The modern era is defined by a relentless sense of urgency. In the digital age, the human soul is bombarded with an unprecedented volume of information, notifications, and social pressures. This cultural climate has given rise to a unique form of spiritual and emotional exhaustion, often described as "hurry sickness." Within this context, the work of John Mark Comer has emerged as a significant counter-cultural movement, offering a synthesis of ancient Christian wisdom and modern psychological insight to help individuals navigate the complexities of contemporary life.

As a teacher, author, and former lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, Comer has spent nearly two decades exploring the intersection of spiritual formation and post-Christian culture. His transition from leading a large urban church to focusing entirely on the non-profit initiative, Practicing the Way, marks a pivotal shift in how discipleship is understood in the 21st century.

The Shift from Information to Spiritual Formation

For much of the last century, Western spirituality often focused on the accumulation of knowledge. The assumption was that if individuals learned enough theology or read enough books, they would naturally become better people. However, the contemporary observation shared by Comer and many of his peers—such as the late Dallas Willard—is that information alone does not lead to transformation.

Spiritual formation is the process by which a person's inner self is shaped into the likeness of Jesus. It is not an academic exercise but a holistic endeavor involving the body, the mind, and the spirit. Comer’s work emphasizes that everyone is being "formed" by something. The question is not whether you are undergoing spiritual formation, but who or what is doing the forming. In the absence of an intentional "Rule of Life," individuals are formed by the algorithms of social media, the demands of consumer capitalism, and the frantic pace of the modern city.

Identifying the Architects of the Soul

In the framework popularized by Comer, particularly in his book Live No Lies, the forces competing for the formation of the human soul are categorized as the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. Unlike medieval interpretations that might view these as caricatures, Comer presents them as sophisticated systems of deception.

The "World" is seen as a system of ideas and cultural values that stand in opposition to the way of Jesus. The "Flesh" represents the disordered desires within the human heart. The "Devil" is understood as the source of lies that integrate into the mind to ignite the flesh and find a home in the world's structures. By identifying these "enemies," Comer provides a diagnostic tool for modern people to understand why they feel so perpetually distracted and dissatisfied.

The Framework of Apprenticeship: Be, Become, Do

Central to Comer's teaching is the concept of being an "apprentice" to Jesus. In many modern contexts, the word "Christian" has become a cultural or political label rather than a lifestyle. To recover the original intent of the faith, Comer advocates for a return to the first-century Jewish concept of a disciple (talmid) following a rabbi.

An apprentice has three primary goals, which serve as the scaffolding for Comer’s entire curriculum of spiritual formation.

Goal One: To Be with Jesus

The foundation of spiritual life is presence. This is the practice of "abiding," as described in ancient texts. In a world characterized by digital distraction, "being with" someone is a radical act. For the apprentice, this means developing a constant awareness of the divine presence throughout the day. It is the shift from seeing God as a distant concept to experiencing Him as a present reality.

This goal challenges the utilitarian mindset that dominates modern life. Instead of asking "What can I do for God?", the focus shifts to "How can I remain in communion with God?".

Goal Two: To Become Like Him

Transformation of character is the second objective. This is where the actual "formation" occurs. It involves the slow, often painful process of replacing disordered desires with the "fruit of the spirit"—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Comer notes that this cannot be willed into existence. One cannot simply "try harder" to be patient. Instead, one must "train" to be patient through the adoption of specific practices that create space for the soul to be healed and reshaped.

Goal Three: To Do What He Did

The final goal is the outward expression of an inward reality. This is not about moralistic rule-following, but about participating in the same type of work that Jesus did: healing the sick, serving the poor, confronting injustice, and living in a way that demonstrates the values of a different kind of kingdom. It is a life of "hospitality" and "service" that flows naturally from a heart that has been transformed by spending time in the presence of the divine.

The Great Enemy: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Perhaps Comer’s most influential contribution to the cultural conversation is his critique of "hurry." Borrowing a phrase from Dallas Willard, Comer argues that "hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day."

In his New York Times bestselling book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Comer outlines how the pace of modern life is incompatible with the way of Jesus. Love, joy, and peace—the three core components of the spiritual life—all require time. One cannot love someone in a hurry. One cannot experience peace while frantically checking emails. One cannot find joy while obsessing over a to-do list.

The Psychology of the Hurried Mind

From a neurological perspective, constant hurry keeps the human brain in a state of "fight or flight," dominated by the sympathetic nervous system. This state is characterized by high cortisol levels and a narrowed focus on immediate threats or tasks. In contrast, the spiritual life requires the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system—the state of "rest and digest"—where reflection, empathy, and deep connection are possible.

Comer’s work resonates so deeply because it validates the exhaustion that many people feel but cannot name. He suggests that the solution to this exhaustion is not more efficient time management, but a complete restructuring of one’s life around a slower, more intentional rhythm.

Implementing a Rule of Life

To combat the chaotic formation of the modern world, Comer suggests the adoption of a "Rule of Life." The word "rule" comes from the Greek word for a "trellis." Just as a vine needs a trellis to grow upward and bear fruit, the human soul needs a structure to support its spiritual growth.

A Rule of Life is a set of habits and practices that help an individual stay connected to their core values and their spiritual goals. It is not a legalistic set of rules, but a supportive framework designed to create "thin spaces" where God can work in the soul.

The Architecture of Habits

The concept of a Rule of Life is highly practical. It involves auditing one's schedule to ensure that the most important things—prayer, community, rest—are not squeezed out by the urgent but unimportant demands of the world. Comer’s approach is influenced by the monastic traditions (such as the Rule of Saint Benedict) but translated for people living in the middle of busy cities with jobs, families, and mortgages.

Deep Dive into the Nine Essential Practices

The "Practicing the Way" initiative has identified nine core spiritual disciplines that are foundational to the apprentice's life. These are not new inventions; they are ancient practices that have been tested over thousands of years.

1. Sabbath: The Art of Stopping

In a 24/7 economy, the Sabbath is perhaps the most difficult practice to implement. Comer defines the Sabbath as a 24-hour period of stopping, resting, delighting, and worshipping. It is more than just a day off; it is a day set apart to remember that our value is not found in our productivity.

By refusing to work, shop, or worry for a full day, individuals perform a "prophetic act" against the "empire of more." In our observation of those who adopt this practice, there is an initial period of "detox" where the silence and lack of activity feel uncomfortable, followed by a profound sense of psychological and spiritual renewal.

2. Prayer: Talking to God

Prayer is often misunderstood as a list of requests. In the Comer framework, prayer is about "communion." It includes various forms, from the "Lord’s Prayer" to "Centering Prayer," where the goal is to quiet the mind and listen. The emphasis is on developing a "rhythm of prayer" throughout the day, ensuring that the soul is constantly returning to its center.

3. Fasting: Training the Body

Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food (or other comforts) for spiritual purposes. In a culture of instant gratification, fasting is a way to "starve the flesh" and "feed the spirit." It reveals the degree to which we use food, entertainment, or substances to numb our emotional pain. By voluntarily entering into a state of hunger, the apprentice learns that they do not live by "bread alone" and develops the self-control necessary to resist other temptations.

4. Solitude: The Furnace of Transformation

Solitude is the practice of being alone with God, away from the influence of others. It is distinct from loneliness. In solitude, we step away from our social roles and the "performance" of our lives. It is in the "quiet" that our deep-seated anxieties and insecurities surface, allowing us to bring them to God for healing. For modern people, this often starts with the "Solitude Practice" of putting away the smartphone for a set period each day.

5. Silence: Quieting the Inner Noise

Closely related to solitude, silence is the intentional absence of noise and speech. It is a direct antidote to the "digital noise" of the modern world. Silence creates the internal space necessary to hear the "still, small voice" of the divine. It trains the mind to be present rather than constantly planning for the next moment.

6. Scripture: Immersing in the Story

Rather than reading the Bible as a textbook or a source of proof-texts, Comer encourages "reading for formation." This involves slowly meditating on the text (Lectio Divina) and allowing the narrative of the Scriptures to reshape one’s worldview. It is about moving from "studying the Word" to "being studied by the Word."

7. Community: Practicing Love

Spiritual formation is not a solo sport. It requires a community of people who are committed to "practicing the way" together. In the context of the Bridgetown Church model, this meant small groups where people were honest about their struggles and encouraged one another in their practices. Community is where the theoretical love for humanity becomes the practical love for a specific, sometimes difficult, person.

8. Simplicity: Resisting Consumerism

Simplicity (or minimalism) is the practice of living with less so that we can give more. It is a direct challenge to the "myth of more" that drives the global economy. By decluttering our physical spaces and our schedules, we create room for spiritual growth. Comer’s teaching on simplicity is deeply influenced by his life on the West Coast, where the pressure to achieve and accumulate is particularly intense.

9. Service: The Life of Sacrifice

Finally, service is the practice of laying down our lives for the sake of others. It is the natural outcome of a life that is being formed into the likeness of Jesus. Whether it is serving in a local soup kitchen or simply being present for a neighbor in need, service moves the apprentice from a self-centered life to a God-centered life.

Living as a "Creative Minority"

A recurring theme in Comer's later work, particularly in his podcasts and teaching at Vintage Church LA, is the idea of the church as a "creative minority." In a post-Christian society, the goal is not to gain political power or cultural dominance, but to live in such a way that the "beauty of the way of Jesus" becomes undeniable to those around us.

This involves a shift in focus from "winning arguments" to "living a better life." When a community of people is characterized by deep peace, radical generosity, and genuine love in an anxious and angry world, they become a "city on a hill." This vision for the future of the church is "ancient," drawing on the pre-Constantinian models of Christianity where the faith grew through the power of its lifestyle rather than the strength of its institutions.

Recognition and Global Impact

The influence of John Mark Comer’s work is evidenced by its widespread adoption across various denominations and cultures. In 2025, his book Practicing the Way was awarded the "Christian Book of the Year" by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). This award recognizes not only the literary merit of the work but its "extraordinary impact" on the global church.

The "Practicing the Way" non-profit continues to provide free resources to thousands of churches worldwide. By offering structured "Practices"—complete with videos, companion guides, and podcasts—Comer has democratized spiritual formation, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Conclusion: The Path Ahead

The work of John Mark Comer represents a vital correction to the "hurry" and "hollow information" of modern life. By inviting people to become apprentices of Jesus, he offers a practical, grounded, and deeply hopeful vision for human flourishing. Whether through the ruthless elimination of hurry or the adoption of a Rule of Life, his teachings provide a roadmap for anyone looking to find depth in a shallow world.

As we move further into a century defined by technological acceleration and cultural fragmentation, the "ancient paths" of spiritual formation appear more relevant than ever. The success of John Mark Comer lies in his ability to translate these timeless truths into a language that speaks directly to the modern soul.

Summary

John Mark Comer is a leading voice in modern spiritual formation, known for his emphasis on slowing down and adopting ancient practices to combat the "hurry" of the digital age. Through his books and his non-profit initiative, Practicing the Way, he provides a framework for individuals to live as "apprentices to Jesus." His work focuses on three primary goals: being with Jesus, becoming like him, and doing what he did. By implementing a "Rule of Life" and engaging in disciplines like Sabbath and solitude, followers seek to experience genuine character transformation in a post-Christian culture.

FAQ

Who is John Mark Comer?

John Mark Comer is an American author, teacher, and pastor. He was the founding pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland and now leads "Practicing the Way," a non-profit focused on spiritual formation. He is currently a Teacher in Residence at Vintage Church LA.

What is the main message of "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry"?

The book argues that "hurry" is the greatest enemy of spiritual life. It suggests that modern busyness prevents us from experiencing love, joy, and peace, and advocates for a slower lifestyle modeled after the rhythms of Jesus.

What is "Practicing the Way"?

Practicing the Way is a non-profit initiative founded by John Mark Comer that provides free resources, such as courses and podcasts, to help people and churches integrate spiritual disciplines (like Sabbath and prayer) into their daily lives.

What are the nine practices mentioned in his work?

The nine practices include Sabbath, Prayer, Fasting, Solitude, Silence, Scripture, Community, Simplicity, and Service. These are considered foundational habits for spiritual growth and formation.

What award did John Mark Comer win in 2025?

His book Practicing the Way was awarded the "Christian Book of the Year" by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) in May 2025.

Where does John Mark Comer live now?

After stepping away from his role in Portland in 2021, he moved to Southern California and currently resides in the Santa Monica Mountains area.