John Mark Comer brings practicality to Christianity with this book. With each page bringing more insight than the previous, I found myself tearing through this book (in between moments of prayer & journaling). I thought on the concepts and found my relationship with God challenged by the idea of what is truly salvation. Such a good book for new & old Christians alike. Highly Recommend!

I have been following John Mark Comer's teaching on apprenticeship to Jesus since 2018 and I've longed for a concise version of his best teachings on the subject... this book is exactly that!

As a pastor, I am going to be going back to this book every year as a primer on how I can best communicate discipleship to Jesus in a 21st-century context. I am also going to be handing this book out to my congregants so they can see the beauty of (1) being with Jesus, (2) becoming like Jesus, and (3) doing what Jesus did.

Buy this and 5 copies for your friends!

Saint Maximus, back in the seventh century, acknowledged, "A person who is simply a man of faith is [not] a disciple." John Mark Comer frames the same axiom with the question: are you a Christian or are you a disciple? If your immediate response to that question is, "Are those not the same things?," then Comer's Practicing the Way is the exact book for you to read.

While I'm not sure this book offers much that hasn't already been said elsewhere (which is evidenced by Comer's deep research and plethora of excellent quotations), he offers a wonderful compendium on discipleship. You will be uncomfortably challenged by many of the chapters, as Comer begins with an argument that our salvation and goal as believers in Christ must reach into becoming apprentices of Jesus. After all, how can one truthfully say they believe what Jesus teaches and not strive to live in such a way?

After defining biblical discipleship/apprenticeship, Comer lays our three goals: to be with Jesus, to become like him, and to do as he did. As Comer states, "If you are an apprentice of Jesus, your end goal is to grow and mature into the kind of person who can say and do all the things Jesus said and did." The question which naturally remains, then, is, "How?"

It is at this point, Comer lays the suggestion for a Rule of Life. Not only does he define a Rule of Life, but he gives some prime examples and starters on forming one's own personal Rule of Life. It is worth mentioning here that Comer has also begun a nonprofit named Practicing the Way that aims to develop spiritual formation resources. At practicingtheway.com, Comer and his team have free, downloadable videos and guides for different spiritual practices. It is truly a wonderful and valuable resource—one that I highly recommend even if you don't end up picking up the book first.

I can really see this book and its online companion being a powerful resource for churches and small groups who aim to not just "be discipled" but to "be disciples." Practicing the Way is filled with challenging propositions, practical guides and examples, and hope for a Church that looks and does as Jesus did.


I'm grateful to NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for the advanced readers copy in return for my honest review.

John Mark is back with another profound, deeply impactful, and accessible book. This book takes a holistic approach to being a Christian by putting practical application to the age-old idea: the best way to live for God is to try to live like Jesus, to do as he did, and to continue to work daily towards such a life. This is one of his strongest books!

I've already preordered a copy for a friend that I believe will greatly appreciate this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

An excellent book that I will certainly return to. It's great to have a book on discipleship that takes seriously the trajectory we are on. For example, Comer talked about how if our view of Jesus is distorted, becoming more "devout" can actually be a bad thing, making us self-righteous, complacent, etc.

This book's three core suggestions are how I am going to begin describing discipleship- being with Jesus, doing what Jesus did, becoming like Jesus.

If you want to follow Jesus, this book should jump to the top of your reading list

The problem with Christian books is that generally, no matter how good they are, they land in our minds, which are fully equipped to absorb and appreciate them and yet sort them into the “good thoughts and ideals” file, where they can be prized and not acted upon. (At least that’s what I do…). But the Christian faith is meant to be lived, not just known. In Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer offers content that won’t just enrich the mind, but give building blocks to construct a coherent, consistent daily life of following Jesus in whatever specific context we are in. His style as always is casual, inviting (and challenging), and readable, while the content is characteristically thorough, balanced, and precise.

After reading the book, I feel like an intimate life with God is actually attainable. I’ve always hoped it was, but now I can feel its nearness: I have a map to it. A life where I really begin to change into a person of love and see others (and myself) like God does. Where the fruit of the Spirit is what’s actually on the inside, not just imitated when needed so I can get through a social interaction in one piece. And this book is not some “new” approach to Christianity either: rather it’s a presentation of the Way of Jesus that is as ancient as his first disciples, refurbished from the wear and tear that centuries of worldly influence have put on it, and made applicable to everyone. If you’re not satisfied with your current relationship with Jesus, if you feel like something’s missing, or if you want to follow him but don’t know how to practically go about doing that, like you’re stuck in the shallows and need to seek fulfillment elsewhere, I think you’ll find this book incredibly helpful.

Practicing The Way is both a practical and philosophical approach to the idea of following Jesus.

Comer’s writing intellectually engages readers while also helping them form every day approaches to implant ancient wisdom.

This is a book every follower of Jesus should read! Not just for great ideas, but for a better way to define what it means to walk with Jesus through our everyday lives.

My initial thoughts when I finished were that I appreciated how practical and gracious the things in this book were. John Mark Comer does a fantastic job presenting his information while not making you feel like a failure for not doing the things he has chosen to do. I greatly appreciate how he can give his choices as examples but also gives so much direction and freedom for each person to make the same ideas fit their life.

I'm sure I could write paragraphs and paragraphs about this book and the things I learned but I'll stick to the main thing I'm working on from this read-through and then some stand-out quotes (I highlighted so much of this book!!).

The thing I have started to work on after finishing this book is turning my mind to God more throughout the day. Trying to start and end my day with prayer and just trying to tune my mind to His presence as I go through my days. That's the habit I'm working to build.

"One of my favorite definitions of discipleship is 'a lifelong process of deepening surrender to Jesus.'"

"David Brooks once defined commitment as 'falling in love with something [or someone] and then building a structure of behavior around it for those moments when love falters.'"

"Formation into the image of Jesus isn't something we do as much as it's something that is done to us, by God Himself, as we yield to His work of transforming grace. Our job is mostly to make ourselves available." [This is sanctification.]

"It seems the Western church has at times been more careful to avoid 'works righteousness' than to avoid sin." [That hit.]

"For Jesus, salvation is less about getting you into heaven and more about getting heaven into you. It's not just about Him becoming like us but also about us becoming like Him. It's less of a transaction and more of a transformation." [Again, sanctification. And this is something I've been learning and developing as a thought - Jesus cares more about our souls than anything else. Yes, He cares about our earthly lives, but they are temporary and He is much more concerned with our eternal lives.]

This is an excellent book that I will read again. I highly recommend it as well.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.

"Practicing the Way" is a wonderful overview of the work John Mark Comer has been doing over the years with his teachings and the Practicing the Way ministry and courses. In it JMC goes over the goals of the Christian Life- To be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and to do what he did. He then explains how to craft a rule of life to accomplish the goals.
The book is easy to read and life changing! I have been "practicing the way" for almost 4 years and have seen more growth in my faith than in the 20 years before that. I'm excited to share this book with others and hopefully run the practice in my small group. Highly recommend to anyone looking to know Jesus more!
Thank you to WaterBrook and Multnomah for the early copy.

In Practicing the Way, Comer reminds us that no one book on spiritual formation can unlock all the secrets of following Jesus, but if there were one that inspires a great place to start, it is definitely this one. In a world filled with hurry and unrest, Comer implores us to slow down, to make space, and surrender. The call to action is simple. The practices profound. Every believer, regardless of where they are along their journey, needs this book.

If you’re new to John Mark Comer know that his writing style isn’t for everyone. I love it. A JMC book is like sitting down to coffee with a good friend as they tell you what the Lords been teaching them. Practicing the Way is no different.

In this book, JMC does a great job of laying out what living a Jesus-like life looks like and how to get there.

I particularly enjoyed the last fourth of the book as he walks the reader through how he’s set up his Rule of Life.

Thank you to Waterbrook/Multnomah and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

An incredible overview and approach to spiritual formation in our day. Apprenticeship to Jesus is not simply about converting to Christianity, but reorienting our entire lives around the way He lived in the world that we might do the same. I've heard recently that translating the word "easy" from the "easy yoke" Jesus talks about in Matthew 11 is tricky in modern English. The best word we have to translate is "kind". In this book, John Mark gives a clear, concise, and kind approach to taking on the kind Way of Jesus. A gift to the world that I can see living on as a classic in formational writing.

This feels like the culmination of a lot of work from John Mark. All of his recent books seem to point to this as his magnum opus. A great exposition on the power of formation, habits, liturgies, and rules of life. I have already pre-ordered it and will happily recommend this to anyone wanting to grow in their life of apprenticeship to Jesus. I will probably re-read the advance copy before it comes out as I pray and shape what I want my next season of apprenticeship to look like.

This read was amazing. There is something about the way this book describes Jesus that just brings new energy to the gospel story. At the same time, Practicing the Way asks a powerful question to its readers: Do you want to become an apprentice of Jesus?

If you've never set foot in a church, then this book is for you. If you're a new believer and you don't know what to do next, then this book is for you. If you've been a believer for a long time but you're aching for a deeper faith that goes beyond cultural christianity, then this book is for you.

"Practicing The Way" emerges as a masterful culmination for enthusiasts of JMC. True to its form, the book maintains an approachability that resonates with audiences at various stages of faith, from the curious newcomers to the seasoned disciples. For those who have been longtime listeners of John Mark, the familiarity of the topics covered is reminiscent, yet this book stands out as an exceptionally well-organized volume. It seamlessly weaves together profound theological themes with practical steps, providing invaluable insights for all followers of Jesus. This book isn't merely a one-time read; it's an enduring companion that invites readers to revisit its pages, offering fresh perspectives and guidance over the years. "Practicing The Way" is a remarkable literary journey that enriches and deepens one's understanding of faith, making it a timeless resource for personal growth and reflection.

I was ecstatic when I was asked to write a review of Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer. I have followed his ministry and read his material for years. This has enriched my life. How can I best describe this book? I am both convicted and challenged. But isn't that what the call to follow Jesus will do? Reveal our own selfish desires and still call us to repent and follow? This book will provide the reader with practical steps to aligning one's life with the teachings of Jesus. Weighty and yet so simple. Recommend it to anyone who wants to followJesus

John Mark Comer simply doesn't miss! And that's no truer than with "Practicing the Way"! I'm an avid follower of John Mark, his journey from Bridgetown to his current nonprofit work, and have probably consumed hundreds of hours of his content by this point. And yet, despite the fact that this book is clearly the culmination of his decades in ministry, it still feels so fresh and needed.

John Mark is an expert at weaving together historical context, quotes from both modern and ancient teachers, culturally relevant examples, and Scripture into points that are both profound and succinctly expressed. He breaks down the life-long journey of discipleship into three, simple tenets "Be with Jesus, Become like him, Do what He did." His writing walks the fine line between sound orthodoxy and authentic orthopraxy because while it's clear that John Mark is a deep theological thinker, he doesn't come across as the ivory-tower type. He is real, and I personally resonate with his struggle to balance the Christian's need for communal living while also honoring his natural introverted tendencies. He is such a good example of how one can serve and love well while also holding good boundaries of rest and margin. He also puts so much of himself into his writing but not in a way that distracts from what his point is. His life is simply evidence of what can come when one lives as Jesus did. As a follower of the Way, a leader in the church world, and a spouse/parent, he is a worthy role model.

I have every confidence that this book will become my go-to recommendation for folks looking to be challenged in the faith. I can't wait to share it with others and re-read on audio when it's released in the new year!

Thank you to Waterbrook/Multnomah and NetGalley for this advanced copy. This is my second opportunity to read one of John Mark's works before it's released to the public and it is an incredible honor. I can't wait for what's next!

This book was phenomenal. Deeply appreciated Comer's insights into what it means to actually be a follower of Jesus, The Way. There were a lot of practical things I will take into my own spiritual life. I always appreciate the vulnerability and realness Comer brings. I think this book should be give to every believer and especially new believers. I cannot wait to gift this to my wife and friends when it releases.

A wonderful guide of how to be an apprentice to Jesus. From the start, this book felt weightier than other works from John Mark Comer. More direct and to the point. He makes it clear that Christians in the West today need to take Jesus seriously when he says to "follow me". The remainder of the book gives a detailed plan of how we can do just that.

This book is perfect for anyone who is looking for a guide with tangible steps to developing an authentic relationship with Jesus.

I have deeply enjoyed John Mark Comer's writing over the years, and Practicing the Way does not disappoint. This is going to be a book I come back to regularly over the years. It isn't just a book filled with wisdom and insight but also a practical and transformational roadmap to, well, practice the way of Jesus.