Books by Jim Putman

Real-Life Discipleship: Building Churches that Make Disciples Real-Life Discipleship explains what should happen in the life of every Christian and in every small group so that the church becomes an army of believers dedicated to seeing the world saved. With the overriding goal to train disciples who know how to make more disciples, this book offers proven tools and strategies from Real Life Ministries, one of America’s fastest-growing churches. Discover what the Bible says about true and effective discipleship with these strategies and practices.

Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual: Equipping Disciples Who Make Disciples This companion training manual to Real-Life Discipleship provides unique guidance and insight to pastors, church leaders, and their disciples as they work to create an effective discipleship program. With a thorough, results-oriented process that can be applied in other contexts and cultures, this manual explains the necessary components of disciplemaking so that every church member can play a part in reaching others for Christ. This leader's resource shows you how to cultivate new leaders for the future and equip them to make disciples.

DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Over the last 30 yrs, many influential church leaders & planters in America have adopted various models for reaching unchurched people. Making disciples---helping people to trust and follow Jesus---is the church’s God-given mandate. Devoted disciples attract people outside the church because of the change others see in their Christ-like lives. Discipleship empowers Christians to be more like Christ as they intentionally develop relationship with non-believers. DiscipleShift walks you through five key “shifts” that churches must make to refocus on the biblical mission of discipleship. These intentional changes will attract the world & empower your church members to be salt & light in their communities.

Leading the DiscipleShift: Becoming a Disciple-Making Church Equip church leaders with the tools and insights needed to rally people around renewed purpose. Drawing from biblical principles and the experience of Real Life Ministries, this workbook guides users to evaluate the power of ministry alignment and personal influence for the sake of each church’s God-given mission to make disciples. This Workbook includes: 9 weeks of material designed for a church staff or ministry leadership team. Each week includes personal exercises, collaborative sessions, outlines, assessments & clear plan of actions for each church / team ministry.

Church is a Team Sport: A Championship Strategy for Doing Ministry Together Church Is a Team Sport shows proven ways to push believers, new and mature, toward growth as both Christians--and leaders. Through this powerful, thought-provoking volume, ministers both in the congregation and on staff will discover how to expand the church one soul at a time. Making disciples is the crux of Pastor Jim Putman's message. The plan works. Caring for people, following up on stray sheep, and teaching what it means to love God and obey him. That's how Church Is a Team Sport transforms Christians from Monday-morning quarterbacks into dynamic players.

T h e M i s s i o n a r y C h u r ch We s t e r n Re g i o n9 6 t h A n n u a l Re g i o n a l C o n fe r e n c e

M a y 1 9 - 2 1 , 2 0 1 5M e e t t h e T r a i n i n g T e a m …

Eddie BatemanRelational Discipleship Network: Operations Director, Pastor Church Training & Development for Real Life MinistriesEddie is Pastor of Church Training & Development Team and theOperations Director for the Relational Discipleship Network at RealLifeMinistries. As the RDN Operations Director, Eddie's role involvesequipping RDN Mentor Coaches to coach the churches in their micronetwork and connecting new churches into the network. He alsoworks directly with the RLM DiscipleShift Training Team as a leadfacilitator both at Post Falls and with partner churches across thecountry. Eddie and his wife , Lindsay have two boys, Isaiah 7 yrs,Sawyer 6 yrs, and a little girl Charlotte 5 months.

Blake Whiteman is the Adult Discipleship Team Leader to small grouppastors, Real life Ministries. Blake represents pastors as he travels withthe RLM DiscipleShift Training Team as lead facilitator. His experiencein overseeing small groups within a community makes him a valuableresource to all Relational Discipleship Network churches. Each week heworks in implementing the intentional methods Jesus modeled for usto make disciples who make disciples. Blake and his wife Andrea havetwo beautiful children, a 3 yr old daughter Layne, and a 5 month oldnamed Hudson.

Dr. Virgil Grant is the Senior Pastor of Eastside Baptist Church, Richmond Kentucky. Virgil has taken his already established church through the SHIFT to become a Disciplemaking Church. Eastside serves as a Mentor Coaching Church within the Relational Discipleship Network of Real Life Ministries and was the first church in the network. Virgil currently coaches churches from around the country that are committed to making the shift. His insights will be instructive, challenging and encouraging as he shares examples of his experience. Virgil is married to Rosemary and have two children, Rachel and Jacob.

I n d i a n W e l l s R e s o r t H o t e l , I n d i a n W e l l s C Aw w w . M C W D i n c . o r g

CCCOOMMMMIISSSSIIOONNEEEDD………

Joel Mitchell is an Orange County based Worship Leader and Singer-songwriter. Joel and his collective of musicians have lead worship at camps and churches across Southern California since 2010. Joel has opened for acts, including Jeremy Camp and BarlowGirl. He spent this past year leading worship with Brenton Brown, writer of “Everlasting God.” Earlier this year he released a new studio EP Album titled: “Heart Breaks.” Upon its release date, Heart Breaks reached the top -50 Christian & Gospel Albums on the iTunes charts worldwide.

Joel sees music as a powerful tool, one that can form us into people who better live and love like Jesus. The songs he writes are a response and a journey meeting with God encouraging us as they stir our hearts in the reality of the constant pursuing love of our creator. Hear Joel’s album at www.JoelMitchellMusic.com .

In May Joel graduated with a BA in Religious Studies from Westmont College in Santa Barbara.

Welcome to CCOOMMMMIISSSSIIOONNEEDD 22 AAccttiioonn

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, MAY 19 3:00 pm Registration & Hotel Check-in Lobby 5:30 pm Meet & Greet Light Dinner Reception Ballroom 7:00 pm Session #1: Ballroom

COMMISSIONED 2…Make the Shift Welcome & Greeting Chuckk Gerwig Praise & Worship C2A Worship Band C2A TEAM: Eddie Bateman, Virgil Grant, Blake Whiteman Communion Steve Jones

9:00 pm Coffee & Dessert: Sponsored by Joni & Friends Disability Center

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 6:30 am Breakfast Open (Complimentary) Frank’s Place Restaurant 6:30 am Prayer Chapel – Ben Jennings Club 100 7:00 – 8:00 am CFW Hot Breakfast Buffet & Seminar Ballroom

(* Ticket Required) 8:30 am Session #2: C2A Business Ballroom10:45 am Break: Sponsored by CFW 11:00 am Session #3: Ballroom

COMMISSIONED 2…Be the Church Praise & Worship C2A Worship Band Real Life Ministries: Eddie & Virgil

12:30 pm Lunch (on own) 2:00 pm Session #4: COMMISSIONED 2… Ballroom

Disciple in Relational Environments Praise & Worship C2A Worship Band Real Life Ministries: Eddie

4:00 – 7:00 pm Free Time 4:00 pm Hispanic Meeting Club 100 5:00 pm Peer Cluster Facilitator’s Meeting Room 4 7:00 pm Fiesta Poolside Banquet (Fiesta Attire)

THURSDAY, MAY 21 6:30 am Breakfast Open (complimentary) Frank’s Place Restaurant 7:00 am Prayer Chapel – Ben Jennings Club 100 8:30 am Session #5: COMMISSIONED 2… Ballroom

Intentionally Reproduce Disciple Makers Praise & Worship C2A Worship Band Real Life Ministries: Blake & Virgil IPAD Grand Prize Giveaway Dan Flores Credentials Report

12 Noon Check-out

Thank you for attending…See you next year at the 97th Annual Western Region Conference

May 22-24, 2016 1

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SESSION 1: COMMISSIONED 2 …MAKE THE SHIFT

5 KEY COMPONENTS OF A DISCIPLE MAKING CHURCH

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: The Bible alone gives a clear and complete picture of what God wants done (His mission) and how He wants it done (His methods). The following five key components of a disciple-making church are built on a biblical foundation.

1. BIBLICAL FOUNDATION for RELATIONSHIP:We believe we are designed to be in relationship with God first and foremost, and secondly we are designed to be in relationship with others. The purpose of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus who can make disciples of Jesus. We do this with the understanding that relationship is the key vehicle.

2. INTENTIONAL LEADER:This leader understands that part of their role is to reach the lost, make disciples of Jesus and create Christ centered environments where disciple making can happen. They understand where a person is spiritually and what is needed to help them grow.

3. RELATIONAL ENVIRONMENT:This is a group of 3-18 people, facilitated by a leader who is intentionally modeling spiritual fruit (love, joy, etc.) The people involved are doing life together with a kingdom mindset. The relationships go beyond just the group time. They move from strangers to friendship. These relationships press into areas of privacy, transparency and vulnerability.

4. REPRODUCIBLE DISCIPLE MAKING PROCESS:This is the process for developing people towards Christ likeness. This includes three parts: “MY PART” (the disciple), “THEIR PART” (the disciplees), and “GOD’S PART”. Leaders understand the 5 stages of spiritual growth. They can identify where a person is spiritually, and help them mature and grow at each stage of the spiritual growth process.

5. CHURCH ALIGNMENT:There are 4 key areas of alignment to equip the Church in its purpose of making disciples of Jesus.

Relational Alignment

Philosophical Alignment

Theological Alignment

Organizational Alignment

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SESSION 1: …MAKE THE SHIFT Notes Page

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SESSION 2: COMMISSIONED 2 ACTION…BUSINESS Missionary Church Western Region & CFW

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SESSION 3: COMMISSIONED 2 …BE THE CHURCH

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR RELATIONSHIP:

We believe we are designed to be in relationship with God first and foremost. Secondly we are designed to be in relationship with others.

The purpose of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus who can make disciples of Jesus. We do this with the understanding that relationship is the key vehicle.

So when it comes to making disciples, we need to understand that scripture gives us the method and model in which disciples are made.

Genesis 2:18 (NIV) The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.

This passage is so interesting because Adam was not alone in the garden; God was with him. Adam had a relationship with God yet God said it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone.

We were created for relationship with God, but we were also created for relationship with one another. Without relationship with one another, we are not complete.

We find throughout scripture that relationship with both God and one another is the key to making disciples. As you here the following verses, please listen to them through the filter of relationship.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Leviticus 19:18 (NIV) Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

God’s heart has always been for relationship. Consider The 10 Commandments…

“The Ten Commandments” Exodus 20:1-17

You shall have no other gods before me > Breaks relationship…Inconsistent with love Make no idols and do not worship them > Breaks relationship…Inconsistent with love Don’t misuse the name of God > Harms relationship…Inconsistent with love

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Remember the Sabbath > Honors relationship…Consistent with love Honor your father and your mother > Builds relationship…Consistent with love Don’t murder > Bad for relationship, Kills relationship…Inconsistent with love Don’t commit adultery > Breaks relationship…Inconsistent with love Don’t steal > Breaks relationship…Inconsistent with love Don’t give false testimony against your neighbor > Breaks relationship…Inconsistent with love Don’t covet the things that belong to your neighbor > Harms relationship…Inconsistent with love

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Galatians 5:22 (NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Which of these is not lived out in the context of relationship?

Fruit is measured by our capacity to be in relationship with one another:

o Love >> Love for whom?

o Joy >> Joy demonstrated for whom?

o Peace >> Peace between whom?

o Patience >> Patience for whom?

o Kindness >> Kindness shown to whom?

o Goodness >> Goodness passed on to whom?

o Faithfulness >> Faithfulness to whom?

o Gentleness >> Gentleness given to whom?

o Self-control >> Self-control to honor whom?

James 3:17-18 (ESV) : But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, Impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT): Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commands and all the demands of the prophets are based on those two commandments.”

John 13:34-35 (NIV): A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

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Romans 13:8-10 (NIV): Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Jesus made disciples in a relational environment using an intentional method, and He is asking us to follow Him. A small group with an intentional leader creating a relational environment built upon a biblical foundation follows the example Jesus gave us.

John 17:4 (NIV): The night before Jesus went to the cross he prayed this…“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”

What was the work He completed prior to going to the cross?

Jesus made disciples who could make other disciples. This was His plan for reconciling a lost world.

Being a disciple and making disciples starts with each of us, as we are in relationship with Jesus and with each other.

REMAIN IN HIM

John 15:4-5 (NIV): “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

THE GREAT COMMISSION

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV): Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

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In Acts 2:42-47 we get a clear picture of Christians living out intentional relationship with God and one another.

Acts 2:42-47 They were joined together, devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship and sharing the

Lord’s Supper. They prayed together, miracles and wonders were being experienced. All the believers were constantly meeting together. They shared everything they had. Selling their own possessions they gave to those in

need. They worshiped together at the Temple daily, met in homes, shared meals, and had

great joy and generosity – all while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all thepeople.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

John 17:20-23 (NIV): My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (ESV): For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.”

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WHO? WHAT? WHERE? What are some Characteristics of Jesus? What did Jesus intentionally do with His disciples? Biblical Story

CHARACTERISTICS OF JESUS: WORKSHEET If making disciples of Jesus is the goal, then we would expect that a mature disciple is someone who is growing and submitting to Jesus. This should be reflected in all aspects of their life. With that in mind, we are going to look at Jesus, the characteristics He portrayed and where we find them in scripture.

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INTENTIONAL LEADER In this session we will look at how we currently invest our time and energy as leaders and see how it compares to Jesus’ model of intentional leadership.

The intentional leader understands that part of their role is to reach the lost, make disciples of Jesus and create Christ centered environments where discipleship can happen. They understand where a person is spiritually, and what is needed to help them grow.

An Intentional Leader That which is not intentional is not reproducible. Accurate copies take intentionality. Part of the discipleship process can be fulfilled in a variety of settings.

o Personal quiet timeo Sunday morningo A coffee shop

Part of the process can also be fulfilled by people who are not disciple making leaders.

A Coach understands the game and their role in it. The rules The positions A winning philosophy The right goals

A Coach can identify where each player is in their development. He can watch, listen and know where they are in the process of maturity. He can see their abilities and knows what position they should play on the team. Rookies to All-Stars...He can identify both because he knows the game.

A Coach creates an environment for growth. He knows what the player and the team needs, so he is able to determine a way to get it to

them. He creates a system for the development of every player and some great players

emerge. He knows what to do with every player—All-Star to position player.

A Coach creates a “team” environment He creates a system that gets everyone going the same direction with the same

language, goal and philosophy. He creates multiple coaches within a system. He teaches them the same thing. He creates a system by organization or program.For example:

A high school system works with the players they have been given. A college coach recruits players.

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Which one are you? He creates relational buy-in; promotes teamwork, discourages pride and encourages caring for one another.

What did I learn today about Jesus being an Intentional Leader?

I am convicted in my own ministry to…?

An Intentional Leader is key to becoming a disciple making church. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. - I Corinthians 11:1 (NIV84)

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4: 11-13 (NIV84)

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 (NIV84)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV84)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Philippians 3:12-15 (NIV84)

______% - What percentage of his time would you guess that Jesus intentionallyspent with His disciples?

______% - What percentage of time do you intentionally spend making disciples inyour church? World? Work?

______% - What percentage of time do you intentionally spend discipling in yourhome?

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SESSION 3: …BE THE CHURCH Notes Page

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SESSION 4: COMMISSIONED 2 …DISCIPLE IN RELATIONALENVIRONMENTS

The impact and power of relational environments is crucial to the spiritual health of your people. In this session we will be going over the rules of engagement for forming and maintaining healthy relational environments.

HOW RELATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS DRAW PEOPLE

THE COMPONENTS OF A RELATIONAL ENVIRONMENT:

1. THE HEART BEHIND IT Loving, caring, shepherding, investing, encouraging

A place where accountability, pastoring, modeling and teaching happen.

2. THERE IS A BIBLICAL FOUNDATION People are discussing how God's story and their own story are being walked out.

People are learning God's Word and how to apply it to their lives.

3. THERE IS AN INTENTIONAL LEADER WHO UNDERSTANDS HIS / HEROWN ROLE AND THE OVERALL VISION FOR THE GROUP.

To make disciples of Jesus-helping people grow and mature spiritually by doing life

together

4. A NEW PERSON TO THE GROUP WOULD DESCRIBE THE GROUP AS: Real

Authentic

Transparent

Fun

Life-giving

Kingdom-centered

They can't wait to come back

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5. THE GROUP CONSISTS OF 3-18PEOPLE THAT MEET REGULARLY(WEEKLY)

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. Acts 2:42-43 (NIV84)

But if we walk in the light, as He Himself is in the light. We have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (HCSB)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil: Cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10 (NIV84)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you might be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16 (ESV)

I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:13-35 (HCSB)

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6: 6-9 (NIV84)

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MODEL A SMALL GROUP

Facilitator: Be sure to model the small group components.

STEP 1 - WELCOME: Facilitator: Don’t read through the list; actually model a welcome A welcome…

Helps new believers, visitors, and members feel valued and welcomed.

Starts the moment someone arrives, and ends when everyone is gone.

Establishes a foundation for relationships.

Helps bring focus and awareness.

STEP 2 - OPENING PRAYER: Facilitator: Don’t read through the list; actually model an opening prayer) An opening prayer…

Invites God’s Holy Spirit into our presence.

Prepares our hearts for what God has for us.

Shifts our attention from individual fellowship to the group.

STEP 3 - PURPOSE/VISION CASTING: Facilitator: Don’t read through the list; actually model a “Purpose/Vision Casting.” (Example: “The purpose of this group is...”)

Encourages relationship with God and relationship with others.

Expresses the purpose of meeting as a small group. (Make disciples, Reach the lost…)

Helps prepare our hearts and minds for the group.

Must be in alignment with the vision and mission.

Challenges groups to grow and multiply (branch).

STEP 4 – SMALL GROUP GUIDELINES: Small Group Guideline definitions are listed after this section.

Safe Group

Confidentiality

Listen

Pause

Silence

No Cross Talk

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No Fixing

No Rescuing

Sharing

Self-Aware

“I” Statements

Conflict

STEP 5 - PREPARING OUR HEARTS TO EXPERIENCE A SMALL GROUP: As we move through the story, we want you to stay personally engaged.

Please don’t ask questions regarding “How To’s”…There will be time for that later.

As you hear the parable of The Lost Son, we want you to focus on who you relate to

most in the story, and why.

We encourage everyone to share from their hearts. There will be plenty of time, so no

need to rush.

Remember, you will get out of this what you put into it.

Facilitator: Be prepared to have one of your facilitation team members (that you previously designated) tell the story of The Lost Son from Luke 15:11-32.

STEP 6 - SETTING THE SCENE: Facilitator: Tell the group the following.

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of the religious law complain that he was associating with such despicable people – even eating with them! - Luke 15:1-2 NLT

In response, Jesus told three stories. The first was a story about a lost sheep, the second was a story about a lost coin, and the third was a story about a lost son. The Lost Son is the story we are going to share with you today.

Facilitator: IMPORTANT - Before telling the story, be sure to tell the group the following…

As you are listening to the story, be thinking of the question we are going to ask you after the story…Currently in this season of your life...

Who do you relate to most in the story, and why?

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STEP 7 - TELL THE STORY: The Parable of the Lost Son – Luke 15:11-32

Facilitator: o When telling the story, be sure to use a slow pace with good voice inflection.

o Don’t add or take away from the story

Facilitator: Important! Ask the group this question before rebuilding the story.

Was anything added or omitted from the story?

STEP 8 - REBUILD THE STORY: Facilitator:

o Ask the participants to quickly rebuild the story.

o Try to get everyone involved.

o Don’t allow people to talk about the story, add commentaries, editorialize or teach.

o Bounce from person to person quickly to bring energy to the rebuild.

STEP 9 - DE-BRIEF THE STORY:

Who do you relate to most in the story, and why?

STEP 10 - CLOSE IN PRAYER:

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SMALL GROUP GUIDELINES

Setting some basic guidelines for how we will honor one another in our group discussions is important.

Ground Rules/Guidelines...

Give boundaries for people to operate within.

They help with the flow and pace of the discussions.

They help us value one another.

They help people to be more comfortable sharing deep and meaningful things.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT:

This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing with one another. Below are some ground rules/guidelines that will help create a safe environment…

CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group.

LISTEN: Let’s value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond, or what you are going to say next.

PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing the chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shared before responding.

SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered.

NO “CROSS TALK”: Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations.

NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Give encouragement; speak truth, point to Jesus. Don’t try to solve or fix each other.

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NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people.

SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share.

BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are personally effecting the environment through your words, actions, and non-verbal communication.

“I” STATEMENTS: It’s easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use “I” statements rather than “them,” “the church,” “us,” “we,” etc.

CONFLICT: We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues between group members arise, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with these issues.

The following are a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others).

If someone sins against you: Matthew 18:15-20

Restoring someone in sin: Galatians 6:1-5

Forgive a sinner: Colossians 3:12-13

Reconciling differences: Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 7:1-5

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SESSION 5: COMMISSIONED 2 …INTENTIONALLY REPRODUCEDISCIPLE MAKERS

REPRODUCIBLE DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS: The Spiritual Stages of

Growth

Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples. Sometimes it can be difficult to know what that actually looks like or how to teach someone else to do it. In this session we will go over the spiritual stages of growth in discipleship, and how we can use them to make disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus.

People go through a process of spiritual maturity. This will vary from person to person. These are not designed to label people or to put them in a box. They are designed to help us know where people are spiritually. Then we can know where they need to be and how to help take them there.

DEAD: People in this stage have not yet accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. They may completely reject God or they may be seeking God. They may be “spiritual,” and may even claim to know God or be a Christian. In reality, they are their own god.

SHARE: Share the Gospel

INFANT: People in this stage have accepted Christ, but have not moved much past that point. They can be new believers, or they might be stagnant, long-time Christians. Life is generally all about them and their needs.

SHARE: Share the Gospel, share your life, share new habits

CHILD: People in this stage are growing in their relationship with God, and are also beginning to grow in their relationship with other Christians. They are applying God’s Word in their lives and allowing others to walk beside them in their journey following Christ. However, it’s still mostly about them - their needs, comfort, etc.

SHARE: Share the Gospel, share your life, share new habits CONNECT: Connect to God, connect to home group, connect them to purpose

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YOUNG ADULT: People in this stage are making a big shift from being self-centered to more others-centered. They’re beginning to understand their role as a giver, rather than a taker. They’re ministering to others, putting others first. They are being doers of the Word.

SHARE: Share the Gospel, share your life, share new habits CONNECT: Connect to God, connect to home group, connect them to purpose MINISTER: Equip for ministry, provide ministry opportunities, release to do ministry

PARENT: People in this stage have a solid understanding of God’s Word and a deep, abiding relationship with the Father. They are living out God’s Word in their daily lives. They are others-centered and God-dependent. They are able to reproduce mature disciples of Jesus by inviting others to follow them as they follow Christ.

SHARE: Share the Gospel, share your life, share new habits CONNECT: Connect to God, connect to home group, connect them to purpose MINISTER: Equip for ministry, provide ministry opportunities, release to do ministry DISCIPLE: Explain discipleship process, release to disciple another with your help,

release to disciple alone.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NIV84)

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH WHEEL:

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SESSION 5: …Intentionally Reproduce Disciple Makers Notes Page

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Q & A: …Setting Goals for Discipleship

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Back by popular demand, here are the brave soldiers who make up The C2A Band

Misael Garcia, Featuring Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals: His passion inlife is to lead people into God’s presence connecting them with His purpose.He has travelled to many countries in North, Central and South America as aSpanish Worship Leader, musician, and preacher. Misael and his wife Marissaserve as ministers of music at their local church full time. They have 3wonderful children: Nicolas, Melody, and Mikaya that keep them busy.

Jim Firth, Bass Guitar, Vocals: Jim is lead pastor of Hope Community Churchin Santa Barbara where he has served for 13 years with his wife of 34 years,Jenny. The eldest member of the C2A band, he hopes to be a real preacherwhen he grows up. He loves to hike, fish, camp and nap. He becomes highlyunstable when he ingests caffeine.

Jeff Foss, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals: Jeff is Worship Pastor of Journey theChurch in Camarillo. When he was young, his parents belonged to a folkgroup which he says is how he developed a love for music. (Coincidently,Jim’s parents were also in that same folk group) Jeff was performing musicat the age of three, though, Jim would add, not very proficiently.

Harmony Foss, Vocals: Harmony is the wife of Jeff & mother of their 14children. She’s also a fashion model, entrepreneur, country music singer,philanthropist, executive board chairman for Harmony Enterprises, financialadvisor to Oprah Winfrey, and in her spare time produces reality TV showsand works as an area coordinator for Overachiever's Anonymous.

Kenzie Mae, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals: Kenzie was born the middle child ofthree country girls, for which she is receiving ongoing therapy. She is anaccomplished singer/songwriter, having won 1st place in the Sara Evanscover contest for her rendition of “Anywhere” and 1st place in the 2013National competition Texaco Country Showdown. She is available forweddings, retreats, private parties, funerals & dog shows.

Gabe Hollis, Electric Guitar: Gabe is a 30 year old single male who lives in hisgrandmother’s house and whose wife has been MIA since birth. He has manyhidden talents, which, he says are hidden for a reason. He is on staff at HopeCommunity Church in Santa Barbara where he is a guitar guy, student leader, acreative guy, and an occasion preacher guy. He would like everyone to know hesat next to Katy Perry in 6th grade.

Kerry Small, Keyboards, Vocals: Kerry is wife to an incredibly fun, handsomeand smart husband and the mother of three young kids. Her deepest passion inlife is to help lead others into the presence of God and help them experienceHim in real and meaningful ways. In her free time, she loves running, yoga, thebeach, writing songs, conversations with friends, meeting new people andhanging out with her family.

Nick Ficklind, Drums:

Nick is a drummer, and a really nice guy.

Books by Jim Putman

Real-Life Discipleship: Building Churches that Make Disciples Real-Life Discipleship explains what should happen in the life of every Christian and in every small group so that the church becomes an army of believers dedicated to seeing the world saved. With the overriding goal to train disciples who know how to make more disciples, this book offers proven tools and strategies from Real Life Ministries, one of America’s fastest-growing churches. Discover what the Bible says about true and effective discipleship with these strategies and practices.

Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual: Equipping Disciples Who Make Disciples This companion training manual to Real-Life Discipleship provides unique guidance and insight to pastors, church leaders, and their disciples as they work to create an effective discipleship program. With a thorough, results-oriented process that can be applied in other contexts and cultures, this manual explains the necessary components of disciplemaking so that every church member can play a part in reaching others for Christ. This leader's resource shows you how to cultivate new leaders for the future and equip them to make disciples.

DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Over the last 30 yrs, many influential church leaders & planters in America have adopted various models for reaching unchurched people. Making disciples---helping people to trust and follow Jesus---is the church’s God-given mandate. Devoted disciples attract people outside the church because of the change others see in their Christ-like lives. Discipleship empowers Christians to be more like Christ as they intentionally develop relationship with non-believers. DiscipleShift walks you through five key “shifts” that churches must make to refocus on the biblical mission of discipleship. These intentional changes will attract the world & empower your church members to be salt & light in their communities.

Leading the DiscipleShift: Becoming a Disciple-Making Church Equip church leaders with the tools and insights needed to rally people around renewed purpose. Drawing from biblical principles and the experience of Real Life Ministries, this workbook guides users to evaluate the power of ministry alignment and personal influence for the sake of each church’s God-given mission to make disciples. This Workbook includes: 9 weeks of material designed for a church staff or ministry leadership team. Each week includes personal exercises, collaborative sessions, outlines, assessments & clear plan of actions for each church / team ministry.

Church is a Team Sport: A Championship Strategy for Doing Ministry Together Church Is a Team Sport shows proven ways to push believers, new and mature, toward growth as both Christians--and leaders. Through this powerful, thought-provoking volume, ministers both in the congregation and on staff will discover how to expand the church one soul at a time. Making disciples is the crux of Pastor Jim Putman's message. The plan works. Caring for people, following up on stray sheep, and teaching what it means to love God and obey him. That's how Church Is a Team Sport transforms Christians from Monday-morning quarterbacks into dynamic players.