Podcasts about practicing the way

Reject the "Renaissance" of Spiritual Formation - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. John Mark Comer credits Richard Foster with launching a "renaissance" of spiritual formation in Protestantism. Bob DeWaay warns this movement replaces confidence in Scripture with mystical practices and calls believers to approach God through Christ alone. (duration 00:22:23) Click here to play

The Apostasy of Spiritual Formation - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Spiritual formation is designed for those who don't know Christ. This is Christianity in name only. Using verses from Hebrews, Bob warns that turning from the promises of God given to all believers and going to spiritual formation leads to apostasy. (duration 00:22:40) Click here to play

A Spiritual Journey for the Unconverted - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Barb Gretch and Bob DeWaay. We show that spiritual formation is not a biblical category. We address the spiritual process prescribed by Fuller Seminary and cited in Comer's book. It is appealing to religious consumers but fails to give them what they most need the gospel. (duration 00:22:15) Click here to play

John Mark Comer and the Mystical Union Error - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Is being "in Christ" the same as panentheism? Bob DeWaay explains that union with God is legal, not ontological. Believers are declared righteous through faith, not merged with God's essence. We also critique Comer's view of union with the Trinity. (duration 00:23:20) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-267541.html Continuing the Conversation Was there ever a time a specific Bible truth helped you through a hard moment? What was it? What stands out to you about how Jesus responded to temptation? Where are you most vulnerable to identity attacks? What lies do you default to under pressure? Are there shortcuts youre tempted to take right now in career, relationships, faith, or calling?

The way of Jesus leads us to a deeper, fuller life. This was true in the ancient world where Jesus first lived and taught, and it's still true today. But what does it mean to actually practice the way of Jesus in today's complex, secular world? In this podcast, join John Mark Comer and other guides as they explore this important question through practical teachings and conversations. At Practicing the Way, we are here to help you journey to a deeper life with God.Discover more of our resources and take your next step at practicingtheway.org

The Panentheistic Gospel of Contemporary Theological - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We reveal and reject the panentheistic gospel of John Mark Comer, which is typical of progressive, liberal theologians today. Panentheism is the belief that God is in everything. We defend the true gospel, including the substitutionary atonement. (duration 00:23:23) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-266968.html Continuing the Conversation When you read the Bible, which mode do you drift toward most: information, performance, or presence? Why? What makes it hardest for you to slow down and sit at Jesus feet? What is one specific change you can make this week to practice Scripture as a way of being with Jesus?

An Inward Journey to Utter Deception - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer claims there is an inward journey that is key to Christian spirituality and finding our "true self." This is contrary to the biblical doctrine of the means of grace and the finished work of Christ. We don't look inward - we look to Christ. (duration 00:23:56) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-266086.html Continuing the Conversation When you read the Bible, which mode do you drift toward most: information, performance, or presence? Why? What makes it hardest for you to slow down and sit at Jesus feet? What is one specific change you can make this week to practice Scripture as a way of being with Jesus?

Saints and Surrender: What the Bible Really Says - A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. A common error among mystics and the Roman Catholic Church is an unbiblical definition of "saint." Using Hebrews 10:10-14, we show that a saint is any born-again believer. We also challenge "total surrender," noting that 2 Peter 1:1-4 corrects this idea. (duration 00:23:27) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-265534.html Continuing the Conversation 1. Honest inventory: a. When was the last time you fasted? b. What has your relationship with this discipline looked like avoidance, ignorance, occasional practice? c. What do you think has shaped that? 2. Fasting reveals the things that control us. If you fasted one day this week, a. What do you think it would reveal about what most comforts and controls you? b. What are you afraid that answer might be? 3. The next step: Comer challenges us to build fasting into our Rule of Life the ongoing rhythm of discipleship. a. What would one small, concrete step look like for you in the next two weeks? b. Could your group fast together and debrief the experience?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-265534.html Continuing the Conversation 1. Honest inventory: a. When was the last time you fasted? b. What has your relationship with this discipline looked like avoidance, ignorance, occasional practice? c. What do you think has shaped that? 2. Fasting reveals the things that control us. If you fasted one day this week, a. What do you think it would reveal about what most comforts and controls you? b. What are you afraid that answer might be? 3. The next step: Comer challenges us to build fasting into our Rule of Life the ongoing rhythm of discipleship. a. What would one small, concrete step look like for you in the next two weeks? b. Could your group fast together and debrief the experience?

Conversion, Not Spiritual Formation: A Critique of Practicing the Way, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. In this episode we examine John Mark Comers' claim that, "Formation into the image of Jesus is a long, slow process, not a one-time event." Bob DeWaay rejects this and clearly defends the biblical position that we are a new creation and secure in Christ the moment we are born again, which is a one-time event. We walk in newness of life as we await the promised resurrection. We must not give up the biblical doctrine of sanctification in favor of the man-made process of spiritual formation. (duration 00:22:02) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-264903.html Continuing the Conversation 1. When you feel stressed, empty, or overwhelmedwhat do you instinctively reach for? What might that reveal about your deeper hunger? 2. In Jesus wilderness temptation, which of the 3 temptations (control, approval, shortcuts) do you relate to most right now? Why? 3. What fears or resistance come up when you think about fasting? Be honestwhat feels hard about it? 4. What is one simple way you can begin practicing fasting this week? Skip one meal? Fast from media? Replace a habit with prayer?

An Invasion of Eastern Religion: True Self or True Conversion - A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 41, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer's version of spiritual formation is an invasion of eastern religion sweeping through churches today. Comer claims that spiritual formation leads us to our truest self. Bob rejects this and shows that our greatest need is to be born again. (duration 00:23:29) Click here to play

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-264347.html Continuing the Conversation 1. When you think about skipping a meal to spend time with Jesus, what resistance do you feeland what might that reveal about what you depend on most? 2. During times when youve felt closest to Jesus, what was different about your pace, habits, or level of distraction compared to your normal life? 3. What would it look like for you this week to replace one meal with intentional time being with Jesusand how will you structure that time so its not just empty, but meaningful? 4. If fasting could reshape your desires, what is one area of your life where you want Jesus more than comfort, control, or convenience?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-264347.html Continuing the Conversation 1. When you think about skipping a meal to spend time with Jesus, what resistance do you feeland what might that reveal about what you depend on most? 2. During times when youve felt closest to Jesus, what was different about your pace, habits, or level of distraction compared to your normal life? 3. What would it look like for you this week to replace one meal with intentional time being with Jesusand how will you structure that time so its not just empty, but meaningful? 4. If fasting could reshape your desires, what is one area of your life where you want Jesus more than comfort, control, or convenience?

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 40 - The Hopelessness of Spiritual Formation, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We compare spiritual formation with the biblical doctrine of sanctification. The beginning point of Comer's version of spiritual formation is the mother's womb (in Adam); the beginning point of true sanctification is supernatural regeneration (in Christ). (duration 00:23:31) Click here to play

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 39 - Replacing Sanctification with Unbiblical Spiritual Formation, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer promotes unbiblical spiritual formation, again citing Catholic monks rather than Scripture. Bob explains why this is unbiblical and points us to many Scriptures that remind us of the finished work of Christ. All who are born of God are saints. (duration 00:25:12) Click here to play

In the final message of our Practicing The Way series, Pastor Aaron Alexander invites us to consider who or what is shaping our lives and challenges us to become intentional about our spiritual formation. He gives us practical ways to build a “rule of life” - one shaped by love, sustained by rhythm, and moved by the Spirit.

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-263020.html Continuing the Conversation In your own words, how would you explain the difference between being saved by faith and being formed through obedienceand why does that distinction matter? Where in your life are you confidently trusting Jesus for salvation, but hesitating or resisting obedience in formation? Do you tend to lean more toward earning Gods approval (legalism) or neglecting growth (passivity)? How does that show up in your habits? What is one specific act of obedience you sense God inviting you into this weeknot to earn His love, but to grow in itand when will you take that step?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-263020.html Continuing the Conversation In your own words, how would you explain the difference between being saved by faith and being formed through obedienceand why does that distinction matter? Where in your life are you confidently trusting Jesus for salvation, but hesitating or resisting obedience in formation? Do you tend to lean more toward earning Gods approval (legalism) or neglecting growth (passivity)? How does that show up in your habits? What is one specific act of obedience you sense God inviting you into this weeknot to earn His love, but to grow in itand when will you take that step?

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 38 - Evangelicals Taken Captive by Roman Catholic Mysticism, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Roman Catholic monastic mysticism is taking evangelicals captive through the teachings of John Mark Comer and Rod Dreher. Both men promote the teachings of the mystic "Saint" Benedict. We must reject the darkness of monasticism and stand firm in our faith. (duration 00:22:32) Click here to play

In week four of Practicing The Way, Pastor Angela Linz unpacks what it really means to “do as Jesus did,” reminding us that real faith produces real action, but only after true transformation. Through the story of Zacchaeus, we see how Jesus made space for people, spoke truth with love, and invites us to live from a place of being fully known and deeply loved.

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-262221.html Continuing the Conversation Where in your life right now do you feel like you have nothing to offer, and how is that shaping the way you pray? What might your persistence (or inconsistency) in prayer reveal about what you actually believe about God? When you picture God listening to you, a. what is your instinctive view of Him?b. how does that affect your prayers?

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-262221.html Continuing the Conversation Where in your life right now do you feel like you have nothing to offer, and how is that shaping the way you pray? What might your persistence (or inconsistency) in prayer reveal about what you actually believe about God? When you picture God listening to you, a. what is your instinctive view of Him?b. how does that affect your prayers?

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 37 - A Misdiagnosis of Hurry, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer states that you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Rather than warning about hurry, Scripture warns about laziness. Being busy and hardworking is not a sin. This teaching more in line with Eastern religion than biblical Christianity. (duration 00:23:00) Click here to play

In week three of our Practicing the Way series, Pastor Eric Sebastian explored what it means to become like Jesus through the process of spiritual formation. Looking at Matthew 16:24-25, he explained that discipleship requires us to say no to self, die to self, and live for Christ. Instead of constantly asking “What do I want?”, following Jesus means surrendering control of our lives and asking, “Jesus, what do You want?” True transformation doesn't come from striving harder, but from daily surrender to the work God is doing in us.

Ben Chase concludes our series on Solitude with a sermon called Encounter With Our God. This sermon series is based on resources provided by Practicing The Way. Sunday March 15th, 2026.

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-261691.html Continuing the Conversation When do you feel most spiritually dry? What time of day is most realistic for consistent prayer? How does daily dependence challenge your independence? What simple prayer rhythm could you begin immediately?

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A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 36 - Jesus is Unique, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer presents Jesus as a mystical moral role model. The Gospels show us that Jesus is unique. He is the sinless Savior, not a role model for mystics. We reject Comer's claim that solitude is vital to the Christian life. What we need is the means of grace. (duration 00:24:38) Click here to play

In week two of our Practicing the Way series, we explored what it means to truly be with Jesus. While following Jesus often begins with practices like attending church, reading Scripture, and praying, real transformation happens when we learn to remain connected to Him. Drawing from Bible passages like John 15:1–4 and Romans 12:1–2, we see that abiding in Jesus means remaining, renewing our minds, and building rhythms that center our lives on Him. Through practices like contemplative prayer, we create space to be still and aware of His presence throughout our day. Ultimately, the goal of a life of prayer isn't answered prayers; the true reward is Jesus Himself. 

Ben Chasecontinues our series on Solitude with a sermon called Encounter With Our Enemy. This sermon series is based on resources provided by Practicing The Way. Sunday March 8th, 2026.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 35 - Defending the Meaning of the Lord's Prayer, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. In this episode we continue to discuss John Mark Comer's misuse of Matthew 5:5-6. Comer claims that we need to learn to hide - to find a secret place - to pray. We show that Jesus was warning about hypocrisy, not prescribing a special location to pray. (duration 00:24:54) Click here to play

In the first week of our Practicing the Way series, Pastor Eric unpacks Jesus' invitation to come and find true rest by taking on His yoke. Salvation is received in a moment, but lasting rest is learned through a lifestyle of following, becoming like, and living on mission with Jesus.

Andy Barefoot continues our series on Solitude with a sermon called Encounter With Our Self. This sermon series is based on resources provided by Practicing The Way. Sunday March 1st, 2026.

Ben Chase begins our new series on Solitude with a sermon called A Quiet Place. This sermon series is based on resources provided by Practicing The Way. Sunday February 23rd, 2026.

In this episode of Unshaken Faith, we take a careful, biblical look at Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, a book that has quickly gained popularity in Christian discipleship and spiritual formation circles. Many listeners have asked whether we recommend it and after a thorough review, the answer is no. We walk through the book's core framework, its view of spiritual formation, and how it defines discipleship and transformation. While some of the practices it encourages may sound helpful on the surface, we found deeper theological concerns underneath including influences that overlap with contemplative spirituality, charismatic/NAR-style formation models, progressive-leaning theology, and sacramental or mystical streams more commonly associated with Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic spirituality.Most importantly, we evaluate the book's message against the biblical gospel. Does it clearly present salvation by grace through faith? Does it ground transformation in the finished work of Christ or shift the center toward practices and processes? We explain where we believe the message drifts and why that matters for everyday Christians.Our goal is not to attack people, but to equip believers with discernment. We encourage you to think biblically, test everything against Scripture, and stay rooted in the true gospel.If this book has been recommended to you, or if you're already reading it, this episode will help you evaluate it through a clear theological lens.Consider the Lillies, by Johnny ArdavanisHappy Lies, by Melissa DoughertyAlisa's video on generational curses

Anecdote: Why we are doing this 1st ever book review: This isn't a book that's going to lead to wide spread disciple making progress in your church. Takeaway: Good book about discipleship, not great for disciple making.   Action Step: Regularly read DM books!    Show Notes:   Justin's Book Notes on Practicing the Way   Watch Us On YouTube  Justin's Website Tony's Website Navigators Church Ministries The Follow2Lead Podcast

Following Jesus and becoming like him requires me to share my life with others.

Zack begins our series "Practicing the Way," a multi-week discussion based on John Mark Comer's book of the same name.

The Bible promises that transformation in the Christian life is possible—but it is not inevitable. What does it take to see our lives change as we walk with Jesus? What temptations hold you back from victory and joy as a believer? For answers to these vital questions, don't miss Equipped with John Mark Comer about intentionally becoming an apprentice of Jesus. Featured resource:Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become Like Him. Do as He Did. by John Mark Comer January thank you gift:Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become Like Him. Do as He Did. by John Mark Comer Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here.

Jason and Jeff discuss the book “Practicing the Way”, how it's impacted their lives and families and how it should influence us heading into a new year.