of Jesus' birth, emphasizes savoring positive memories, and highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in joy. With insights on navigating joy amid sorrow, he encourages listeners to become channels of God's abundant joy and share it with others.

John Mark Comer, a Pastor and author dedicated to Christian spiritual formation, dives deep into cultivating inner peace. He shares his personal journey with anxiety, emphasizing that true peace is vital for embodying love. Exploring biblical themes, he highlights the distinction between generic calm and the peace of Christ, urging listeners to embrace surrender and prayer. John Mark reflects on the communal aspect of peace among believers and argues that only a heart at peace can genuinely love. His insights blend psychology with spirituality, offering practical paths toward tranquility.

Gemma Ryan, a spiritual director and former associate pastor, invites listeners to explore the profound themes of waiting and hope through the lens of Simeon's story in Luke 2. She poses transformative questions about what we are waiting for and who we are becoming in that waiting. Gemma emphasizes that waiting isn't passive; it can be a time of active transformation and spiritual growth. She shares personal experiences of how waiting refines the soul and connects listeners to the sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit as they navigate their own journeys.

John Mark Comer, a pastor and teacher, delves into the complexities of Christian community. He introduces a six-stage cycle that relationships often undergo, highlighting commitment as essential for growth. Comer shares personal stories of overcoming isolation and the transformative power of small, Jesus-centered groups. He candidly addresses the difficulties within community, emphasizing that genuine relationships require conflict resolution and forgiveness. Ultimately, he invites listeners to embrace stability and kinship over individualism for deeper connection.

In this engaging discussion, John Mark Comer, a pastor and author focused on spiritual formation, delves into the challenges of authentic community. He highlights modern barriers like busyness and distraction, pinpointing shame as the root cause of disconnection. Comer advocates for the often-missed practice of confession as a healing tool, contrasting private and communal approaches. He emphasizes that confession not only liberates us from shame but also fosters deeper connections with God and each other, outlining practical steps to integrate this practice into our lives.

John Mark Comer, a pastor and author focused on spiritual formation, dives into the transformative power of sharing joys and sorrows within community. He emphasizes how communal meals can deepen connections and spiritual growth. By examining Jesus' vulnerability in Gethsemane, he highlights the importance of honesty in relationships. Comer also discusses joy as a spiritual discipline and offers practical tips for creating meaningful connections, such as sharing highs and lows over a meal, fostering resilience, and embracing both celebration and sorrow together.