In this episode, hosts Lance Wigdon and Jim Putman dive into one of the Seven Essentials—Shepherding Towards Maturity. They explore what spiritual maturity looks like, the role of a shepherd in leading people toward it, and how a disciple-making culture can transform churches and homes. This conversation is packed with wisdom on discipleship, leadership, and creating a culture where everyone plays a role in the mission of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

• What Is Spiritual Maturity?
• Defined by Matthew 4:19: Following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and committed to the mission of Jesus.
• Maturity happens at three levels: head (beliefs), heart (relationships and love), and hands (actions and service).
• It’s not about perfection, but continual growth—like an athlete improving their game.
• The Shepherd’s Role in Maturity
• Shepherding isn’t just pastors’ work—it’s a mindset for all believers.
• A mature Christian recognizes their weaknesses and takes responsibility for growth.
• True shepherding equips others, moving people from spectators to players to coaches in the faith.
• Culture Over Strategy
• Creating a disciple-making culture is more important than having a perfect strategy.
• A healthy church raises up leaders who invest in others—ensuring that discipleship continues beyond any one leader.
• Spiritual growth isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about living and leading in a way that builds up others.
• Shepherding in Real Life
• Parenting is a great analogy: a parent teaches responsibility rather than just doing everything for their child.
• In churches, shepherds must train others to care for people, not just provide quick fixes.
• True maturity means shifting from being served to serving and discipling others.
• Why This Matters
• Many people live disconnected lives until crisis hits—then they seek help.
• A church with a shepherding culture provides consistent, proactive care rather than just reactive crisis management.
• The goal isn’t just to help individuals but to build a culture where everyone helps shepherd others.

Reflection & Discussion Questions:

• How do you define spiritual maturity in your own life? What areas (head, heart, hands) need more growth?
• Who has shepherded you towards maturity? How did their influence shape your faith?
• Are you playing, coaching, or spectating in your church? What steps can you take to grow?
• How can you create a culture of shepherding in your home, small group, or ministry?
• What are the biggest challenges in shepherding others? How can you overcome them?

Next Steps:

• Evaluate Your Role – Are you actively discipling someone? Who can you invest in?
• Build Relationships – Move beyond attending church—engage in community and accountability.
• Lead by Example – Live in a way that models discipleship, not just knowledge.
• Check Out Resources – Visit jimputman.com and realliferesources.org for more tools on discipleship and leadership.

This episode is a powerful reminder that discipleship isn’t just for pastors—it’s for everyone. Whether you’re leading a small group, mentoring a friend, or raising kids, you are called to shepherd others toward Christ. Next week, we’ll dive into identifying, equipping, and releasing leaders—don’t miss it!

Thanks for joining us! If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and subscribe for more conversations on making disciples. See you next time!