IntroductionIn 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 Takeaways1. 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* Why is doctrinal unity important in the church? How does it impact discipleship and mission?* Have you ever experienced confusion or division due to differing theological views? How was it handled?* What role should church membership play in aligning believers with a shared vision?* How can Christians navigate cultural shifts while remaining faithful to biblical truth?* 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 EncouragementIn a world filled with shifting beliefs and conflicting messages,

Introduction:In this episode of Church is a Team Sport, Lance and Jim dive into a crucial leadership principle: the "leadership lid." Every leader has limitations, and those limitations affect the entire team. They discuss how to assess personal leadership growth, receive constructive feedback, and build a culture of coaching and accountability within the church. This conversation is packed with practical insights on developing leaders from within, creating a culture where coaching is the norm, and ensuring that leadership growth doesn't become the limiting factor in the church’s mission.Key Takeaways:1.   Leadership Growth Determines the Church’s Capacity:o  Just like an athlete must continue training to improve, a leader must consistently develop to avoid capping the growth of the church.o  Leaders must be self-aware, acknowledging their weaknesses and allowing others to fill in their gaps.o  A coaching culture creates an environment where feedback is welcomed and expected.2.   The Importance of Receiving and Filtering Feedback:o  Leaders must learn to distinguish between helpful, godly feedback and unhelpful criticism.o  Wise counsel from trusted individuals helps confirm or challenge areas needing growth (Proverbs 11:14).o  Having a strong accountability system prevents leaders from blind spots that could hinder the church’s mission.3.   Raising Up Leaders from Within:o  A healthy church culture fosters leadership development by giving people opportunities to lead.o  Instead of hiring externally, building leaders from within ensures continuity in mission and values.o  Coaching others means embracing a team mindset where success is measured by the growth of others.4.   Balancing Leadership Strengths and Weaknesses:o  Leaders should grow in weaker areas while also empowering those gifted in those spaces.o  Emotional and spiritual health are just as important as leadership skills—burnout or personal struggles can limit effectiveness.o  Leaders must know when to step back for rest and renewal rather than pushing through at the expense of their well-being.5.   Creating a Culture of Coaching and Accountability:o  Leaders set the tone for coaching by modeling humility and a willingness to be coached.o  Honest feedback should be welcomed at all levels—up, down, and across leadership teams.o  Regular assessments, such as a 360-degree review, help ensure accurate self-awareness and growth.Discussion Questions:* What are some areas where you feel you might be a "leadership lid" for your team or ministry?* How do you typically respond to feedback—defensively or with a willingness to grow?* Who are the trusted people in your life that you allow to speak into your leadership?* In what ways can you help foster a culture of coaching and accountability in your church or ministry?* How do you balance leadership development with emotional and spiritual health?Action Steps:* Assess Your Leadership Lid: Take time to reflect on where you may be limiting growth in your ministry.* Seek Honest Feedback: Ask trusted mentors, peers, or team members to give you constructive input on your leadership.* Create a Coaching Culture: Lead by example—show humility in receiving coaching and actively mentor others.* Prioritize Spiritual and Emotional Health: Ensure you’re in a place of health so you can lead effectively without burnout.* Invest in Leadership Development: Encourage those around you to step up,

Ep. 15: Building a Healthy Church Through Biblical EldershipIn 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:* What does biblical eldership look like, and how does it differ from common church leadership structures?* How does your church develop leaders? Are elders raised from within or brought in from the outside?* In what ways can elders and pastors ensure they are leading with a discipleship mindset rather than a business model?* What role does relational discipleship play in your church's leadership development?* 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.

Ep. 14: Functioning as a TeamThis episode of Church as a Team Sport focuses on the importance of teamwork within the body of Christ. Jim Putman and Lance Wigton discuss how churches can avoid division and instead fun...

IntroductionThis episode of Church as a Team Sport dives into one of the most crucial aspects of discipleship—raising up leaders. Jim Putnam and Lance Wigton discuss how to identify emerging leaders, equip them for ministry, and release them into their calling without abandoning them. Leadership development in the church isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about helping people step into their God-given purpose within the body of Christ.Key Takeaways* Relational Discipleship Requires Both Mission and CommunityA group focused only on mission without relationship lacks the family dynamic of the church.A group focused only on relationship without mission becomes stagnant and insulated.Healthy discipleship includes both wings—mission and community—so that the church can thrive.* Identifying Leaders Means Looking Beyond HurtsEvery believer has past struggles, but those experiences shape them for ministry.God comforts us so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1).Maturity isn’t just about healing—it’s about stepping into purpose.* Equipping Leaders Requires Intentional CoachingLeadership development isn’t just about knowledge—it includes relational and hands-on training.Jesus modeled a process of discipleship that involved mentoring, equipping, and sending people out in pairs.Equipping includes both learning and doing; people must be allowed to "play" in ministry.* Releasing Leaders Doesn’t Mean Abandoning ThemLeaders are sent out with support, not left to figure things out alone.Paul continued mentoring Timothy even after sending him out.Healthy leadership development includes both freedom and accountability.* Spiritual Maturity Includes Understanding the Need for OthersNo one outgrows the need for community.Pride leads to isolation, which is a tactic of the enemy.The biblical model for ministry is interdependence, not independence.* Healthy Leadership Development Avoids Burnout and Control IssuesLeaders who do everything themselves will miss opportunities to identify and equip others.Micromanaging stifles growth, while abandonment leaves people unprepared.Effective leaders create co-laborers, not just followers.* Releasing Leaders in the Right Way Ensures LongevityLeaders are released to serve within relationships, not as isolated individuals.Jesus sent out disciples in pairs for both mission and support.Small group leadership should always include an apprentice system to ensure continuity and growth.* The Church Functions Best as a TeamJust as a body has different parts, leaders should be placed according to their gifts.A healthy church recognizes and values diverse callings without forcing everyone into the same mold.Leadership structures should encourage collaboration, not competition.Discussion Questions* How can you ensure that both mission and community are priorities in your discipleship efforts?* What past experiences has God used to prepare you for ministry?* Are you equipping others, or are you trying to do too much on your own?

Podcast Show Notes: Shepherding and Chasing the StraysOpening 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:* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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:* 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?* How can your small group or leadership team create a more relational, shepherding culture within your church community?* How does the idea that 90% of ministry happens between weekends challenge your current view of church involvement?* 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,

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 co...

Show Notes: Church is a Team Sport Podcast with Jim PutmanEpisode #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?

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:* Abide in Christ: The foundation of all ministry work.* Reach the Lost: Sharing the gospel and making disciples.* Connect the Unconnected: Ensuring new believers are integrated into the church community.* Chase the Strays: Actively pursuing those who have disconnected from the church.* Shepherd Towards Maturity: Guiding believers toward spiritual maturity.* Identify, Train, and Release Leaders: Developing and empowering leaders within the church.* 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:*

"We've got a system, in the church in America, that does not produce disciples that make disciples - which means our systems do not produce what we say we value." In this episode of Church is a Team Sport, Lance Wigton and Jim Putman discuss the value of Small Groups, and how they are vital to the growth of discipleship in your church. Join us as we unveil the blueprint for turning small groups into the backbone of a championship-winning team.Small groups play a crucial role in building a championship team by providing a space for coaching and discipleship that goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition. In these settings, members develop relational skill sets and practice living out the fruit of the Spirit in real-time situations. The transition from large group settings to small groups and then to individual lives fosters progression and maturity.More shepherding occurs, involving not just the lead pastor but also volunteers rather than hired staff.Small groups serve as a platform to raise up and identify leaders.They act as a "watering hole," offering a deeper understanding of the members and their needs.In summary, small groups are essential for building a championship team because they facilitate the practical application of relational and spiritual growth. This environment nurtures leadership, enhances community understanding, and supports the overall progression from group settings to individual life. Through small groups, teams can develop the cohesion and maturity needed to achieve championship-level success.

In this episode of the podcast Lance Wigton and Jim Putman discuss the purpose of the weekend service. They talk about how it can be a time to develop leaders and disciples by establishing systems and processes that go beyond a one-and-a-half-hour weekly service. They discuss the fact that both large church gatherings and small group meetings are crucial, as relationships are fundamental to spiritual growth, but the church should embody a lifestyle of daily relational connections, as exemplified in Hebrews 3:12-13, rather than confining spiritual practices to a brief weekly session. They bring up the analogy that the weekend service can be looked at as a watering hole - a place where leaders can get an overview of the flock to see who is missing and who might be struggling. It is also an opportunity to build and deepen connections with others who meet in groups together during the week. When a Small Group culture is in place - it takes pressure off of what the preacher needs to do through a weekly sermon. His job is that people understand how to feed themself, not to feed them.You can find all episodes of this podcast here: https://page.co/fgvnwc (https://page.co/fgvnwc)

In today's episode, Lance Wigton returns to discuss recruitment and alignment with Jim Putman, emphasizing the importance of placing team members in roles where they excel. Some key topics covered include:* As a church grows, newcomers may sometimes be more qualified for certain positions than those currently holding them.* Everyone has been saved from something for something. On God's team, everyone has a role, though the specific role may change over time. Your value isn't defined by your position.* Seeking a FAT leader: someone who is Faithful, Available, and Teachable.To see all episodes and find more information on these topics go to https://realliferesources.org/church-is-a-team-sport/ (https://realliferesources.org/church-is-a-team-sport/)For more discipleship resources go to: https://jimputman.com/ (https://jimputman.com/)

In this episode of the podcast, Jim Putman and Lance Wigton talk about how we determine who we should be pouring in to as church leaders - they discuss the fact that everyone is of equal value but everyone has different giftings or talents. We need to challenge people to use their gifts and abilities in the body of Christ. - Teaching educates- Leading takes someone somewhere- It is in the doing that we experience what God built us for- Being a servant means wherever I go I'm becoming more and more like Jesus. - The context of learning becomes so much greater when there is action involved.- We have to spend time with people to see who they are and how God has gifted them. We are saved from something for something - our mess becomes our message - We all have experiences that God has redeemed us in that help make us fit into certain place to use our gifts. Bridging the gap that God has helped fill in our lives to show other people with the same gaps realize that God can use them too.When we are raising up leaders we need to remember that we aren't cleaning them up and hiding their struggles - we want you to understand that God is the hero who uses our brokenness to show his glory. To watch all episodes of this podcast go to: https://realliferesources.org/church-is-a-team-sport/ (https://realliferesources.org/church-is-a-team-sport/)For more resources and content go to: http://jimputman.com/ (http://jimputman.com/)

In this episode of the podcast, Lance Wigton and Jim Putman delve into some essential strategies for church leaders and senior pastors when it comes to building effective teams. They tackle the common misconception that importing trained individuals from outside is the best approach, shedding light on a more sustainable and fruitful method—raising staff from within the congregation.Some of the things they cover are: - Redefining Recruitment: Highlighting the pitfalls of seeking external talent over nurturing internal potential.- The Power of Discipleship: Emphasizing the effectiveness of discipling and training congregants to assume leadership roles.- Longevity and Compatibility: Exploring how cultivating leadership within the congregation ensures alignment with the church's ethos and values.- Analogy of Coaches: Drawing parallels between the strategies of a high school coach and a college coach to illustrate the process of nurturing talent within the church community.In essence, Wigton and Putman underscore the importance of investing in the growth and development of individuals within the congregation to foster a cohesive and effective team of staff and elders. By prioritizing discipleship and internal cultivation, churches can cultivate a sustainable leadership pipeline aligned with the theology and philosophy of Jesus' church.If you have any questions for Jim and Lance please let us know! email us at info@jimputman.com To listen to all of the episodes, go to: https://realliferesources.org/church-is-a-team-sport/ (https://realliferesources.org/church-is-a-team-sport/)To hear more about the planting and history of Real Life Ministries, you can watch the docuseries here:https://realliferesources.org/the-story-of-real-life/ (https://realliferesources.org/the-story-of-real-life/)

In this episode of the podcast, Jim Putman and Lance Wigton talk about the importance of recruiting and developing players for the team when it comes to church leadership. Real Life Ministries began with no tangible assets other than people. This prompted the beginning leaders to have a strategic shift in perspective – they needed to recruit and harness people as their primary resource. It wasn't just about filling seats; it was about adopting a coach's mindset.

Welcome to the Church is a Team Sport Podcast! Join Lance Wigton and Jim Putman as they have a candid conversation about the ins and outs of being a church leader. No matter the size or demographic of your church, these two will help you discover and implement the components of leading a Disciple-Making Church. With 25 years of experience leading one of the fastest growing Churches in the Northwest, Jim Putman brings his background as an All-American Wrestler and Coach into the realm of ministry. Based on Jim Putman's book Church is a Team Sport - Jim Putman and host Lance Wigton will follow through the chapters pulling out extra tips and details and discuss the things that have worked, and the things that didn't. You will walk away from each episode feeling better equipped to navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins as you develop your leaders into disciple-makers who are ready to go out into the world and fulfill Jesus' great commision.