Pastor John Mark Comer urges his Chicago congregation to discard the culture of hurry, saying it harms spiritual depth. He argues that constant urgency fuels anxiety and prevents believers from experiencing true presence.

Comer's warning matters because it taps into a broader societal concern: the relentless push for productivity that many say erodes mental health and spiritual well‑being. As Americans spend more time glued to screens and juggling multiple tasks, churches are seeing rising reports of burnout among members. By challenging the “always‑on” mindset, Comer adds a religious perspective to an ongoing public‑health conversation.

After relocating his ministry to Chicago earlier this year, Comer has integrated the anti‑hurry message into weekly sermons, small‑group studies, and online content. He said the move was intended to reach a city known for its fast‑paced business culture, offering a counter‑cultural refuge for residents seeking calm. In his recent Atlantic feature, he said hurry was a “spiritual enemy” that steals the capacity for contemplation and gratitude.

Comer's stance builds on his earlier work, which emphasized Sabbath‑keeping and contemplative prayer as antidotes to modern stress. He said that slowing down does not mean abandoning ambition, but rather aligning effort with deeper values. Followers are encouraged to schedule regular periods of silence, to practice mindful breath work, and to limit multitasking during worship.

The pastor’s message has sparked discussion among other faith leaders, some of whom echo his concerns while others caution against framing productivity as inherently sinful. Regardless of theological differences, the conversation highlights a growing awareness that spiritual health may require intentional resistance to cultural pressures.

**What this means**: Comer’s call to reject hurry reflects a shift in American religious discourse toward mental‑health awareness. By positioning slowdown as a spiritual discipline, he offers congregants a framework that could influence broader conversations about work‑life balance and well‑being in faith communities.

“Constant urgency fuels anxiety and prevents believers from experiencing true presence.”

Comer’s call to reject hurry reflects a shift in American religious discourse toward mental‑health awareness. By positioning slowdown as a spiritual discipline, he offers congregants a framework that could influence broader conversations about work‑life balance and well‑being in faith communities.