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.