Jim Putnam, Church is a Team Sport: A Championship Strategy for Doing Ministry Together. Baker Books, 2009.
Referenced in: Congregational Ministry Teams
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This book on team ministry comes out of the experience of a pastor who is a former coach and wrestler. It integrates most of the best practices of teamwork. The chief value is in chronicling the journey of a leader and his church in team ministry and hearing it through the athletic analogy. It is more inspirational than instructive, and a quick read to mine useful insights. It may be a helpful way to introduce team ministry concepts to the church, especially with the discussion guide in the appendix.
From the Publisher
To win the game, you need the whole team. Pastor Jim Putman, a former wrestler and coach, helped his staff build Real Life Ministries into an army of thousands. But there was a problem. Early on too many sat on the sidelines. Not enough wanted a piece of the action. His voice was faltering from so many sermons and he teetered on the edge of burnout thanks to the mixed blessing of an enormous but needy flock. So he hit his knees. Hard. God’s solution surprised him. Putman and his entire leadership team stood before the congregation and gave up. They were done carrying the whole load. There were too many spiritual babies and they needed mature believers to step up. They knew there must be some raw talent hidden in the pews. God led them to use a Bible-based strategy for ministry revitalization that can help bring your church to the next level. Whether you’re a burned-out leader or someone ready to tackle an active role in your congregation, Church Is a Team Sport will lead you to both personal growth and renewed spiritual strength. If you’re ready to get the whole team in the game, this is the playbook that will show you how to make it happen.
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.
About the Author
Jim Putman is the senior pastor of Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho, one of the fastest-growing churches in America. Prior to moving to Real Life Ministries, he served as a youth minister for nine years in two small churches. He was a three-time all-American wrestler in college as well as a successful wrestling coach. Putman holds degrees from Boise State University and Boise Bible College. He lives in Post Falls, Idaho.
***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***
See Resources on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership: