Jim Putman believes that church leaders have one role: to shepherd people. He has translated his sports experience to the church in a very effective and applicable way. Everything in this book revolves around the concept of team. Putman explains this theory by stating, “… I believe that the church is supposed to be a collection of transformed individuals molded by God into a team. The Christian life is a team sport.”

Putman defines the word church as “a body of believers working as individuals and together as a team to achieve the Lord’s goals. Our winning team reaches the world with the message of the gospel then disciples those who have been won to obedience and replication.” The premise of this book is neither original nor innovative, yet it surfaces as one of the best on the subject.

Based on his assumption that a winning church makes disciples, Putman makes the evaluation that most churches are losing. He defines a disciple as a convert who becomes a part of God’s team and is taught to take part in God’s mission. Disciples stand up to the pressures of the world, share their faith without shame, display the fruit of the Spirit, and have healthy and growing relationships with others and with God. Putman declares, “Churches often have stated goals but [they have] behaviors that circumvent or work against them.”

While these goals of disciple-making are shared by all Christian leaders who seek to honor Christ, Putman has a ridiculously simple means by which he fulfills them. He earnestly seeks to connect with every member and looks for ways to empower them to lead in ministry. His weekly routine has not changed from the beginning with 142 people to the over 10,000 members today. Every week, Putman, with the help of his staff, calls each family who missed the Sunday service. “We believe people are not numbers but are family who appreciate their absence being noticed.” This is the essence of caring for his people.

Pastor Jim Putman believes that discipleship is relational. He explains the philosophy that was adopted even before their first church service, “When someone came to the Lord, they needed someone to walk with them; they needed to be taught. When someone was sick, we needed to be there to pray and to help.”

Most churches measure winning by the attendance or offering. Putman has a different perspective as he states, “Numbers don’t mean much unless you are counting the number of people being transformed by the Holy Spirit.” As Real Life has focused on discipleship, God has exponentially increased their numbers.

Putman gives an accurate reading of the scoreboard for most churches in America and these teams are losing. He analyzes that churches have fallen behind in the game because they have forgotten the mission, conform more the world, fail to share the faith, and are biblically illiterate. The problem is that churches have focused on everything but biblical discipleship. In giving the solution, Putman proclaims, “…the answer to the problem starts with the leadership…those that are called to be pastors and leaders- the coaches for God’s team.”

Putman gives a great analogy that identifies a major problem in church leadership. “…Somehow pastors have come to believe that they are paid players, and the people who attend are the fans.” The senior pastor then becomes the star player and he begins to think that gaining a bigger crowd is dependent on his preaching performance. This mentality filters down into every aspect of the church. “Most of the money given by the fans is used for the development of a better show, not for helping people or building new players.” Putman gives the reality that if a church gains people because it has the best show in town, then people will leave when they hear of a better one.

Putman believes that people will stay in church because they know they are loved; they are part of the team. He has a unique way of viewing the preaching ministry of the church. He believes that a sermon will only connect with people when the pastor is constantly investing his time building relationships with them. When a pastor abandons the “big show” mentality that focuses on himself, then he is free to “find and develop players who will later become coaches themselves.” A winning church is one that is working to fulfill the Great Commission.

This book is a “must read” for all church leaders and a recommended reading for all followers of Christ. Jim Putman offers the best overview of a disciple-making church and a practical guide to help leaders implement this philosophy into a current ministry setting. The book is easy to read as it has a logical flow from stating the problem to offering biblically based solutions, with the author illustrating his points by sharing his own stories of failure and success. If creating a culture of teamwork in the mission of Christ is winning, then Pastor Jim Putnam has given the body of Christ a great tool in Church is a Team Sport.

Get your copy here: http://www.christianbook.com/church-championship-strategy-doing-ministry-together/jim-putman/9780801072086/pd/072086?item_code=WW&netp_id=585667&event=ESRCN&view=details

What do you think? Is the church today “winning?” Leave me a comment below.

Real heroes are not normal. They are ordinary people who are empowered by an all-powerful God to do extraordinary and miraculous things. Anyone who trusts in God and follows His will can be a hero.

On November 23, 2008, Angela and I met Jerry and Eileen Mestas at the home of mutual friends, Dwain and Heidi Gullion. We were immediately inspired by the faith in Christ of both couples. This night began a friendship and partnership in international orphan care that the Lord has used to bless a multitude of people. I have heard the Mestas’ faith story many times, presented before our church family and around their kitchen table. Few people have inspired me to trust Christ in all things like these heroes, Jerry and Eileen Mestas. When I heard that Eileen was prompted by the Spirit to write a book on their journey, I could hardly wait to read it.

The story of their lives is an account of two segments. The first part is quite normal. They were raised in normal families and chased normal American dreams. Success in their careers and endeavors gave way to normal struggles that most families face, including the option of divorce. Then God stepped in, rescued both Jerry and Eileen from the normal (or broad) road that leads to hell and transformed their lives through repentance of sin and trusting in Christ in salvation. From that point, normal is no longer in their vocabulary.

Admittedly, Jerry and Eileen would have no idea how different their life would become. Over the next 25 years of following Christ, God would give them more than they could handle. In addition to their three biological children, God would call them to adopt five, yes five, more children. At one point they had five kids in their home under the age of four during a time when “normal” people were preparing for an “empty nest” and retirement living. As a tangent, but significant testimony, Jerry spent over two years and three months in unemployment, after his employer fired him for providing biblical counsel for a Christian client who was considering an abortion. (God used Jerry to save at least one life!)

When Eileen shared the book idea with me some time ago, internally I wondered about the title. She wanted to call the book, More Than “I” Can Handle. Does God purposefully give us more than we can handle? Eileen says “yes” and I now agree. Biblically speaking, God does not allow temptation to sin beyond what we can resist. However, God can give His children assignments that require His intervention and power. Without His work and resources, we cannot walk by faith. Without God, life is more than we can handle.

With God’s leading, anything is possible. When we settle for “normal,” we miss the blessing God has for us. More importantly, we miss the faith lessons God wants to teach us. We learn the most in the hard places, difficult decisions, and when we are desperately depleted of our own resources. More Than “I” Can Handle is the story of how God has transformed an ordinary couple into what I would call superheroes.

When contemplating this story, it may be easy to compliment Jerry and Eileen for their strength, resolve, and perseverance. Yet, it is refreshing to see that this story is not about them. In fact, Eileen is so transparent about their struggles, failures, and sin that the reader (at times) may be uncomfortable with specific details. To the praise of God, the Mestas are humble in their recollection of events. They point to God alone and daily remain amazed at His power, His work, and His grace. In fact, the Gospel of Jesus permeates each of the 26 short chapters.

As much as I would like to share more the details of God’s miracles in this beautiful family, I will not be a spoiler for the book. In case you are tempted to say, “This is a story about a family adopting some kids. God is not calling me to do this.” You need to read it. This is much bigger than adoption.

This book is about God and how He can work in your life, too. No matter what position or season of life you are now enjoying, you will be inspired and challenged by the ordinary and miraculous. I cannot imagine someone finishing this book and asking anything less than this: “What could God do with my life if I simply obey Him?”

This truth is the key and the point of this writing. Following Christ is not easy. The journey of the Mestas’ faith is not one of comfort and pleasure. The decisions have, however, been simple. Eileen states, “As I learned to hear His voice, I also learned to obey and follow Him.” Not everyone is called to adopt five children in their “mid-life” season, but every person is called to worship God and follow His lead. I am eager to see how God is going to continue to lead the Mestas family.

Could you become an ordinary superhero? With God, anything is possible!

You may be asking: How can I get a copy? Two options:
1. Go to their website-  www.MoreThanICanHandle.com  (I would guess they get a higher royalty percentage from the sales here; and you get an autographed copy.)
2. Get it on Amazon:  www.amazon.com

Some pretty popular people love this family and the story of God’s grace, too.
Mary Beth Chapman (aka Steven Curtis’ wife)- “The Mestas family by faith stepped into the Miracle of Adoption, and with their story of hope, this story will encourage and challenge many on the same journey.” 
Dove Award winning singer Meredith Andrews- “Never have I been so challenged and encouraged to walk by faith. The Mestas family has learned the value of obedience when the odds were stacked against them, and they have watched the Lord fulfill His promises over and over again in their lives.”

Other Books Reviewed (and Recommended) by Jeremy Amick include:

Are You in Sync with God?  (Living Beyond the Limits by Franklin Graham)

Get Out of Church!  (The Externally Focused Church by Rusaw and Swanson)

Me to We (by Alan Nelson)

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect (by John Maxwell)

I read books, but it is not my nature to curl up on the couch with a good book. I normally read with a specific purpose or topic of study before me. Yet, thanks to the leading of the Holy Spirit and a sinus infection, I read a 215 page book in less than two days. It was that inspiring. No, it is not the newest or best-selling title. The book is a 1998 reflection and compilation of stories by Franklin Graham entitled, Living Beyond the Limits. I received a complimentary copy of the book by a lady named Gale during a tour of the Samaritan’s Purse International Headquarters in January.

The prevailing question that weaves through every story is simple: What can God do with the life of one “in sync” with Him? The answer is amazing as Franklin introduces us to his friends in ministry. Few of them are well-known. Most seem ordinary. Yet, do not let their humble spirit and meekness blind you to the boldness, strength, and radical lives that God has empowered them to live. Franklin states, “It always amazes me when I hear someone say that they think Christians are naturally weak people… Jesus was the toughest man who ever lived… It takes courage to keep in sync with God.”

This book is a chronicle of courage, shining the spotlight on people who only want to deflect any rays of glory toward God. Their Father in Heaven called out to them. They obeyed. God performed miraculous and awe-inspiring results. All of these stories have a timeless effect, as the humble servants of God may be forgotten in name but their lives forever significant. The reached out with love and embrace the poorest, filthiest, most violent, and spiritually desperate people. Each person sacrificed their lives in the name of Jesus. And the world is taking notice.

I do not want to live a mundane life. I am challenged by Franklin’s initial statement, “I believe that if we have nothing we are willing to die for, we really have nothing worth living for.” Readers are challenged to live beyond fear, speak boldly with others, and take action. “If we are going to advance the cause of Jesus Christ in areas of the world where the Gospel has not penetrated, it will take men and women willing to put themselves aside and walk with God regardless of where those footsteps may lead.”

Of church-going people, few seem to experience this break-through life of eternal significance. Franklin observes, “Sometimes there is nothing more than a fine line between being in the will of God and being out of the will of God, but that very fine line makes a huge difference. A little bit out of sync is still out of sync…”

As I put down a book that has caused me to consider my life, the prayer request is simple. Lord, help me live in sync with You. Help me follow You with faith even if it seems reckless. I want every minute of my time on this earth to count for eternity. I want to take whatever gifts and opportunities You provide to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with everyone I meet. If the result is persecution, discomfort, and/or the rejection of others, Lord,  provide me with the boldness, inner security, and peace that will sustain my walk with You. The cost of following You is always high and always worth the price.

Living Beyond the Limits will now take a place of prominence on my bookshelf, right beside other “must-read” titles. It will join the list of suggestions that I give to those who ask. I would not be surprised if the Holy Spirit leads me to buy a few dozen copies to hand out to those who need some encouragement and inspiration. It is well worth the full retail price of $20. However, at the moment of this review, you can order it for only $3.99. For that price, you may want to trust me on this and get a few additional copies. Here’s the link:

http://www.christianbook.com/living-beyond-the-limits/franklin-graham/9780785271840/pd/71848?event=AAI&action=New+Ticket

If you have read the book (or get it and read it), please offer your own review in the comments section provided below.

Today’s Question: To what length would you go to avoid the temptation of sin?

Today’s Commentary:

The call of Jesus to follow Him is nothing short of radical living. The world we live in loves conformity, but Jesus offers transformation. One area that must be transformed is the mind. The mind will direct our other parts. When the enemy to our God is attacking, we must take radical steps to rid ourselves of sinful temptations.

Jesus must have again shocked the crowd on the side of the mountain when he described a gruesome scene. The mental picture of an eyeball removed from its socket or a hand detached from the arm may have raised more than eyebrows, including some listener’s previously consumed lunch. Did Jesus mean this literally? Obviously not, but He is using hyperbole to make a very serious point.

Puritan William Gurnall asked, “What lust is so sweet or profitable that is worth burning in hell for?” If you think that plucking out eyes and cutting off hands is horrible, these actions are nothing in comparison to the torment of hell. The consequences of sin are always greater than the momentary pleasure sinfulness produces.

As Jesus is instructing the crowd that lust is just as serious as adultery, He warns of the use of our eyes. We cannot control what our eyes see (for the most part), but we can decide what we will gaze upon. Lust goes far beyond sexual temptation to anything that can be an idol. We have the ability to lust after power, material items, money, and anything else that we make more important than God. Thomas Fuller warned, “Our eyes, when gazing on sinful objects, are out of their calling and God’s keeping.”

Many years ago, a young man came to me and confessed an addiction to pornography. After listening to his struggles, I prescribed one solution—get rid of his Internet connection. His avenue for lust was in his room alone with his computer. This first step would not be the total solution for this young man, but it was a radical first step.

We must replace our lustful desires (and we all have these) with fellowship with Christ. He is the source of real joy and satisfaction. Only the Holy Spirit can lead us away from sin and into the abundant life of following our Lord Jesus.

“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #19: Disciples of Jesus recognize sinful desires and rely on the Holy Spirit to help them take radical steps to avoid temptations.

Today’s Prayer Point: Pray for those who are entrapped in the snare of sin. Pray that we would resist the Devil and so “no” to sin.

Click on the cover image above to download your free PDF.

Like the intro? Get the full version:

BookTango (my publisher, preferred place to download)

Amazon.com

I first heard of this resource, published by Group, last year when interviewing pastors of churches who had very high percentages of members involved in active ministry service. These pastors saw their ministry in light of the community and they were more concerned about mobilizing the people for impact outside of the walls of the Sanctuary. Several stated that they had been challenged by The Externally Focused Church.

Church leaders have a choice: focus on the membership or focus on the community. I am not trying to create a false dichotomy here, but one will serve the other. Either our churches exist to reach the community or they exist to serve the members (a consumer mentality). Most churches fall into the latter and most churches are also declining in membership. Rusaw and Swanson resurrect an idea from the past- all the way back to the first church.

“Externally focused churches are convinced that good deeds and good news can’t and shouldn’t be separated,” the authors state. This book provides a perfect balance between the proclamation of the Truth and caring for people outside the church. Preaching without compassion is empty and unfruitful. Likewise, a “social gospel” approach does not impact lives for eternity. Rusaw and Swanson recognize that Christians “…are not social workers but kingdom builders!”

The Externally Focused Church embraces a relational model of evangelism. Effective outreach occurs when church leaders “…recognize that the gospel is most powerful when Christians are living in face-to-face relationships with those in their community.” The vision of the church is clear and the programs typically interface with existing organizations and community events. Externally focused churches are active in assisting schools, hospitals, civic organizations, businesses, and other non-profit agencies that benefit the community. Serving others opens the door for sharing the Good News of Christ.

There are several key benefits to this book. First, there is an uncompromising vision that every Christian ought to be involved in reaching people for Christ by serving. Jesus had a servant’s heart and we are called to no less today. Second, a simple outline for sharing the Gospel with others is presented. This plan is personal and powerful, focusing on the work of God in the Christian’s life. Third, it gives an honest evaluation of the Body of Christ at this current moment. Lastly, the book has an abundance of testimonies and examples of actual congregations reaching their communities. Weaving these stories into the content makes this book easy to understand and sparks a wealth of ideas for the reader to consider.

Church leaders need to heed the warning given near the end of the book: “If we keep heading in the same direction, we are likely to get where we are headed.” If we choose to ignore the community into which God has placed our congregations, we will find that the people in the community will ignore our church.

How can a pastor begin this transition? Nelson has a simple suggestion: “Never do ministry alone.” Power and control are no longer a part of the equation. In fact, “The best way to enhance your power is to empower others.” Investment in people will consume the pastor’s time and energy. The pastor’s goal will be to enlist ministry partners while developing an effective discipleship process.
The greatest achievement of this book is also its greatest challenge to church leadership. A leader’s perception of people will affect his or her investment into their lives. Nelson concludes, “There are no wrong people, just wrong roles.” Every person who has trusted Christ for salvation has a purpose and place in the Body of Christ. There could be no ministry more important that equipping believers for the work of the Kingdom, edifying the Body and reaching people with the life-changing message of hope in Jesus.

As a P.S.- I spent this past week under the instruction of Vernon Armitage. He is the pastor that is featured in Me to We. Vernon is the real deal. For over 40 years he practiced this ministry philosophy at a church in Kansas City, MO. He was honest about the challenges of this model and gave our Equipping Institute class at the LifeServe 2011 a truck load of gold nuggets to consider in our own ministry settings. Vernon now works with Willow Creek, helping this association incorporate an equipping mentality.

John Maxwell’s book, written in 2010, gives leaders the principles (theory) and practices (application) for connecting with others. This does not present the topic with “five step formulas” but with biblically-based principles that can be used in any relationship and any size group.

For me, this book was a joy to read, even when the contents seriously challenged my tendencies. For some people, connecting comes much easier. I am not one of them. I am a task-driven, project-oriented person who needs to slow down and invest deeply in people, not programs and strategies.

7  Reasons to Read this Book
1. If you want to have a greater impact on others
2. If you want to develop presentation skills that increase the chances that people will remember and apply what you have taught them
3. If you want to inspire people
4. If you want to be a “giver” when you interact with others instead of a “taker”
5. If you want to understand the role of passion and energy in connecting with others
6. If you want to understand what habits create barriers to communication
7. If you want to understand the things that encourage people to listen

At the end of every chapter, Maxwell gives tips for three kinds of communication: one-to-one, small groups, and larger audiences. These brief, but potent, thoughts by themselves make the book worth buying. Due to the practical application for every ministry leader, you will find this book very difficult to put down. There is so much valuable content that I should endeavor to re-read this book at least once a year. This book has definitely made my short list of “must reads.”

Next book I am reading (and will review)- Me to We by Alan Nelson.

Follow One, Lead Others