I appreciated reading this article by J. A. Medders, and I felt the title nicely summed up his purpose in writing his article.
If you or someone you love enjoys reading John Mark Comer, you might find this above response by J. A. Medders to be insightful.
I reflected on these concerns from the lens of Relational Spirituality, an area Dr. Todd Hall often teaches about.
I write this article not with a critical spirit, but simply as a way to think through the way in which Comer and others communicate about the essence of the gospel. I felt J. A. Medders wrote his article with a similarly gracious spirit.
As a Relational Spirituality Coach, certified through Dr. Todd Hall’s cohort, I wanted to reflect more on this topic. First, I want to thank Dr. Todd Hall for his valuable work in the area of spiritual formation and relational spirituality, which encourages us to develop a secure attachment to God through the regenerative work of Christ on the cross.
Christ made salvation possible for us.
Without Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection, we would not have this hope of eternal life. We wouldn’t be adopted as God’s children.
Just for fun, here are some thoughts on this topic, and I’d welcome discussion in the comments.
The article by J.A. Medders provides a thoughtful pastoral response to John Mark Comer’s work, affirming its Christ-centered spirituality while raising concerns about theological clarity and biblical emphasis. From a relational spirituality perspective, there are several points worth exploring in light of Comer’s message and Medders’ critique.
Relational Spirituality Perspective on Comer’s Message
Christ as Model and Means:
Medders highlights Comer’s emphasis on Jesus as a model for the Christian life, but critiques the lack of focus on Christ’s atoning work and regeneration. Relational spirituality underscores that spiritual transformation flows from a secure attachment to God, made possible by grace through Christ’s work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Comer’s emphasis on apprenticeship to Jesus aligns with relational spirituality’s focus on relational processes, but it must be grounded in the gospel of grace to avoid a works-based interpretation (Colossians 1:13).
Integration of Scripture and Practice:
Medders’ concern about Comer’s perceived downplaying of Scripture intake resonates with relational spirituality’s emphasis on integrating explicit (cognitive) and implicit (relational) knowledge of God. Practices like meditating on Scripture and praying the Psalms are essential for fostering relational knowledge of God (Psalm 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17) 7,8. Comer’s philosophical approach could benefit from more explicit guidance on these practices to help readers connect relationally with God through His Word.
Community and Formation:
Comer’s focus on spiritual formation aligns with relational spirituality’s emphasis on transformation within community. However, Medders’ critique of Comer’s lack of emphasis on repentance and regeneration points to a potential gap in addressing the communal aspect of confession and mutual accountability (James 5:16). Relational spirituality views spiritual communities as vital contexts for growth, where believers are “loved into loving” through shared practices and relational support 3,5.
Mystical Influences:
Medders’ caution regarding Comer’s use of mystics reflects a concern for theological discernment. While relational spirituality values contemplative practices as pathways to relational connection with God, it also emphasizes grounding these practices in Scripture and the gospel to ensure they foster true transformation (Romans 12:2) 7.
Regenerative and Biblical Emphasis
Medders’ critique of Comer’s definition of the gospel on page 136 of Practicing the Way raises an important theological concern. Relational spirituality insists that transformation begins with God’s initiative—His grace and the regenerating work of the Spirit (Titus 3:5).
While Comer’s language of apprenticeship captures the relational dynamic of discipleship, it must be framed within the biblical narrative of salvation by grace through faith, not by works (Galatians 2:16).
Relevant Bible Verses and Quotes
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Colossians 1:13: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
Dr. Todd Hall: “Spiritual transformation occurs as we are loved into loving, within the context of secure attachment to God and others” 5.
John Mark Comer: “The goal of apprenticeship to Jesus is to recover your soul, to live in alignment with the way of Jesus, and to experience the life that is truly life” (The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry).
In summary, Comer’s work offers valuable insights into relational discipleship but his work would benefit from a stronger emphasis on grace, repentance, and Scripture as the foundation for spiritual formation.
Encouraging young Christians to engage with Comer’s work alongside deeper theological resources, as Medders suggests, provides a balanced approach to fostering growth in Christ.
A few more personal thoughts on this topic:
As someone who has shared the message of the gospel in cross cultural settings, I would add this: perhaps the message of Practicing the Way and some of the writings of John Mark Comer have been helpful to some Christians who already understand the need for atonement and regeneration, and salvation by grace alone.
However, for someone who has never understood the message of the gospel, they may struggle to understand salvation in Christ, through His grace clearly enough from reading some of Comer’s teachings. The regenerative power of Christ and atonement for sin at the cross is such a key element of the gospel. I personally love Titus 3 and other passages which so clearly communicate what a transformed life looks like.
But from what I understand, those who have been encouraged and strengthened in their walk with God by Comer’s message often learn about spiritual disciplines from him from a relational perspective.
However, Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and not merely a model. So I want to be sure that in my own writing and communication with others, I clearly share the power of the cross and how His body and blood shed for me have made new life in Christ possible, and my adoption as God’s child a reality.
Hebrews 1:3 (NASB) says this of Jesus Christ: “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…”
Christ’s finished work on the cross and the power of His resurrection changed my eternal destiny and because of Him, I am a new creation.
I am His child and I am so thankful for His love and grace.
Jesus Christ has changed my life, my eternal future, and my identity.
In Summary:
From a relational spirituality perspective, this emphasis on the atonement, regeneration, and salvation by grace alone is foundational to understanding spiritual transformation. These truths anchor the relational process of sanctification in the work of Christ, ensuring that spiritual disciplines and relational practices are notends in themselves but are deeply rooted in the gospel.
We must keep in mind the potential gap in John Mark Comer’s writings for those unfamiliar with the gospel. Relational spirituality emphasizes that transformation begins with God’s initiative—His grace and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Without this foundation, spiritual disciplines risk becoming mere self-improvement strategies rather than relational pathways to intimacy with God. Comer’s relational approach to spiritual disciplines can indeed be a helpful tool for those already grounded in the gospel, but as I noted, the power of the cross and the resurrection must remain central.
The message of Hebrews 1:3 is particularly poignant, as it highlights Christ’s finished work of purification and His ongoing reign. This verse beautifully encapsulates the relational and redemptive nature of Christ’s work, which makes adoption as God’s children possible. Similarly, the reference to Titus 3 underscores the transformative power of grace, reminding us that regeneration is not our work but God’s.
This awareness of being a new creation in Christ and my gratitude for His love and grace reflect the heart of relational spirituality: being loved into loving.
As we write and communicate with others, our focus on the cross and resurrection will guide them toward a deeper understanding of what it means to be saved and then to live as God’s beloved children.
So as your sister in Christ, I encourage you: Keep sharing this life-changing truth with clarity and conviction—the gospel conveys a message the world desperately needs to hear.
These verses from 1 Peter (BSB) always encourage me:
14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” 15But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. 17For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
I’ll close with these clear and powerful words from 1 Corinthians 1:18 (BSB).
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Please help us to communicate the message of the gospel in clear terms, so that those who are lost can understand the invitation to know Christ and accept the gift of forgiveness and salvation found in Christ alone.
Thank You for those who seek to strengthen the Body of Christ through teaching and communication, but help all of us to be faithful in conveying the message of hope and reconciliation. Help us treasure Your Word, and to clearly communicate the message of the cross to those who are perishing.
Thank You for the wonder of salvation and new life in Christ. Thank You that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one comes to You, our Father, except through Him.
Help us to also rejoice in the good news and walk in the light of Your Spirit with joy. Help us to live lives that reflect the beauty of the gospel.
Help us to worship You in spirit and in truth. Thank You for transforming my life, and delivering me from darkness.
I love You, Father.
In Jesus’ Precious Name,
Amen
Footnotes:
Hall, Todd W., and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall. Relational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation. Draft manuscript, April 22, 2024.
Hall, Todd W., and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall. Relational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation. Chapter 4, “Relational Knowledge: We Know More Than We Can Say.”
Hall, Todd W., and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall. Relational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation. Chapter 8, “Transformational Change: The Relational Dynamics of Spiritual Transformation.”
Hall, Todd W., and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall. Relational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation. Chapter 5, “Attachment Filters and Spiritual Growth.”
Hall, Todd W., and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall. Relational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation. Chapter 2, “The Imago Dei in Trinitarian Perspective: A Theology of Being-in-Relation.”
Hall, Todd W., and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall. Relational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation. Chapter 1, “Theology and Spirituality: Their Fundamental Unity and Historical Split.”
Hall, Todd W., and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall. Relational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation. Chapter 3, “Created to Connect: A Psychology of Being-in-Relation.”
Hall, Todd W., and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall. The Connected Life: A Relational Approach to Spiritual Transformation. Edited manuscript, January 16, 2022.
References:
Medders, J.A. “What Would I Say to a Young Christian Reading John Mark Comer?” Spiritual Theology, February 11, 2025.
https://spiritualtheology.com
.
Transformed by His Love is a reader-supported publication. This community exists to share the message of hope and to strengthen and encourage others. Your support is greatly appreciated, and by subscribing you’ll receive future articles and have access to earlier ones.
