John Mark Comer on Spiritual Formation for Today’s World, Recovery After Sundays, and Practices for Deep Friendship
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In every ministry journey, pastors and leaders face the challenge of leading in a culture that often feels hostile and confusing. How do we maintain a deep sense of calling and joy in a role that can feel isolating, exhausting, and uncertain?
In this episode, John Mark Comer, founder of Practicing the Way, returns to discuss the evolving landscape of pastoring today. John Mark reflects on the challenges of navigating cultural hostility, staying grounded in the high calling of ministry, and recovering the deep joy found in shepherding God’s people. He explores the importance of spiritual formation, the power of Sabbath rest, and cultivating deep friendships to sustain long-term pastoral health.
Drawing on his journey, John Mark shares the practices that help pastors remain resilient and faithful, despite the loneliness and weariness that can accompany ministry. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the beauty and difficulty of the pastoral vocation, and the importance of staying true to God’s call amidst the noise of cultural expectations.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
The evolving role of pastors in today’s cultural climate
Recovering the high calling and joy in pastoring
Practices for pastoral longevity, including work and rest
Why spiritual formation is resonating deeply with congregations right now
The importance of cultivating deep, honest friendships for pastoral health
Join us for a conversation that invites deep reflection on the state of our hearts and the beautiful, difficult, and worthy work of pastoring.
John Mark Comer
John Mark Comer, once the founding pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, dedicated two decades to integrating discipleship to Jesus into the post-Christian west. In 2021, he pivoted to developing spiritual formation resources for global church communities through Practicing the Way. Now residing in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles, he crafts new practices, courses, and podcasts while serving as a teacher at Vintage Church LA. A New York Times bestselling author, Comer's notable works include "Practicing the Way" and "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry."
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This episode was made possible by our friends at the Canadian Bible Society who help millions of people access the Word of God, grasping its message of love and embracing its power to meet them in their need.