In this episode of "Church is a Team Sport," hosts Lance Wigton and Jim Putman delve into the critical importance of abiding in Christ for Pastors and Church leaders. They explore how abiding in Christ goes beyond mere Bible study or sermon preparation, transforming into a deep, relational experience that shapes identity and spiritual growth. Jim emphasizes that true leadership in the church requires leaders to live out what they preach, fostering a culture of authenticity, accountability, and relational discipleship.

Some of their key talking points are:

1. Abiding in Christ:

• Abiding in Christ is not just about reading the Bible or preparing sermons; it's about developing a personal, transformative relationship with God.
• Jim shares personal struggles with maintaining this perspective, where church leadership can often become task-oriented rather than relational.
• The importance of rooting identity in being a child of God, rather than in roles or titles, such as pastor or leader.

2. Church Leadership and Identity:

• The danger of finding identity in the size or success of a church rather than in Christ.
• Jim's journey from identifying as a wrestler to a pastor, to ultimately embracing his true identity as a "child of the Most High God."

3. Sports Analogies in Church Leadership:

• Jim discusses how principles from sports—such as team unity, shared vision, and coaching—can be applied to church leadership and structure.
• The church as a team, where pastors act as coaches to equip and release their congregation to fulfill their roles in ministry.

4. The Seven Essentials of Church Leadership:

1. Abide in Christ: The foundation of all ministry work.
2. Reach the Lost: Sharing the gospel and making disciples.
3. Connect the Unconnected: Ensuring new believers are integrated into the church community.
4. Chase the Strays: Actively pursuing those who have disconnected from the church.
5. Shepherd Towards Maturity: Guiding believers toward spiritual maturity.
6. Identify, Train, and Release Leaders: Developing and empowering leaders within the church.
7. Maintain Unity: Keeping the church body united in vision and purpose.

5. Practical Implementation:

• Real-life examples of how Jim and his team hold themselves and each other accountable to abide in Christ.
• The role of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, personal Bible study, and communal accountability in maintaining a healthy spiritual life.
• The importance of leaders being open about their struggles and allowing others to hold them accountable.

Reflective Questions:

• How do you currently abide in Christ beyond your regular church activities?
• In what ways do you find your identity in your role rather than in Christ? How can you shift this focus?
• How can your church leadership team implement principles from sports, such as team unity and coaching, to strengthen your congregation?

To watch all episodes of this podcast go to: https://realliferesources.org/church-is-a-team-sport/

Contact Information: If you have questions or need further resources, please reach out to us at info@jimputman.com.