Clarification On The John Mark Comer Sermon Review

Each week I do sermon reviews of a variety of pastors, from a variety of Church, often sent in by you guys. Such is the case with John Mark Comer.

The difference with the Comer review is that I can't remember a time in which I received so many messages afterwords about who he endorsed and concerns about his other materials.

As I've tried to state time and time again, these reviews are about the particular sermon we are watching and are not necessary an endorsement of the pastor unless I specifically say otherwise.

While I still maintain that John Mark Comers sermon was decent, while lacking in the areas of exegesis and Gospel proclamation, after learning of a number of other things about him its clear that biblical discernment should be used when approaching his materials.
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[armchairtheologian]

I've read all of JMC's books and I can say that I've never seen him endorse Christ-consciousness. I think JMC is more of a Richard Foster type than a Richard Rohr type.

[courtneyquinn]

Appreciate this video clarification. Read JMC’s “Practicing The Way” and see scripture taken out of context and meaning redefined. His works and the practices he promotes (contemplative prayer, etc.) are heavily influenced by universalists, mystics, contemplatives. Dallas Willard, Richard Rohr, Rob Bell, Karl Rahner, Madam Guyon, the list goes on. I used to love his sermons (when I wasn’t reading the Bible on my own) and now I don’t feel I can trust his teachings.

[nhccmn]

JMC has said before that he likes Richard Rohr pre-false teaching. Rohr was solid for a while, but changed his theology on key points. JMC recognizes that and has talked about it.

[GabrielMillen]

Whoever said JMC only quoted Catholic Mystics is plainly wrong as he at least quoted A. W. Tozer. He did quote plenty of Catholics but that is an inevitable outcome of deeply studying Historic Christianity. Yes the Roman Catholics have many false teachings but even Luther and Calvin recognized that many genuine Christians are a part of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.

[perkinsas]

Thank you for this clarification. I used to listen to JMC and was dazzled by him for a while. But as I grew in my knowledge of theology, discernment, and hermeneutics, I realized the danger in the practices and many of the people he promotes. He is very big into contemplative practices and often quotes Catholic mystics in his books and speaking, as does the pastor who took his place at Bridgetown, Tyler Staton.

[resilientdisciples-cc]

I have never heard him quote Rohr but people said he did. And he has preached against universal Christ, progressive theology, against tarot cards, new age, and new thought. But I have never liked his love for Catholics theologians. So I don’t know. I didn’t know JMC had so much hate.

[EvanHall-lnjr]

Where can send a sermon review request?

[celeigh]

I appreciate that you address these issues. The whole point of the sermon reviews is to get people thinking critical about any teaching they listen to.

[ridgeneighbors]

I've gotten into JMC books and Practicing the Way material. I'm in a group that goes through his practice and course. Grown a lot through them. Part of me wonders if JMC is getting negative feedback because he's going down a path not many pastors and churches go down. There isn't much in today's age for spiritual formation, so it does come across as mystic and foreign to many people. The Scripture practice came out today and excited to see what it's all about.

[redhocs]

I really liked your sermon review, but this “clarification” video is disappointing and rather clickbaity compared to the other one, which didn’t even mention his name in the title. I really wonder why people see such “red flags.” What’s wrong with quoting old, wise Catholics? A quote is an opinion, not capital-T Truth. Accusing someone of endorsing Richard Rohr without any proof (when he is not) is unprofessional.

JMC once said that he considers 20% of his sermon to be not completely true, but he does his best. That’s the kind of humility I appreciate in a preacher—not a five-point sermon that allows you to dispense with your own discernment for comfort.

I highly recommend checking out his recently launched Scripture practice (featuring The Bible Project), which explores theology in greater depth than the sermon on prayer that you reviewed.

[bethb]

I saw your JMC sermon review and was surprised that you seemed OK with contemplative prayer. I did watch it to the end but came away with the feeling that you were OK with that sermon subject. I was surprised.

[theprotestantreset]

The JMC video is the first time coming across your channel and I appreciate the sentiment of what you are striving for with this series. But I can already see that this series will bring a ton of discussion and debate with every single episode. If you do your own take on a sermon, I would keep it there and not make follow-ups. You're not endorsing everything this person has ever done, you are just taking the sermon at face-value. You should keep it that way! Teaching people how to navigate good teaching is different than doing a deep dive into their theology. Thanks for your efforts, brother!

[zachboles]

People don’t like JMC because he is not like the “model” The Western Church wants everyone to preach 5 point sermons and how Jesus will make your life better. The problem with that thought process is it’s not biblical. Christianity is about worshiping God, loving him and loving others. That whole message was about a deeper way to pray and love God.

[andrewhart]

I commented on the last feed to warn people about contemplative prayer issues because of my life experience. That said I totally appreciate your work and didn’t think you were endorsing him. Keep up the good work brother!

[EvanHall-lnjr]

Does anyone know, or Michael, where we can send a sermon to you at? Thanks :)

[Lifeisagame]

Hey do you have a video for your testimony? I am confused who is pointing the finger at who and all the doctrine stuff.
I just decided a year ago I would write the Bible by hand and I started in June 2024. I just try to live my life as a good steward day by day. I forgave my parents the last two days and feel more peace. Lastely I will say even with the gift of discernment the hardest to discern is Christian pastors. I hope that made since. I don’t know who is right and wrong but maybe leaning on God is the answer. Have a nice day.

[keepclimbing]

I watched JMC whole 4 part series on prayer and I thought it was overall really beautiful (part 2 had far too many quotes imo). We are terrified in the West of anything beyond our spiritual box. Did we ever think we are missing something?? A big huge something?? Or should we just keep living like practical materialists and watch the watch the western Protestant church die? "Churchianity" isn't working guys.

[e.m.]

Ugh, Richard Rohr believes in the "Universal Christ". Not exactly sure what kind of New Age gobblygook that is.

[shawnsnider]

It is incredibly stupid to critique quotes used by ad hominem of the source rather than the content. Paul uses well known secular sources constantly.

[Ben-wppg]

The people who whined to you about Comer need to dive deeper. He preached a couple weeks ago at my church and called out prosperity multiple times. Chill out a bit and appreciate his wisdom. No need to agree with every word out of his mouth…