Church Is a Team Sport: A Championship Strategy for Doing Ministry Together

Jim Putman is a coach at heart. He is a leader of people, and they follow him. He is committed, authentic, and refreshingly honest. What you see is what you get. . . . He boils everything down to its essence and is not distracted. But at the core he cares. He cares for people and believes that one sheep should not be lost no matter what it costs the shepherd. You cannot read this book with an open heart and remain nonchalant about the people God has put in your care.

—From the foreword by Avery Willis,

author and international speaker

"Time out . . . this one’s the real deal! Jim Putman does an awesome job of challenging Christian leaders to rethink the boxes we find ourselves in. Church Is a Team Sport is a gutsy book that promotes innovative and practical means for how to become a true team. There’s no trash talking here, just positive lessons to improve your church."

—Dave Stone, senior pastor,

Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky

Jim’s story of going from frustration with Christians to loving Jesus and leading people to serve the local community resonated deep within my heart. Any man who likes athletics and is tired of the typical churchy jargon should read this book. It’s a winner!

—Paul Byrd, Cleveland Indians pitcher

Jim Putman’s compelling new book grabbed me from page one. I read it in one sitting and predict you will too. This is the ultimate textbook (after the Bible) for growing churches and making disciples. It’s a championship strategy all the way.

—Pat Williams, senior vice president, Orlando Magic;

author, Read for Your Life

Jim Putman has written a clear, practical, and powerful guide for doing church together, as a team. His authenticity is refreshing and the story of Real Life is amazing. Pick up a copy of this book for yourself and for your team.

—Jud Wilhite, author, Stripped; senior pastor,

Central Christian Church, Las Vegas

After forty years as a senior minister and five decades as a determined, but amateur athlete, I have often marveled at the similarities between pastoring a church and competing in sports. Both require, among other things, dedication, hard work, and discipline. Now, Jim Putman has written a practical and thoroughly readable book that makes that comparison between sports and church. In the process, he reveals the principles that can help your church grow, win souls to Christ, and make disciples. After reading Jim’s book, you’ll understand why the church he started has been called ‘the fastest growing nondenominational Christian church in America.’

—Bob Russell, author; speaker; and former pastor,

Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky

Fantastic read!!! We all play a role. Putman challenges the star and the benchwarmer alike to understand this: Each one of us is called to unity in one goal and purpose—playing and winning for the Ultimate Coach.

—Will Dawson, sports reporter/producer,

Christian Broadcasting Network

"Growing a church from a handful of people to a morning worship attendance that has already exceeded the 8,000 mark, in less than ten years, is a remarkable achievement. Having the majority of those involved in a small group, ministering to one another, is nothing short of miraculous.

"Jim Putman gives us a peek inside the playbook that has been used to build one of America’s largest and strongest churches. These are not the untested theories of some ivory tower theologian. I’ve had the privilege of preaching at Jim’s church and have seen these principles at work in the lives of his people.

This is a book for winners. A book for pastors and people (coaches and players) who want to build a championship-caliber church that, year after year, will honor God, reach the lost, equip the saints, impact society, and result in changed lives for eternity. God always meant for His church to win. In this new book, Jim Putman shows us how.

—Barry L. Cameron, senior pastor, Crossroads Christian Church,

Grand Prairie, Texas; author, The ABC’s of Financial Success

and Contagious Generosity

Caution! Don’t read this book unless you want a biblical vision and strategy of how to turn the average anemic church into a winner. Written in an engaging and understandable way, Pastor Jim Putman transports our minds from mediocre Christianity and boring church experiences to the excitement of winning—being all that Jesus Christ intended. This book is a must for every Christian and church leader.

—Dr. Richard A. Rollins, executive pastor, Valley Bible Church, Hercules, California; coauthor, Redeeming Relationships

"Church Is a Team Sport is written by one of America’s great pastors, or should I say ‘coaches’ for successful living. Jim Putman outlines a clear path for a healthy church, both emphasizing and explaining the vital role of key players on a winning team. This book should be read by anyone and everyone involved in church work, and by anyone helping others live like champions."

—Tommy Barnett, pastor, Phoenix First Assembly;

co-pastor, Los Angeles Dream Center

"Although I have worked with the concept of sports and Christians for a long time, I’ve never been comfortable with direct faith-to-sports analogies such as ‘God as the head coach’ and ‘the Bible as the playbook.’ These often seem to demean rather than lift up our heavenly Father or even our faith. However, in Church Is a Team Sport, Jim Putman has successfully used the metaphor of the church as a team sport. Through citing his own negative experiences in the local church and contrasting it with a hopeful new way of looking at the church—all while maintaining a well-crafted sports analogy—Putman elevates faith elements that should be treated with utmost respect. Putman’s presentation of a church concept based on relational living and strong biblical teaching is a valuable tool for leaders of churches of any size who want to minister to real people with Christ’s love and godly principles."

—Dave Branon, managing editor, Sports Spectrum magazine;

writer, Our Daily Bread

I have observed Jim and his ministry up close for several years. He is a great coach, pastor, and leader. This book is not theory. It is a practical playbook that has been used at Real Life to develop a winning church. Jim’s insights will help your church become more effective in impacting your community. All of your leadership team needs to read this book.

—Don Wilson, pastor, Christ’s Church of the Valley,

Phoenix, Arizona

This book is not just readable, it is compelling and authentic! I have personally experienced the ministry of Jim Putman, his team, and Real Life Ministries since they were just three months old. The growth has been nothing short of miraculous. Many times they faced specific hurdles, but through perseverance they have continued on a phenomenal growth pattern. We have all seen the development and expansion of their ministry, but more important than the numbers are the touching of lives and successful evangelistic program to expand the Kingdom. This has really been amazing to watch! I firmly believe under Jim’s leadership Real Life Ministries has followed Acts 2:42 and has carried out the Great Commission of Matthew 28. The personalization and principles in this book are a practical reality for others and can help expand the church in today’s chaotic world. Jim’s passion for ministry and reaching the lost are reflected throughout each word, each paragraph, and each chapter!

—Douglas J. Crozier, president, Church Development Fund, Inc.

Drawing from his years as both athlete and coach, Jim Putman gives us fresh insight into the team dynamics of the local church. Whether a rookie in the Christian life or seasoned minister, you’ll come away from this book with a new appreciation of what makes a local church a team of champions.

—David Stevens, senior pastor, Central Bible Church,

Portland, Oregon

Church

Is a

Team Sport

A CHAMPIONSHIP

STRATEGY FOR

DOING MINISTRY TOGETHER

Jim Putman

© 2008 by Jim Putman

Published by Baker Books

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakerbooks.com

Printed in the United States of America

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording— without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Putman, Jim, 1966–

Church is a team sport : a championship strategy for doing ministry together / Jim Putman.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-0-8010-1302-7 (cloth)

ISBN 978-0-8010-7162-1 (ITPE)

1. Church growth. I. Title.

BV652.25.P78 2008

253—dc22

2007034119

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked NLT is taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Published in association with the literary agency of Sanford Communications, Inc., 16778 S.E. Cohiba Ct., Damascus, OR 97089.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who saved me though I was a sinful man. I find it amazing that He not only saved me but allowed me to be a part of His team. To my wife, Lori, who has helped shape me over the years. She put up with the man I was and was patient as the Lord did His work and continues to do it. She has gone along for the ride that has been ministry. To my sons Christian, Jesse, and Will, who have been my greatest joy. I love them more than life. To my father and mother, Bill and Bobbi Putman, who never gave up on me when I rejected Jesus and them. For all the nights I awoke to them praying for me. They were the prodigal son’s father waiting for their child to come home.

To Aaron and Kelly Couch and family—I have your back no matter where you go.

To Jim and Cassi Harris—who gave up so much to be a part of this adventure.

To Larry and Judy Bennet—who kept me in ministry when I was almost done.

To David Elmes, Christina Detwiler, Bill Buley, and Lydia Grubb— thank you for your help. Without you this would have never been finished.

To the Backyard Gang—I love you all.

To the elders at Real Life—you are truly God’s men.

To the executive team—Brandon Guindon, Lance Wigton, Craig Miles, Bill Krause, Bill Lehman, Toodie Ward—my true friends and partners.

To the staff at Real Life—I would go to battle alongside of you anytime, anywhere.

To the Real Life Ministries family—I am so proud of all who serve in our church—you are truly a people on a mission. I have never seen people who try harder.

To Doug Crozier and CDF—thanks for the friendship and partnership.

To the team at Sanford Communications—thanks for your literary and editorial assistance with this book.

And to the team at Baker Publishing Group—thanks for your enthusiastic and skillful support.

CONTENTS

Foreword by Avery Willis

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction: The Real Life Story

PART 1: FROM THE LOCKER ROOM TO THE ELDER BOARD ROOM

1. Switching Jerseys: A Pastor’s Journey

2. Chasing a Dream: Looking for the Winning Church

3. And the Scoreboard Says . . . : How Are We Doing?

PART 2: COACHING GOD’S CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

4. Mission Possible: God’s Team Can and Should Win

5. Winning Starts at the Top: The Need for Coaches in the Church

6. A Coach Worth Following: Discovering Our God-Given Purpose

PART 3: DEVELOPING SKILLED PLAYERS

7. Good Recruiting: Outreach Events, Programs, and Weekend Services

8. Filling Out the Roster: Players Are Made, Not Born

9. In the Huddle: The Essential Role of Small Groups

10. The Championship Program: A Reproducible Strategy for Leadership Development

11. Putting the Rookie In: Turning Players Loose

PART 4: ON THE OFFENSIVE

12. Reading from the Same Playbook: How to Align Your Team for Victory

13. Church Is a Team Sport: Creating a Culture of Teamwork

14. When the Going Gets Tough: Getting Real with Each Other

15. Focusing on the Fundamentals: The Importance of Uncluttered Christianity

PART 5: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

16. Recruiting New Players: Our Mission as God’s Team

17. The Growing Coach: Learning from Mistakes, Always Improving

18. Playing Hard without Getting Hurt: Your Team and Change

19. Only the Few, Only the Committed: Sticking to the Mission No Matter What

Appendix: Practice, Play, Win! A Guide for Individual or Group Reflection and Implementation

FOREWORD

by Avery Willis

Would you like to see what a first-century church would look like in the twenty-first century? Check out Real Life Ministries Church. Of course, there are obvious differences, but the key is in the similarities on the most fundamental levels.

The story of Real Life grows out of the story of Jim Putman. Jim was a national championship wrestler and then a coach of championship wrestlers before he lost his wrestling match with God. In Church Is a Team Sport, Jim uses the analogy of coaching and teamwork to show how God built Real Life’s team from two couples to over eight thousand people in eight years—all in a northern Idaho town of ten thousand people. Jim never intended to start a megachurch. He is as surprised at the thousands of new believers as Peter must have been at Pentecost.

As Jim contemplated a church plant, he was dismayed at the majority of churches in America that are not growing. And he was tired of twentieth-century church accretions and infighting. Jim pulls no punches. Like any good coach, he tells things as they are.

When he started Real Life, he wanted to get back to the primary task of the church—making disciples. Many churches assume they can make disciples incidentally, but Real Life makes disciples intentionally. Jim does not try to be the star of a show. He makes disciples and equips leaders to live as disciples of Christ.

I have had the opportunity to look inside this church as a consultant for more than a year, and I am often asked, Is this the real deal? Yes, this is the real deal. Read the book and judge for yourself.

Real Life’s vision is to fulfill the Great Commission. Following are some of the unique ways they are accomplishing this vision.

Disciple Making. Their vision to make disciples is the determining factor in everything they do. Most churches make it one of many emphases, hoping disciple making will take place by osmosis. At Real Life, however, if an activity does not contribute to making disciples, it takes a backseat. This church uses a clear, simple process: Share, Connect, Minister, and Disciple. Making disciples is helping people follow Jesus in all areas of life.

A Relational Context. Real Life makes disciples in a relational context. That means making disciples in small groups. They believe that you can’t make disciples in a vacuum such as a class where you just pass on information. In their six hundred small groups, they deal with real life and follow it up by working on discipleship in everyday relationships. In every large worship service, the leaders emphasize that people must get connected to a small group in order to grow.

Unity. Disunity in the church drove Jim Putman from the church and the faith of his father. When God led him to start a church, he resolved that unity would be a core value. Real Life focuses on the basic doctrines of the Bible but will not get sidetracked with peripheral issues. There is agreement on essentials, but the people of Real Life are respectful of others’ opinions on nonessentials. If you want to debate a doctrine that is not essential to salvation, they won’t go there. They value unity more than unanimity in the details. New members commit themselves to biblical beliefs embraced by the church and commit to avoid arguing over nonessential Christian doctrines.

Ministry. Ministry takes place in small groups, but it does not stop there. The church meets the needs of hundreds of needy people every month. People come to the church to get help, and Real Life meets them right where they are. For example, more than six hundred people are in recovery groups every week.

Evangelism. Evangelism is a natural outgrowth of all the things mentioned above. Because people get help in their small group, they naturally tell their friends. Every event sponsored by the church has the purpose of introducing people to Christ and making disciples. When people come to Christ, they are baptized by the small group or those who helped them to faith in Christ. As they practice Acts 2:42–47, the Lord adds to their number daily those who are being saved.

Leadership Development. Because the goal is making disciples, Real Life is always looking for new leaders. The church trains them in the essentials of disciple making and shepherding, and then holds them accountable to the team and to the Lord. Every disciple is a leader in the making.

Teamwork. The name of the book hints that a winning team is the defining work of a coach. At Real Life they have one goal—winning. Winning is defined as making disciples who are like Christ. Every player is important. Theirs is a culture of excellence and hard work that focuses on results instead of a show.

Innovation. For Real Life innovation is not doing something that no other church has done. It is getting back to the basics and living as disciples. I have been surprised at their willingness to change. After I shared with Jim that according to the Department of Education over half the people in the United States are oral learners, he asked me to teach the staff and small group leaders how to tell and use Bible stories to shape the worldview of the people. As this book goes to press, their small groups are using a set of Bible stories to paint a panorama from creation to Christ on the hearts of the people. I was amazed with their response after they had been so successful with what they were doing. They will do whatever it takes to grow disciples.

Jim Putman is a coach at heart. He is a leader of people, and they follow him. He is committed, authentic, and refreshingly honest. What you see is what you get. He is strong in his convictions. He keeps to the basics and is unrelenting on essentials. He is focused. He boils everything down to its essence and is not distracted. But at the core he cares. He cares for people and believes that one sheep should not be lost no matter what it costs the shepherd. You cannot read this book with an open heart and remain nonchalant about the people God has put in your care.

PREFACE

This book is written for all of those who acknowledge that something is wrong with the box they were handed. By the box, I mean the church. Something is wrong and they know it. Maybe they cannot put their finger on what it is, but they see what the church was supposed to be and what it is, and they are discouraged. Many wrongly believe they can be all right with God but not be involved with the body of Christ. I do not believe this is biblical, or healthy. I believe there are some real answers to the problems the church currently faces. They are not easy—greatness never is—but we really do have the ability to change things.

I believe that all Christians are a part of the Royal Priesthood, the Holy nation, so this book is written to all who would read it. You will notice this book is predominantly directed to male leadership. I do believe the principles will work in any team situation (women, children, etc.). My hope is that those in church leadership will decide to test what is written in this book with the Word of God, and seek to make changes as they are led by the Holy Spirit.

My training in leadership comes from athletics and coaching; therefore, many of the metaphors used in this book are from that background. It fits in my mind, because I see the church as the Lord’s team. The opponent of the church is the devil. The playing field is the earth. The players are the people. The leaders are the coaches. As I read the Scriptures, I see team everywhere. Teams have a common purpose; they run the same play at the same time and work together in their respective positions. I also believe that most Americans understand sports far better than they do the church. So I’ve used language that is familiar to most of us in order to explain what I see going on in the church.

I understand that no writer connects with everyone. For those of you who are not sports enthusiasts, my hope is that you will understand the concepts and be able to transfer them into your own language with your teams in a useful way. For example, if you are a musician, you might use a band analogy. Band teachers know that they must get everyone to understand their part using the same sheet of music. In any case, my hope is that these biblical concepts can be used to make the church a force to be reckoned with again.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Eight years ago, this grand adventure called Real Life Ministries began. I feel as if it has been twenty-five years. The people who started with us have become my best friends and family. They have been a part of shaping me and my family as well as my ministry beliefs. We have truly been a team.

As