Rediscovering the Catechumenate: Part 2 (Q&A with Dr. Gerald Sittser and John Mark Comer)

Rediscovering the Catechumenate: Part 2 (Q&A with Dr. Gerald Sittser and John Mark Comer)

From The Contemplative Pastor by Practicing the Way

April 16, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

Dr. Gerald Sittser and John Mark Comer discuss the importance of formation in discipleship and the catechumenate model.

What could happen if we considered formation, not just information, in the discipleship process of our people? In this episode, Dr. Gerald Sittser is joined by John Mark Comer to engage with questions from pastors and leaders about the depth and challenge of recovering a more robust, formational faith. They reflect on the catechumenate as a model of training beyond mere instruction, the risks of a “thin” spirituality, and what it means to cultivate communities where people genuinely learn to live the way of Jesus. This session was held at the Practicing the Way Pastor Conference in Portland, Oregon, in 2023. To find more resources and experiences tailored just for you—the pastor—visit practicingtheway.org/pastor. This podcast and its episodes are free, thanks to the generosity of The Circle and other givers. You can learn more about The Circle or contribute toward future resources like this podcast at practicingtheway.org/give.

People in this episode

Guests: Dr. Gerald Sittser, John Mark Comer

Topics covered

  • discipleship
  • formation
  • catechumenate
  • spirituality
  • community
  • faith

Keywords

  • discipleship
  • formation
  • catechumenate
  • spirituality
  • community
  • faith
  • Jesus

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Practicing the Way

Places: Portland, Oregon

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