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!