Introduction

In this episode of Church as a Team Sport, Lance Wigton and Jim Putman discuss the importance of doctrinal alignment in the local church. Many churches today face division due to differing theological views, cultural pressures, and personal preferences. Jim unpacks why a strong, biblically rooted doctrine is essential for church unity, discipleship, and spiritual maturity. Through practical examples and biblical wisdom, they explore how churches can align their people, clarify beliefs, and equip members to stand firm in truth.

Key Takeaways

1. The Need for Doctrinal Clarity and Alignment

• Many believers come from diverse backgrounds, bringing different theological understandings.
• The church must clearly define its beliefs and expectations to maintain unity.
• Doctrinal alignment helps prevent division and keeps the church focused on its mission.

2. Biblical Unity Requires Shared Language and Vision

• Paul emphasized "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:4-6) as the foundation of church unity.
• Like a sports team or business, a church must have a clear playbook that everyone follows.
• Church leaders must consistently reinforce vision and doctrine to prevent drift.

3. The Role of Membership and Leadership Training

• A strong membership process ensures that those who join understand the church’s mission, doctrine, and expectations.
• Leadership classes and ongoing training keep members aligned and growing in maturity.
• Membership isn't just about attendance—it’s about commitment to a shared mission.

4. The Impact of Cultural Shifts on Doctrine

• Churches today face increasing pressure to adapt to cultural trends, but biblical truth does not change.
• Issues like gender roles, sexuality, and biblical authority require clarity in teaching.
• Historical Christianity provides a firm foundation—our understanding of Scripture should align with how it has been interpreted for centuries.

5. Discipleship as the Key to Discernment

• Believers who are not discipled struggle to discern truth from cultural distortions.
• Churches must equip members to stand firm in Scripture and resist false teachings.
• Spiritual growth requires intentionality—through Scripture, prayer, and community.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is doctrinal unity important in the church? How does it impact discipleship and mission?
2. Have you ever experienced confusion or division due to differing theological views? How was it handled?
3. What role should church membership play in aligning believers with a shared vision?
4. How can Christians navigate cultural shifts while remaining faithful to biblical truth?
5. What steps can you take to become more grounded in your faith and better equipped to discern truth?

Action Steps

• Examine Your Own Understanding: Are your beliefs rooted in Scripture or personal preference?
• Commit to Doctrinal Alignment: If you’re part of a church, seek to understand and align with its core teachings.
• Engage in Discipleship: Join a small group, take a leadership class, or seek mentorship to grow in faith.
• Be Aware of Cultural Influences: Regularly evaluate the sources shaping your worldview and compare them to Scripture.
• Encourage Others in Their Faith: Help others understand the importance of sound doctrine and biblical unity.

Closing Encouragement

In a world filled with shifting beliefs and conflicting messages, standing firm in biblical truth is more important than ever. The church is not meant to be a collection of individual players but a unified team, working together under the same vision. As you continue your journey of faith, stay rooted in Scripture, committed to discipleship, and aligned with a community that seeks to glorify God.

Scripture References

• Ephesians 4:4-6 – One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 – Being of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching.
• Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus resisting temptation through Scripture.
• John 14:27 – The peace that Christ gives is not like the world's peace.

For more resources, visit JimPutman.com.

Ep. 15: Building a Healthy Church Through Biblical Eldership

In this episode, Lance Wigton and Jim Putman discuss the critical role of eldership in the church. They explore how biblical eldership isn't about decision-making power but about living out discipleship and shepherding the church family.

The conversation highlights the importance of raising up elders from within the church, ensuring alignment in vision, values, and relational discipleship.

· Key Takeaways:

Eldership Should Be Rooted in Discipleship:

• Elders should be people who live out the faith, not just decision-makers.
• They must demonstrate maturity in head (knowledge), heart (love for God and others), and hands (action).

Raising Up Leaders from Within the Church Prevents Cultural Clashes:

• Hiring pastors from outside often leads to misalignment in vision and philosophy.
• Elders who are raised through a discipleship process share a common foundation.

Church Leadership Should Not Be a Political System:

• Many churches operate eldership like a congressional system, where leaders respond to the desires of the people rather than seeking God’s vision.
• True biblical eldership listens to God first and leads the church accordingly.

Discipleship Should Lead to Leadership Development:

• Churches should not have to outsource leadership but should develop it through intentional discipleship.
• Elders and pastors should have a history of shared ministry and trust within the church.

The Role of Elders is to Oversee and Model Discipleship:

• Elders should be active in disciple-making, not just administrative tasks.
• Their leadership should be based on experience in shepherding people, not just tenure in the church.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does biblical eldership look like, and how does it differ from common church leadership structures?
2. How does your church develop leaders? Are elders raised from within or brought in from the outside?
3. In what ways can elders and pastors ensure they are leading with a discipleship mindset rather than a business model?
4. What role does relational discipleship play in your church's leadership development?
5. How can a church navigate changes in leadership while maintaining unity and biblical direction?

Action Steps:

• Evaluate Your Church’s Leadership Structure:
• Are your elders living out discipleship, or are they just decision-makers?
• Develop a Process for Raising Up Leaders:
• Invest in discipleship that leads to leadership within the church.
• Ensure Alignment Between Elders and Pastors:
• Regularly assess if leadership shares the same vision and mission.
• Encourage a Culture of Spiritual Growth:
• Shift from comfort-based leadership to mission-driven leadership.

· Closing Encouragement:

Biblical eldership isn’t about power—it’s about shepherding and discipleship. When elders are raised up through a shared discipleship process, the church functions as a true spiritual family, avoiding division and fostering spiritual growth. By prioritizing God’s vision over human preferences, churches can create a strong, unified foundation that withstands challenges and advances the gospel.

· Scripture References:

• Titus 1:5 – Appointing elders in every town.
• Ephesians 4:12 – Equipping the saints for ministry.
• 1 Timothy 3:1-7 – Qualifications of an elder.
• Acts 20:28 – Elders as shepherds of the church.
• 2 Timothy 2:2 – Passing leadership to faithful men who will teach others.

Podcast Show Notes: Shepherding and Chasing the Strays

Opening Paragraph: In this episode of Church as a Team Sport, Lance Wigdon and Jim Putman discuss the essential practice of "chasing the strays" within church communities. Drawing from biblical principles, personal experiences, and lessons from small churches, they emphasize the importance of shepherding as a shared responsibility. This episode unpacks how chasing after those who have disconnected from the church is not just a task for pastors, but a mission for the entire church body. By focusing on building relational connections throughout the week, leaders can create a shepherding culture that fosters long-term spiritual growth and strengthens the church.

Key Points:

1. Shepherding is the foundation of ministry: Jim highlights the biblical mandate for leaders to pursue and care for their flock, referencing Ezekiel 34 and John 10. The focus is not just on those present but on those who are missing, disconnected, or struggling.
2. Ministry happens between weekends: While the weekend service is important, it should serve as a touchpoint for the deeper ministry that happens during the week. True growth happens in relational ministry that equips people to serve and connect beyond Sunday mornings.
3. Building a shepherding culture: The role of a church leader is not to carry all the burden of shepherding, but to equip the church community to take on this responsibility. When everyone is involved, the church becomes a living community where people are known, pursued, and cared for.
4. The danger of isolation: Jim and Lance stress that when people drift away from the church, it often leads to deeper relational and spiritual problems. The sooner leaders and members can reach out and reconnect with these individuals, the easier it is to prevent long-term issues from escalating.
5. Challenges of post-2020 church life: COVID-19 created divisions and led to a decline in in-person attendance. Many became isolated, settling for shallow online connections. However, churches that invested in relational ministry thrived, reinforcing the need for real, personal connections within the body of Christ.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does your church currently keep track of members who may be drifting or disconnected? What systems can you put in place to better pursue those who are missing?
2. How can your small group or leadership team create a more relational, shepherding culture within your church community?
3. How does the idea that 90% of ministry happens between weekends challenge your current view of church involvement?
4. What are some practical ways you can encourage your congregation to be more intentional about building relationships throughout the week?

Actionable Next Steps:

• Develop a team approach: Equip your small group leaders, elders, and ministry team members to take ownership of shepherding and reaching out to people who are disconnected or missing.
• Track attendance and follow up: Implement simple attendance tracking or connection systems so that it’s easy to see who might be slipping away and to follow up with them in a loving and personal way.
• Focus on relationship-building throughout the week: Encourage your church community to be intentional about checking in with each other, offering help, and pursuing those who have been absent.

This episode reminds us that church is not just a weekend event; it’s a community that thrives on relationships. By prioritizing shepherding and pursuing those who have drifted away, we can create stronger, more connected churches. As leaders, let’s be intentional about making disciples who are not only cared for but are equipped to care for others. Join us next time for more insights on building a healthy, thriving church community!

Welcome back to Church is a Team Sport. In this episode, host Lance Wigdon sits down with Jim Putman, senior pastor and author of Church is a Team Sport, to discuss a crucial part of church growth and discipleship: "Connect the Unconnected." This conversation delves into the heart of discipleship and the importance of relational connection within the church community. Jim shares practical insights into how true discipleship goes beyond Sunday services, emphasizing the need for believers to not only accept Christ but to grow in a spiritual family, become disciple-makers, and thrive in purposeful relationships.

Key Points:

The Challenge of Pastoral Discipleship Alone:

Many churches operate with a model where the pastor carries the majority of the responsibility for discipleship. This approach often leaves church members thinking their role is merely to bring people to church rather than actively discipling others themselves.

This can lead to a model where discipleship becomes more about preaching information rather than walking alongside others in their spiritual journey.

A Shift Toward Relational Discipleship:

Jim emphasizes the need for church members to move beyond just attending church. He highlights the importance of them being equipped to share their faith and actively engage in making disciples.

True discipleship is relational, meaning that new believers need to be connected into a spiritual family where they can grow in their faith and learn to disciple others.

The Role of Connection in Discipleship:

The process of discipleship involves helping people not only understand the doctrines of the faith but also how to live them out in everyday life.

Connection in discipleship is vital because it provides a space where people can ask real-life questions, share struggles, and see practical demonstrations of faith in action. This aligns with Jesus' model of discipling the twelve and then empowering them to disciple others.

Small Groups as the Environment for Growth:

Jim discusses how small groups, or relational groups, are essential for fostering deep connections. These groups create the environment where believers can grow in maturity and become equipped to disciple others.

He emphasizes that if small groups grow too large without multiplying, the depth of connection can suffer, highlighting the need for intentionality in cultivating smaller groups where personal growth and discipleship can flourish.

Challenges in Building Connected Communities:

Jim addresses common obstacles such as fear of vulnerability, a focus on personal comfort over mission, and the struggle to maintain healthy relationships in a group setting.

He shares how critical it is for leaders to model authenticity and cultivate an environment where group members can support each other through life’s challenges, emphasizing that discipleship is more than a program—it’s a lifestyle.

Discussion Questions:

How does your church currently approach discipleship, and what role do members play in making disciples?

What steps can you take to foster a more relational environment within your small group or church community?

Reflect on a time when a relational connection helped you grow in your faith. How did that impact your spiritual journey?

What are some practical ways to encourage intentional discipleship within your church or small group?

In what areas do you need to be more intentional about connecting others in your spiritual circles?

Actionable Next Steps:

Evaluate the discipleship culture in your church: Are members being equipped to disciple others, or is the burden solely on the pastoral staff?

If you are a leader, consider how you can create more opportunities for relational connection in your church, such as small group discussions or one-on-one mentorship.

Reflect on your own spiritual relationships—are you being discipled, and are you actively discipling others?

Visit jimputman.com for additional resources on discipleship and tools to help grow in your role as a disciple-maker.

Closing: Discipleship is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about building relationships where believers learn to live out their faith together. As Jim Putnam reminds us, true growth happens when we create environments where people can connect deeply with God and each other. Join us next time as we continue exploring the Seven Essentials for a healthy church and how to apply these principles in your own ministry context.

Show Notes: Church is a Team Sport Podcast with Jim Putman

Episode #9: Breaking the Perfection Myth & Reaching the Lost (Essential #2)

In this episode of Church as a Team Sport, Jim Putman and Lance Wigton tackle the myth that Christians must appear "perfect" and have it all together. They discuss how the fear of judgment leads many believers to hide their struggles, resulting in a church culture where vulnerability is rare, and discipleship suffers. Jim shares stories of how Real Life Ministries emphasizes authenticity, accountability, and the importance of community in growing spiritually.

The conversation also focuses on Essential #2: Reaching the Lost. Jim explains that effective disciple-making begins with abiding in Christ and caring about what Christ cares about—people. He outlines how Real Life Ministries has created a culture where reaching others for Christ is woven into everyday life. Jim and Lance share stories of how ordinary believers are empowered to share the gospel in their workplaces and social circles, emphasizing the importance of discipleship that equips others to witness and serve. They also discuss how large, church-wide efforts like baptism celebrations and corporate outreach programs work hand-in-hand with life-on-life ministry.

Key Points Discussed:

1. The Perfection Myth in Church Culture:

- Many Christians feel pressured to appear perfect, which stifles vulnerability and authentic relationships.

- Hypocrisy isn’t about failing but about pretending you don’t fail. The early church leaders, including Paul and Peter, openly admitted their struggles.

- Being open about challenges, like going to a counselor or sharing personal frustrations, can foster deeper relationships and spiritual growth.

2. Reaching the Lost:

- Abiding in Christ leads to a natural heart for the lost because it aligns believers with what Jesus cares about.

- Real discipleship includes teaching people to minister in their workplaces, homes, and communities.

- The role of the church is not just to gather on Sundays but to empower every believer to see themselves as missionaries in their day-to-day lives.

3. Empowering Everyday Believers:

- Jim stresses the importance of believers stepping into their roles as ministers of the gospel. Rather than relying on pastors to evangelize, every Christian is called to share their faith.

- Discipleship involves not just gathering people but sending them out, equipped to serve others where they live, work, and play.

4. Corporate and Personal Outreach:

- Alongside individual evangelism, Real Life Ministries also engages in corporate outreach efforts, such as sports programs and recovery ministries, that allow the church body to reach people as a collective.

5. Baptism and Directed Prayer:

- Baptisms are celebrated in service, focusing not just on the act of baptism but also the process of discipleship that leads people to that decision.

- Directed prayers during services help focus the congregation on reaching the lost and connecting with their mission to share Christ.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Christians feel pressured to appear "perfect"? How can we create a culture in our churches where people feel safe to share their struggles?

2. Jim talked about abiding in Christ leading to a heart for the lost. How can you cultivate a deeper connection to Christ in your daily life that moves you toward outreach?

3. What are some ways you can witness to people in your immediate environment (workplace, neighborhood, etc.)? How can you train yourself and others to share the gospel in practical, everyday situations?

4. How can your small groups become more mission-focused? What steps can they take to begin reaching out to those who are unconnected?

Actionable Next Steps:

- Evaluate your vulnerability: Start by sharing one area of personal struggle with a trusted group or individual this week. Encourage others to do the same and create an environment of openness.

- Start praying for the lost: Identify two or three people in your life who don’t know Jesus. Commit to praying for them regularly, asking God for opportunities to share your faith.

- Engage in outreach: Look for ways your small group can serve together—whether through a community service project, prayer walks in your neighborhood, or caring for someone in need.

For more resources and materials on discipleship, visit JimPutman.com or Realliferesources.org

Next Episode Preview:

Join us next time as we discuss Essential #3: Connecting the Unconnected and explore practical ways to help people find authentic community in the church. Don’t miss it!