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Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human.
You've heard people say, "Who you are matters more than what you do." But does the Bible really teach us that? Join pastor and bestselling author John Mark Comer in Garden City as he guides twenty- and thirty-somethings through understanding and embracing their God-given calling. In Garden City , John Mark Comer gives a surprisingly countercultural take on the typical "spiritual" answer the church gives in response to questions about purpose and calling. Comer explores Scripture to discover God's original intent for how we're meant to spend our time, reshaping how you view and engage in your work, rest, and life. In these pages, you'll learn that, ultimately, what we do matters just as much as who we are. Garden City will help you find answers to questions Praise for Garden City : "In Garden City , John Mark Comer takes the reader on a journey--from creation to the final heavenly city. But the journey is designed to let each of us see where we are to find ourselves in God's good plan to partner with us in the redemption of all creation. There is in Garden City an intoxication with the Bible's biggest and life-changing ideas." --Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
2361 people are currently reading
22268 people want to read
About the author
John Mark Comer
42 books4,687 followersJohn Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of Practicing the Way, Live No Lies, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, God Has a Name, and three more. His podcasts, John Mark Comer Teachings and Rule of Life, have been ranked on top religion and spirituality podcast charts in the U.S. and U.K.
He's also the founder of Practicing the Way, a simple, beautiful way to integrate spiritual formation into your church or small group. After serving as the pastor for teaching and vision at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades, John Mark and his family now reside in California, where he serves as a teacher in residence at Vintage Church LA.
He's also the founder of Practicing the Way, a simple, beautiful way to integrate spiritual formation into your church or small group. After serving as the pastor for teaching and vision at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades, John Mark and his family now reside in California, where he serves as a teacher in residence at Vintage Church LA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,069 reviews
March 11, 2021
Tl;dr - if you’re looking for a good book on biblical work, Revolutionary Work by William Taylor might be a better bet.
Things in favour:
- The layout of the book is creative. The style isn’t for me but what JMC does in writing conversationally he does well.
- There are some good principles throughout e.g. seeking wise counsel.
- JMC affirms the dignity in full-time parenting.
- I loved hearing how JMC spends Sabbath.
- “In the same way, when we live and work, not to get what we can from others, but rather to love and serve them, we’re harmonizing with the heart of God himself.” (280) I like this.
Less keen on:
- JMC frequently makes interpretive jumps in his exposition of Bible passages and I find his use of Hebrew questionable at times. His arguments seem to be at least partly founded on and fuelled by his own conviction.
- The whole argument seems naïvely middle class and doesn’t properly take into consideration those who have less opportunity.
- Discussion of the Fall in relation to work should have come earlier.
- “Finding your calling is about finding your voice - what cuts over all the din and drone of the other seven-billion-plus people on earth. The tune and tone that only you can bring to the table.” (p73) This strikes me as a very modern, western "I'm special" attitude.
- A lot of mention of "following your heart" which I think the language of the Bible challenges.
- “I don’t think that everything that happens is from God’s hand. I would put it this way: God is involved in your story to the degree that you open up your life to his authorship.” (84) This is a very androcentric view. Passages such as Lamentations 3:37–39 and Colossians 1:16–17 could be used to challenge it.
- “Get alone, fast, pray, take a retreat, go camping all by yourself, rent a room at a monastery - and listen.” (88) Firstly, this is very middle class. Secondly, I don't believe God expects us to extract this kind of information or divine some message that 'this is the one thing you were born to do'. The alternative is liberating.
- “So, you have a calling. There’s someone God made you to be. Something God made you to do. All you have to do is dig it out from under the rubble of your fear and insecurity and upbringing and culture and consciousness. It’s there. Waiting to be found.” (93) The Bible doesn’t call for this kind of introspection (thankfully). This is rooted in the modern Western idea of the 'true you' divorced from external influences/factors.
- There were comments throughout that seemed insensitive or in bad taste.
Things in favour:
- The layout of the book is creative. The style isn’t for me but what JMC does in writing conversationally he does well.
- There are some good principles throughout e.g. seeking wise counsel.
- JMC affirms the dignity in full-time parenting.
- I loved hearing how JMC spends Sabbath.
- “In the same way, when we live and work, not to get what we can from others, but rather to love and serve them, we’re harmonizing with the heart of God himself.” (280) I like this.
Less keen on:
- JMC frequently makes interpretive jumps in his exposition of Bible passages and I find his use of Hebrew questionable at times. His arguments seem to be at least partly founded on and fuelled by his own conviction.
- The whole argument seems naïvely middle class and doesn’t properly take into consideration those who have less opportunity.
- Discussion of the Fall in relation to work should have come earlier.
- “Finding your calling is about finding your voice - what cuts over all the din and drone of the other seven-billion-plus people on earth. The tune and tone that only you can bring to the table.” (p73) This strikes me as a very modern, western "I'm special" attitude.
- A lot of mention of "following your heart" which I think the language of the Bible challenges.
- “I don’t think that everything that happens is from God’s hand. I would put it this way: God is involved in your story to the degree that you open up your life to his authorship.” (84) This is a very androcentric view. Passages such as Lamentations 3:37–39 and Colossians 1:16–17 could be used to challenge it.
- “Get alone, fast, pray, take a retreat, go camping all by yourself, rent a room at a monastery - and listen.” (88) Firstly, this is very middle class. Secondly, I don't believe God expects us to extract this kind of information or divine some message that 'this is the one thing you were born to do'. The alternative is liberating.
- “So, you have a calling. There’s someone God made you to be. Something God made you to do. All you have to do is dig it out from under the rubble of your fear and insecurity and upbringing and culture and consciousness. It’s there. Waiting to be found.” (93) The Bible doesn’t call for this kind of introspection (thankfully). This is rooted in the modern Western idea of the 'true you' divorced from external influences/factors.
- There were comments throughout that seemed insensitive or in bad taste.
May 15, 2022
*Hey guys it’s my first ever Goodreads review, please support me in this*
Not to be dramatic but this book changed the way I think about everything. JMC (John Mark Comer, JMC for his close friends which I feel like I am now) has such a casual and captivating writing style that kept me invested and entertained throughout the whole book. I loved getting to dive deep and learn about a lot of biblical concepts (& Greek words, how fun!) that I had always skimmed over in the past. I’m definitely going to be referencing this book in many future conversations because there is just a lot to unpack. Anyways, read this book so we can talk about it! Okay bye!
Not to be dramatic but this book changed the way I think about everything. JMC (John Mark Comer, JMC for his close friends which I feel like I am now) has such a casual and captivating writing style that kept me invested and entertained throughout the whole book. I loved getting to dive deep and learn about a lot of biblical concepts (& Greek words, how fun!) that I had always skimmed over in the past. I’m definitely going to be referencing this book in many future conversations because there is just a lot to unpack. Anyways, read this book so we can talk about it! Okay bye!
February 15, 2020
[7/10
This book is definitely outside the genres I usually read, and honestly the writing style is not what I'm used to. I'm not necessarily looking for the best writing ever when it comes to these more message-driven books, but I'm also not used to reading writing that sounds, at times, more like an Instagram caption.
That being said, it fulfills on what it's trying to do, makes a lot of good points, while being enlightening, encouraging and educational. I imagine people that love these kinds of books will probably enjoy this one more than I did, but that isn't to say I disliked this book—I would still recommend it to those interested.
This book is definitely outside the genres I usually read, and honestly the writing style is not what I'm used to. I'm not necessarily looking for the best writing ever when it comes to these more message-driven books, but I'm also not used to reading writing that sounds, at times, more like an Instagram caption.
That being said, it fulfills on what it's trying to do, makes a lot of good points, while being enlightening, encouraging and educational. I imagine people that love these kinds of books will probably enjoy this one more than I did, but that isn't to say I disliked this book—I would still recommend it to those interested.
May 10, 2022
This book was unlike any other "Christian" book I've read. Comer has a writing style similar to Donald Miller, so if you're a fan of Miller, then you might gravitate towards Comer as a writer. One thing I believe everyone would love in this book is Comer's use of Scripture and how he strategically breaks it down into simple terms. In doing this, it's obvious that his beliefs are backed by the Word, and those thoughts are easier to accept and ponder. Not only that, but I love how frequently he references Greek words and makes them supporters in the points he makes. As I read this book, I felt as if I was actively learning and keeping those topics fresh in my mind. If you're looking for a book that encourages, enlightens, and energizes you on the topic of the balance between work and rest, then look no further.
June 13, 2018
This book has challenged and inspired my views on creativity, calling, work (especially the kind you don't get paid for), the concept of Sabbath and so much more. It's going to be on my mind for quite some time.
February 6, 2017
Garden City. I really appreciated what this book had to say about our work, about Sabbath, and about what we choose to do in this life mattering when Jesus returns. But I had to work to appreciate it, because of my disagreement with the author’s personal beliefs on a few things.
Some points from the book:
Life isnt’ about trying to catch a break, or shouldn’t be. We shouldn’t be spending our lives trying to do the least work we can so that we can rest, play, vacation, whatever. In the beginning, God made us to work WITH HIM, as partners, to develop His world. The reason that work is frustrating, depressing, whatever, right now, is because of sin in our world. But we were made to work, and to enjoy work, and his point is to find something you love and are passionate about doing, if you can, but whatever you do, to be your BEST at it, because it matters to God. Not only that, but (and this is a new thought I hadn’t heard before) our work here will matter when Jesus returns because believers will live and reign on earth with Him. Comer’s point is that we need to be the best carpenter, plumber, accountant, mother, NOW because we may be using those skills when God renews this earth at His return.
Sabbath should be a natural rhythm of our lives. He brings up the point that only slaves work non-stop, without reward, for someone else. And we are not slaves. At creation, God put a life rhythm into motion when He chose to rest on the 7th day. Taking regular time that is restful and life giving is something He wants and expects for His people. It’s how we get renewed, how we gain perspective, how we connect with God and people. On Sabbath for Comer’s family, there are no electronics, no product consuming, only fun and rest and family and food (made beforehand). This type of Sabbath is something we want to practice in our family because we need to get better at putting work aside and letting the world go on without us to be there for each other.
Overall Garden City had some helpful, intriguing thoughts and ideas about work and Sabbath, but like I said, Comer’s beliefs and personality were hard for me to work through to take the good that he was writing about.
Some points from the book:
Life isnt’ about trying to catch a break, or shouldn’t be. We shouldn’t be spending our lives trying to do the least work we can so that we can rest, play, vacation, whatever. In the beginning, God made us to work WITH HIM, as partners, to develop His world. The reason that work is frustrating, depressing, whatever, right now, is because of sin in our world. But we were made to work, and to enjoy work, and his point is to find something you love and are passionate about doing, if you can, but whatever you do, to be your BEST at it, because it matters to God. Not only that, but (and this is a new thought I hadn’t heard before) our work here will matter when Jesus returns because believers will live and reign on earth with Him. Comer’s point is that we need to be the best carpenter, plumber, accountant, mother, NOW because we may be using those skills when God renews this earth at His return.
Sabbath should be a natural rhythm of our lives. He brings up the point that only slaves work non-stop, without reward, for someone else. And we are not slaves. At creation, God put a life rhythm into motion when He chose to rest on the 7th day. Taking regular time that is restful and life giving is something He wants and expects for His people. It’s how we get renewed, how we gain perspective, how we connect with God and people. On Sabbath for Comer’s family, there are no electronics, no product consuming, only fun and rest and family and food (made beforehand). This type of Sabbath is something we want to practice in our family because we need to get better at putting work aside and letting the world go on without us to be there for each other.
Overall Garden City had some helpful, intriguing thoughts and ideas about work and Sabbath, but like I said, Comer’s beliefs and personality were hard for me to work through to take the good that he was writing about.
June 20, 2023
Okay, I love any of Comer's books, and this one met all my expectations. He goes back to Eden to explain the purpose of work, reminds us that our value is not based on the work we do (or lack thereof), and ends with a beautiful picture of what Heaven might be like. (The new heaven and earth might be a place where we will be working and creating and living in a sinless world - what glory!)
And of course, he reminds us that we have limits and brings in the importance of practicing Sabbath. Good stuff.
And of course, he reminds us that we have limits and brings in the importance of practicing Sabbath. Good stuff.
March 27, 2026
Another delicious book by John Mark Comer 😛
There were definitely times when I thought “I can’t just quit my job John!” but then he would immediately discuss this concern. Good reminders on how to steward my time & my job. My attitude towards my job and the concept of working full-time is something I always need to grow in.
There were definitely times when I thought “I can’t just quit my job John!” but then he would immediately discuss this concern. Good reminders on how to steward my time & my job. My attitude towards my job and the concept of working full-time is something I always need to grow in.
November 2, 2019
I so wanted to love this book, and I really liked a lot of the concepts that Comer brought up. However, he mentioned his staunch anti-military sentiment multiple times and it was really off-putting. It didn’t seem to be necessary to his message, and as an Army spouse I felt offended by his harsh, broad-sweeping, and negative remarks towards service members. It was unnecessarily condemning and tainted the whole book for me. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend.
July 5, 2020
There is some really great stuff in the book. But also lots I questioned. There is a lack of development of ideas and the book seemed too focused on middle class, western Christianity. Too ,sound bite theology’-esqe for me. I wish I could be more positive about this book as it had some great ideas
April 4, 2024
Zero desire to read this man’s stream of consciousness again in another book.
July 11, 2021
Another dinger from my man JMC. Cannot recommend enough, especially after reading Ruthless Elimination.
I initially would have rated this book lower, but I think that's because I came in with the wrong expectations. I was expecting to get practical advice on how to find my calling (the root of my existential spirals of the past few years). I was expecting this book to say do X, Y, and Z and now you'll have a better idea of what you want to do with your life. If that's what you're looking for, don't read this.
When I changed my expectations I was able to really understand the purpose of this book. It's not to give advice, it's to get you thinking about what work and rest really mean, and why both exist. I loved JMC's objections to modern culture, and even more so his challenges to us to take a different viewpoint. I found his perspective really refreshing and fascinating.
Took me a minute to finish but it was in part because I was drawn to scripture so much while reading! I don't think any other book has done this for me. Another reason why I loved this book.
JMC really killin' the game out here. Earned another spot on my favorites list.
I initially would have rated this book lower, but I think that's because I came in with the wrong expectations. I was expecting to get practical advice on how to find my calling (the root of my existential spirals of the past few years). I was expecting this book to say do X, Y, and Z and now you'll have a better idea of what you want to do with your life. If that's what you're looking for, don't read this.
When I changed my expectations I was able to really understand the purpose of this book. It's not to give advice, it's to get you thinking about what work and rest really mean, and why both exist. I loved JMC's objections to modern culture, and even more so his challenges to us to take a different viewpoint. I found his perspective really refreshing and fascinating.
Took me a minute to finish but it was in part because I was drawn to scripture so much while reading! I don't think any other book has done this for me. Another reason why I loved this book.
JMC really killin' the game out here. Earned another spot on my favorites list.
February 2, 2022
Dang. This book was incredible. As someone who is in such a strange spot in my work life this book was such an incredible reminder of the purpose behind work and rest and how to glorify the Lord in a job that isn't in 'ministry'. Thanks Elizabeth Schlatter for getting this book for me!
May 6, 2025
Kicking myself for not prioritizing reading this sooner, I definitely let it sit on my bed unopened for far too long
A better “Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” in my opinion— extremely important ideas relating to rest and work, I wish everyone would read it and feel the same way that JMC does
Probably my favorite explanation of Sabbath that I’ve read. And probably my favorite explanation of Kingdom work that I’ve read. I mean this book completely covers exactly what it’s supposed to and I loved it a lot
Taking these truths and encouragements into post grad with me! Funny how doors started being opened the second I decided to start reading this again 👀😌
A better “Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” in my opinion— extremely important ideas relating to rest and work, I wish everyone would read it and feel the same way that JMC does
Probably my favorite explanation of Sabbath that I’ve read. And probably my favorite explanation of Kingdom work that I’ve read. I mean this book completely covers exactly what it’s supposed to and I loved it a lot
Taking these truths and encouragements into post grad with me! Funny how doors started being opened the second I decided to start reading this again 👀😌
February 13, 2026
this book literally just rewrote the way I view my day to day life!! I LOVEEE JMC and the way he writes, he uses so much truth and talks about things in a way I haven’t thought of before. Truly would recommend this so highly to anyone but specifically people who are graduating college because it is so applicable to entering the workforce and following a career path that glorifies God. The one thing about his books is that he repeats a lot of information, so the chapter on sabbath was very similar to REOH, but there is so much new info that it was worth it to me! I really enjoyed how strongly he emphasized that our work matters the same amount to God even if it’s isn’t “full time ministry” and that doing our work well is one of the best ways we can follow Jesus. Truly cannot say enough good things!!
August 14, 2025
This book is so RICH. It completely changed the way I view work, rest, and the art of being human. I loved how scripture is used to illustrate God’s view of work and His desire for us to partner with Him in making this world more like the Garden—such a beautiful picture.
I was encouraged and deeply challenged by the discussion of Sabbath, a time of pure rest and worship for Jesus. I feel equipped to walk through my days and my career with a centered mission: to work earnestly with love and service, ultimately to God, then to my neighbor. So many quotes in this that I’ll hold near for the rest of my life.
I was encouraged and deeply challenged by the discussion of Sabbath, a time of pure rest and worship for Jesus. I feel equipped to walk through my days and my career with a centered mission: to work earnestly with love and service, ultimately to God, then to my neighbor. So many quotes in this that I’ll hold near for the rest of my life.
February 26, 2025
Ok, so I finished this book a few days ago and I've been chewing on what to say about it.
I have a weird relationship with JMC. On the one hand, I love his emphasis on the livability of Christianity. I really appreciate how he pushes back against America's unhealthy approach to work and life. My heart longs for many of his ideas about 'sabbathing' to be widely accepted. LIKE COME ON, LET'S ACTUALLY BUILD THIS SABBATH THING INTO OUR LIVES. On the other hand, I find his use of the Bible to be tailored to whatever he is trying to say in a given chapter, rather than taking the word as it comes (does that make sense?). As a social commentator from a Christian point of view, JMC is great! As a Bible teacher (which he holds himself out to be), I struggle to respect his opinions. But hey, I could be totally wrong on this, I am not an expert! it's just the vibe I get when reading his works I think a better book on the intersection of faith and work is Tim Kellor's "Every Good Endeavor: Connecting your work to God's Plan for the World."
~also it could just be that I listened to this at work and couldn't pay close enough attention...
I have a weird relationship with JMC. On the one hand, I love his emphasis on the livability of Christianity. I really appreciate how he pushes back against America's unhealthy approach to work and life. My heart longs for many of his ideas about 'sabbathing' to be widely accepted. LIKE COME ON, LET'S ACTUALLY BUILD THIS SABBATH THING INTO OUR LIVES. On the other hand, I find his use of the Bible to be tailored to whatever he is trying to say in a given chapter, rather than taking the word as it comes (does that make sense?). As a social commentator from a Christian point of view, JMC is great! As a Bible teacher (which he holds himself out to be), I struggle to respect his opinions. But hey, I could be totally wrong on this, I am not an expert! it's just the vibe I get when reading his works I think a better book on the intersection of faith and work is Tim Kellor's "Every Good Endeavor: Connecting your work to God's Plan for the World."
~also it could just be that I listened to this at work and couldn't pay close enough attention...
May 1, 2022
I enjoy Comer's books, however, as with 'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry', he could have used a lot less words to get his point across. This book did not need to be 300 pages long.
Main take aways:
- prioritise the Sabbath.
- treat your work as something that changes the world, and always do your best. Whatever you do. For the glory of God.
- your work ethic matters. Have integrity.
Nothing too ground breaking for me personally, but good to be reminded of things, and be introduced to a few fresh perspectives on work.
Main take aways:
- prioritise the Sabbath.
- treat your work as something that changes the world, and always do your best. Whatever you do. For the glory of God.
- your work ethic matters. Have integrity.
Nothing too ground breaking for me personally, but good to be reminded of things, and be introduced to a few fresh perspectives on work.
May 6, 2019
This is the most biblical and practical guide to work and rest I have ever encountered. I believe every follower of Jesus who is struggling to find joy and purpose in their should read this book, and I can assure you, you will be encouraged. After my wife and I listened to it, we immediately made practical changes to the way we Sabbath and talk about work! Incredible read!
March 14, 2026
2026 reread & I’d read this book again and again! 🥹🥹 so encouraging and practical and filled with important reminders/perspective for the day to day
March 27, 2024
SO GOOD! Can’t believe it took me so long to finally start it. Really awesome and wonderful.
A quote I really loved:
“The Sabbath is a memorial, remember? A weekly reminder of two worlds — the one behind us & the one ahead of us. It’s a signpost, pointing backward to the Garden & forward to the Garden City.
If this is true, it means that we don’t have to get it all done now, not if you’re a follower of Jesus.
We have all eternity to live into God’s world. We’ll live another day, another week, another millennium. Yes, time is a precious commodity, but we’re filthy rich. We have plenty of it. So every Sabbath we can rest. Really, fully, honestly rest.”
GOOD STUFF!
A quote I really loved:
“The Sabbath is a memorial, remember? A weekly reminder of two worlds — the one behind us & the one ahead of us. It’s a signpost, pointing backward to the Garden & forward to the Garden City.
If this is true, it means that we don’t have to get it all done now, not if you’re a follower of Jesus.
We have all eternity to live into God’s world. We’ll live another day, another week, another millennium. Yes, time is a precious commodity, but we’re filthy rich. We have plenty of it. So every Sabbath we can rest. Really, fully, honestly rest.”
GOOD STUFF!
March 9, 2022
Garden City details the relationship and much needed balance between rest and work. Comer, in a very accessible way, highlights the significance in pursuing meaningful work that helps us serve and love others, and ultimately moves us towards building for the kingdom.
“if your dreams are all about you, then your dreams are way too small.”
“if your dreams are all about you, then your dreams are way too small.”
September 14, 2023
Would love to give this book to anyone graduating highschool or college trying to decide “what to do with their life”. Too often we glorify “full time ministry” over the cafe worker. I was reminded that all of life and work and rest is sacred, and can be done in a way that honors God.
January 22, 2026
Hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. Are you alive and breathing? I would recommend your read this book. Incredible.
January 30, 2023
While I still remain hesitant to call myself royalty with dominion over anything in this life or the next, this book reminded me of Christ’s redeeming work, the Father’s creativity, and thus, the creative work of the Holy Spirit alive in me (and the reality of the language employed in the book of Revelation). John Mark Comer calls us back into the genesis of humanity (pun intended) and examines the holy intentions behind the rhythm of Creation. Every Christian comes to know one way or another that the original rhythm of creation was very good, very right, and very eternal. This book will help you along in that discovery.
Thanks Riley
Thanks Riley
December 27, 2020
Reading this the same weekend Soul came out was a fascinating juxtaposition! Both are meditations on flourishing. This one’s better than the film because it acknowledges our Creator directly, but they’re both fantastic. Comer never disappoints and never fails to leave me convicted and deeply encouraged after I read his books.
October 27, 2022
I adore this book so much. The timing of reading this book in my current state of life has been so encouraging and a reminder of Gods intention of creating me and that work and rest was designed for us specifically for our human needs and to ultimately bring him glory. A book that everyone should read, especially for those restless times of wondering what to do in your life.
May 23, 2019
It’s so good, I’m going to start it again immediately. I want it to soak in.
It’s great to read a book that articulates beautifully thoughts I’ve had about work, rest and our calling as humans on this wonderful orb called Earth.
It’s great to read a book that articulates beautifully thoughts I’ve had about work, rest and our calling as humans on this wonderful orb called Earth.
January 9, 2020
wow!
I loved this book!
it truly is an overview of what it means to be a human made in the image of God.
added to my favorites list!
I loved this book!
it truly is an overview of what it means to be a human made in the image of God.
added to my favorites list!
April 8, 2024
Good message. Probably better as an audiobook or podcast
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,069 reviews