John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way model of discipleship has gained traction among Christians, spiritual seekers, and churches around the world because it is biblically faithful, theologically grounded, and psychologically realistic. It is designed to support the spiritual formation of people who actually want to become like Jesus in daily life.
Here are six key strengths of the model, with supporting biblical texts.
1. It treats discipleship as apprenticeship, not mere belief
A major strength is Comer’s insistence that discipleship is not simply “agreeing with doctrines,” but learning a whole way of life under a master. This restores the biblical meaning of “disciple” as an apprentice who follows, watches, practices, and obeys a competent and wise master.
Support texts:
Matthew 4:19 — “Follow me… and I will make you…” (formation, not just information)
Luke 6:40 — “A disciple… will be like his teacher.”
John 8:31 — “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”
2. It is relational and Christ-centred: being “with Jesus”
The model begins not with religious activity but with spiritual intimacy: it focuses on what it means to “be with Jesus.” This is a corrective to performance-driven Christianity. Instead of treating God as a taskmaster, it frames discipleship as life lived in communion with Christ, from which fruitfulness naturally flows.
Support texts:
Mark 3:14 — Jesus appointed the Twelve “that they might be with him.”
John 15:4–5 — “Abide in me… apart from me you can do nothing.”
Psalm 27:4 — the longing to “gaze upon the beauty of the LORD.”
3. It aims at whole-person transformation: becoming like Jesus
Another strength is its emphasis on formation, not self-improvement. Comer’s model targets what Scripture calls sanctification: the Holy Spirit reshaping our human desires, reflexes, and character, so that we increasingly mirror the humility, purity, courage, compassion, and holiness of Jesus.
Support texts:
Romans 8:29 — predestined “to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 — “being transformed… from one degree of glory to another.”
Galatians 4:19 — “until Christ is formed in you.”
4. It integrates practices (“spiritual disciplines”) without legalism
Comer’s use of biblical discipleship practices (such as Sabbath, silence, prayer, Scripture, generosity, community) helps modern Christians recover something many have lost: a focus on training rather than trying. He often repeats a famous quotation from Dallas Willard, “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.” Practices are framed as grace-inspired actions, not as merit badges based on an attitude of self-sufficiency.
Comer would say that spiritual growth requires intentional rhythms, spiritual practices that have consistently been used by followers of Jesus for 2,000 years.
Support texts:
1 Timothy 4:7–8 — “Train yourself for godliness.”
Luke 5:16 — Jesus “often withdrew… and prayed.”
Acts 2:42 — the early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.
5. It makes discipleship concrete and sustainable in modern life
In a distracted age, “Practicing the Way” gives a workable framework for discipleship amid jobs, phones, anxiety, family pressures, and consumer habits. It recognizes that “default discipleship” is always happening, since people are constantly being shaped by something. Therefore, Christian formation must become intentional rather than accidental.
Support texts:
Romans 12:1–2 — resist being “conformed” to the world; be “transformed” by renewed minds.
Deuteronomy 6:6–9 — faith embedded in everyday patterns (“when you walk… lie down… rise”).
Ephesians 5:15–16 — “make the best use of the time.”
6. It restores the communal nature of discipleship
A further strength is its insistence that discipleship is not a private hobby. The model emphasises church, relationships, confession, accountability, and shared rhythms, correcting the hyper-individualism of much Western Christianity. We follow Jesus personally, but never alone.
Support texts:
Hebrews 10:24–25 — stir one another up; don’t neglect meeting together.
James 5:16 — “confess your sins… pray for one another.”
Ephesians 4:15–16 — growth happens as the body builds itself up in love.
The strength of Comer’s model is its biblical clarity and practical realism. The notion of discipleship in the New Testament is best understood as apprenticeship to Jesus – being with him, becoming like him, doing what he did. This way of life is shaped through intentional practices and sustained in community for lifelong transformation.
In a world that seeks to control our behaviour and destiny by initiating us into hurry, consumerism, shallowness, and self-salvation, “Practicing the Way” re-centres the church on the ancient call to follow Jesus, and be formed by him.
Rev Dr Rod Benson is General Secretary of the NSW Ecumenical Council and a minister of the Uniting Church in Australia serving at North Rocks Community Church in Sydney.
Image source: Practicing the Way
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