Practicing the way by John Mark Comer is a comprehensive look at discipleship where Comer shares much valuable information.
We’ve probably heard the expression, “following Jesus”, but what does this look like in practical terms? Comer believes it means the same three things it meant to the early disciples. After the introduction, Comer looks at each of these separately: Be with Jesus, Become like him and Do as he did. He concludes his book with another two sections: A rule of life and Take up your cross.
Comer goes into a lot of detail explaining the importance of these different aspects of discipleship and what happens when we don’t intentionally take steps to grow spiritually. He uses illustrations from his own life and quotes many well-known theologians, authors and professors. Consequently, the book has a lot of footnotes. His favourite person to quote is, Dallas Willard.
While Comer writes in an easy-to-read manner, I found I got bogged down around the middle, waiting for him to explain how this type of discipleship affects our lifestyle. This happens at around page 150. Nevertheless, having arrived at this point, Comer does a good job of not making the reader feel guilty or overwhelmed. Often the disciplines of discipleship aren’t something we add to our to-do list but rather things we stop doing to make room for God in our lives. He also explains that some of these practices can only be done in community. I found the conclusion helpful and encouraging.
Overall, an important book on Christian discipleship.
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