John Mark Comer
John Mark Comer - A Guide for Our Times
There's a voice that has been helping many people make sense of things, a person who spends his days both teaching and putting thoughts down on paper. For nearly twenty years, this individual was the main leader at a church called Bridgetown, located in Portland, Oregon. During those years, a lot of time was put into figuring things out, working through ideas and seeing them come to life in the community there. It's interesting, you know, how someone's path can truly shape the messages they bring to the world, and this background definitely plays a part in what John Mark Comer shares with us today, offering a fresh perspective on living.
This person has a way of looking at old stories with new eyes, especially when it comes to the deep kindness of a higher power, something many of us might not have given enough thought to before. It’s almost as if he invites you to open your mind to a deeper truth, something that might surprise you. His work often touches on what it means to truly live without being pulled in too many directions, to find a sense of peace in a world that, quite frankly, feels like it's always rushing. You might find yourself thinking about things a little differently after spending some time with his words, which is, you know, pretty cool.
Whether it’s through his writings or talks, the core idea often comes back to understanding how to live well in a world that can sometimes feel very overwhelming. He talks about recognizing and pushing back against things that can mess with your inner calm, not big outside threats like other governments or groups that cause trouble, but rather the more personal battles we face every day. His approach is often about finding a way to stay whole, both in your feelings and your spirit, even when life feels like a big, loud mess. It's about finding a way to slow down, actually, and be present.
Table of Contents
- Who is John Mark Comer, Anyway?
- What Ideas Does John Mark Comer Share?
- John Mark Comer's Thoughts on Living Unhurried
- How Does John Mark Comer Help Us Find Calm?
- John Mark Comer and the Concept of Rest
- John Mark Comer's Background and Beginnings
- What Does John Mark Comer Say About Inner Peace?
- John Mark Comer's Approach to Inner Calm
- Exploring Resources from John Mark Comer
- Connecting with John Mark Comer's Materials
- The Wider Impact of John Mark Comer's Teachings
Who is John Mark Comer, Anyway?
John Mark Comer is a person who has spent a good portion of his life dedicated to teaching and putting thoughts into written form. For nearly two full decades, he held the position of the first leader at Bridgetown Church, which is located in Portland, Oregon. During his time there, a significant amount of effort was put into developing and practicing ideas, really trying to figure out how to live a meaningful existence. This work involved a lot of thinking and also a lot of practical application, which, you know, makes his insights feel very grounded. He's often described as a thoughtful and encouraging guide, someone who helps people see how much we might have overlooked the immense kindness of a higher power, especially when looking at older religious writings.
His work often invites people to get ready for a deeper encounter with their own inner life. There's a preview of something called "John Mark Comer Live No Lies," which suggests a focus on understanding and pushing back against three kinds of problems that can truly mess with your calm. These aren't problems from other countries or from groups within a nation that cause trouble, but rather internal struggles that can undermine your personal well-being. It's a way of looking at peace not as something external to be found, but something internal to be protected, which is, frankly, a very important distinction to make in our busy world.
He's also known for his ideas about finding peace in a very busy world. For example, the audio version of his writing, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," is something many people listen to. This particular piece of work explores how to stay emotionally sound and spiritually vibrant even when the modern world feels very chaotic. It's almost like a guide for surviving the rush, which, you know, is something a lot of us could probably use a little help with these days. The goal is to help people understand how to slow down and find a more settled way of living, even when everything around them seems to be speeding up.
He also mentions that there are some smaller businesses in the United States that create things, which is a bit of a side note but perhaps shows a value for tangible creation. A related digital guide, "How to Unhurry," is meant to go along with his main writing on getting rid of busyness. It’s a companion piece, so to speak, offering more ways to put the ideas into practice. Even though he really enjoys reading and writing, he often says that ideas are just the beginning, meaning that putting those ideas into action is where the real benefit comes in. This practical focus is something that really stands out in his teaching, as a matter of fact.
He has, you know, a new book that came out recently called "Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human." This topic, as it turns out, isn't new for him. A few years ago, he presented a series of talks about work at Bridgetown Church. It was only a short series, but it seems to have been a foundational idea that he has now expanded upon. This shows a progression in his thought, where earlier concepts grow into fuller expressions over time. It's pretty interesting to see how his ideas develop and get shared with a wider audience, actually.
There are also ways for groups to get hold of his materials in larger quantities, suggesting that his writings are often used for community learning and discussion. This offers a fresh way for groups to figure out how to live according to a particular path or set of principles. He also, at one point, had a guest post from someone named Josh Porter, where his friend and teacher, Dr. Gerry Breshears, and he shared some thoughts. This shows a collaborative spirit, and a willingness to learn from and share with others in his field, which is, you know, a good thing.
| Primary Roles | Teacher, Writer |
| Former Role | Founding Pastor at Bridgetown Church, Portland, Oregon (nearly two decades) |
| Key Themes | Spiritual formation, unhurrying, inner peace, understanding God's mercy, work and rest, dealing with internal struggles |
| Notable Works | "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," "Live No Lies," "Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human," "How to Unhurry" (digital companion) |
| Focus | Helping individuals stay emotionally sound and spiritually alive in a busy, modern world |
What Ideas Does John Mark Comer Share?
So, what sorts of ideas does John Mark Comer bring to the table? His writings and talks often center on the concept of living a life that isn't constantly rushed. He speaks a lot about what he calls "the ruthless elimination of hurry," which is, you know, a pretty strong way to put it. The idea is that in our busy world, we often feel pressured to do more, to go faster, and this can really take a toll on our inner selves. He suggests that by actively removing things that cause us to rush, we can create more space for peace and genuine connection, which is, in a way, a radical thought for many people today.
He points out that many of us have, perhaps, not fully grasped the boundless kindness of a higher power, especially when looking at older religious texts. He encourages people to open themselves up to a deeper appreciation of this idea, suggesting that there's a lot more grace and compassion available than we might typically think. This perspective can, you know, change how someone views their own life and their place in the world. It's about seeing things through a different lens, one that emphasizes mercy and generosity.
John Mark Comer also talks about the importance of recognizing and standing firm against what he calls "three enemies that sabotage your peace." These aren't external forces, like, you know, foreign governments or groups that cause trouble within a country. Instead, they are internal battles, things that happen within us that can truly disrupt our inner calm. He helps people identify these internal struggles and offers ways to push back against them, which is, actually, a very practical approach to finding inner quiet. It’s about taking control of your inner world, in a sense.
John Mark Comer's Thoughts on Living Unhurried
When John Mark Comer speaks about living unhurried, he's getting at something pretty fundamental. It’s about making conscious choices to slow down, to be present, and to not let the constant demands of the modern world dictate your pace. He suggests that this isn't just about managing your schedule, but it's about a deeper way of being. For instance, his writing, "How to Unhurry," serves as a helpful guide to put these ideas into daily practice. It's a digital friend, so to speak, that helps you apply the principles from his main book. This means it's not just theory, but something you can actually do, which is, you know, very useful.
He often says that while he really enjoys reading and writing, ideas themselves are only the start. The real value, he believes, comes from putting those ideas into action, from living them out in your daily existence. This emphasis on practical application is a key part of John Mark Comer's teachings. It’s about moving beyond just thinking about something and actually doing it, which, you know, is where true change happens. This practical focus helps people move from simply understanding a concept to truly living it, which is, honestly, a big step for many.
His work on "Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human" explores how these concepts fit into our lives. He had, as a matter of fact, done some talks on the topic of work at Bridgetown Church a few years back. It was a short series then, but it laid the groundwork for his more recent book. This shows how his thinking on these subjects has, you know, developed over time, growing from initial thoughts into a more complete picture. It's about finding a balance in life, not just working all the time, but also making space for rest and simply being human, which is, really, something we all need.
How Does John Mark Comer Help Us Find Calm?
So, how exactly does John Mark Comer help people find a sense of calm in their lives? A big part of his approach involves encouraging people to deliberately reduce the amount of rushing they do. He suggests that a lot of our stress comes from feeling like we always have to be busy, always moving quickly from one thing to the next. By making choices to slow down, to create margins in our days, we can begin to experience a deeper quiet. It’s about choosing a different way of living, a way that is less driven by external pressures and more by internal peace, which, you know, sounds pretty good to most people.
His popular audio recording, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," offers a practical guide for this. It’s not just about stopping, but about actively removing the things that cause us to rush. This can mean saying no to extra commitments, setting boundaries around technology, or simply building moments of stillness into your day. The goal is to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive even when the world around us feels like a whirlwind. It’s about finding a steady center within yourself, which, actually, is a very empowering idea for many who feel overwhelmed.
He also talks about recognizing and pushing back against those internal struggles that can mess with your peace. These aren't, like, big, scary things from outside, but more subtle inner battles. By understanding what these "enemies" are, you can then learn how to resist them and protect your inner quiet. This self-awareness is a key part of his teaching, helping people to understand their own patterns and make different choices. It’s a very personal process, in a way, but one that can bring about a lot of good.
John Mark Comer and the Concept of Rest
When it comes to rest, John Mark Comer doesn't just mean sleeping. He explores rest as a broader idea, a way of being that allows us to recharge and reconnect with ourselves and a higher power. His latest writing, "Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human," really gets into this. It’s about finding a balance between productive effort and genuine stillness. He argues that rest isn't just a luxury, but something absolutely necessary for our well-being, which, you know, is a perspective many of us could probably benefit from adopting.
He had, as a matter of fact, explored some of these ideas in earlier talks at Bridgetown Church. Even though it was a brief series, it clearly planted the seeds for his later, more developed thoughts on the subject. This shows that his ideas have been, you know, evolving over time, with a consistent thread of seeking a more balanced and peaceful existence. It's about seeing rest not as a break from life, but as an essential part of living a full and meaningful one. This perspective can really change how someone approaches their daily schedule, actually.
The idea is that by embracing intentional rest, we can become more human, more aligned with our true selves. This is especially important in a culture that often values constant activity and productivity above all else. John Mark Comer offers a counter-cultural message, inviting people to consider that true flourishing might come from slowing down and allowing themselves to simply be. It's a pretty powerful message, really, for anyone feeling worn out by the demands of modern life.
John Mark Comer's Background and Beginnings
John Mark Comer's path to becoming a recognized teacher and writer started, you know, quite a while ago. For nearly two decades, he held a significant role as the first leader of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. This was a place where a lot of practical work happened, where ideas were explored and put into action within a community setting. His time there was, in a way, a long period of learning and development, shaping the insights he now shares with a wider audience. It’s interesting how those early experiences can really set the stage for someone's later contributions.
During his years at Bridgetown, much effort was put into figuring things out, not just in theory, but in the day-to-day realities of life. This practical engagement meant that his teachings are often grounded in real-world experiences, which, you know, makes them feel very relatable. He often speaks from a place of having wrestled with these ideas himself, which gives his words a certain weight and authenticity. This background helps people connect with his message on a deeper level, as a matter of fact.
He has also, you know, mentioned that he's a teacher as well as a writer. This dual role suggests that he enjoys both explaining concepts to others and putting his thoughts down on paper for broader consumption. The combination of these two skills allows him to reach people through different means, whether they prefer to listen to a talk or read a book. It's pretty clear that communication is a big part of what he does, and he uses different forms to get his message out there, which is, actually, a very effective approach.
What Does John Mark Comer Say About Inner Peace?
When it comes to finding inner peace, John Mark Comer has some pretty clear ideas. He often speaks about how important it is to recognize and push back against certain things that can really mess with your calm. These aren't external threats, like, you know, other countries or groups that cause trouble. Instead, he points to internal struggles, the things that happen within us that can truly sabotage our sense of quiet and well-being. It’s about understanding these inner battles and learning how to stand firm against them, which, you know, is a very personal journey for everyone.
His work, like the preview for "Live No Lies," touches on this idea of identifying these inner "enemies." By naming them, you can then begin to resist their influence. This focus on internal work is a hallmark of his teaching, suggesting that true peace often begins from the inside out. It's about cultivating a strong inner life that can withstand the chaos of the modern world. This is, actually, a pretty empowering message, as it puts the control back into the individual's hands, in a way.
He also emphasizes the importance of unhurrying as a path to peace. When we are constantly rushing, our minds and bodies are in a state of heightened activity, which can make it very hard to feel calm. By deliberately slowing down and creating space, we allow our inner selves to settle. This isn't just about managing time, but about a deeper shift in how we approach life, which, you know, can lead to a much more settled existence. It’s about making choices that prioritize your inner well-being, as a matter of fact.
John Mark Comer's Approach to Inner Calm
John Mark Comer’s approach to inner calm involves several practical steps, really. He encourages people to consider how much they might have overlooked the immense kindness of a higher power, especially when looking at older stories of faith. This perspective, he suggests, can change how you view your own worth and your place in the world, which, you know, can be a very calming thought. It’s about finding comfort in a larger narrative of grace and acceptance, which is, actually, quite profound.
He also talks about the "ruthless elimination of hurry" as a direct path to inner quiet. This isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a call to action to remove the things that keep us in a constant state of rush. By doing so, we create room for our minds and spirits to breathe. The audio version of this work is available for people to listen to, making these ideas accessible in a different format. This focus on actively choosing to slow down is, you know, a very practical way to cultivate peace in a busy life.
Furthermore, he helps people understand how to stay emotionally sound and spiritually alive in what he describes as the "chaos of the modern world." This means developing practices and habits that protect your inner well-being from the constant noise and demands. It's about building resilience and finding ways to remain centered, even when everything around you feels out of control. This is, in a way, about learning to thrive, not just survive, which is, you know, a very hopeful message for many people seeking calm.
Exploring Resources from John Mark Comer
If you're interested in learning more, there are several resources available from John Mark Comer. His writings are a primary way he shares his ideas. For instance, his book, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," has been quite popular, and there's an audio version of it that you can listen to. This makes it easy for people to take in his thoughts, whether they prefer to read or to hear things spoken. It's pretty convenient, actually, to have those different options for engaging with the content.
He also has a new book out called "Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human." This particular work expands on ideas he had, you know, explored in some talks at Bridgetown Church a few years back. It was a shorter series then, but it seems to have grown into a more complete exploration of these important topics. This shows a progression in his thinking and a continued commitment to helping people find balance in their lives. It’s about making sure that what we do, and how we live, truly supports our well-being.
There's also a digital companion to his book on unhurrying, called "How to Unhurry." This resource is designed to help people put the ideas from the main book into practice. It’s a way to go beyond just understanding the concepts and actually start living them out in daily life. He often says that while he loves reading and writing, ideas are just the beginning, meaning that the real benefit comes from applying what you learn. This emphasis on practical application is, you know, a very strong feature of his work.
Connecting with John Mark Comer's Materials
Connecting with John Mark Comer's materials is pretty straightforward. You can find his books, like the one about getting rid of hurry, in various formats, including audio versions. This makes it easy to engage with his ideas no matter how you prefer to take in information. He also mentions that his new book, "Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human," is now available, which, you know, is exciting for those who follow his work. It’s about providing different ways for people to access his insights, which is, actually, very thoughtful.
For groups, there are options to order his materials in larger quantities. This suggests that his writings are often used for group discussions and collective learning, which is, you know, a great way to explore these ideas with others. It offers a new kind of resource to help a group figure out a particular way of living or thinking. This community aspect
John Lennon Wallpaper HD (49+ images)
Program Info
Spider-Man: John Cena suits up as Sandman in stunning new No Way Home image
