Relational Disciple Making (feat. Jim Putman)

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The Power of Relational Discipleship: A Call to Follow Jesus' Model
In this compelling talk, Jim Putman emphasizes the importance of relational discipleship, insisting that making disciples isn't just about imparting teachings – it's about forming transformative relationships. By examining Jesus' approach to disciple-making, which included personal relationships and modeling behavior, the speaker argues for a restoration of the church’s methodology to align with that of Jesus. The script underscores that true discipleship embodies love and relationship, challenging modern churches to adopt a more hands-on, relational approach to cultivate spiritually mature disciples who can change the world.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Purpose
00:46 The Core Mission of the Church
01:51 Jesus as the Ultimate Disciple Maker
02:17 The Importance of Relational Discipleship
03:38 Defining Spiritual Maturity
04:36 The Greatest Commandment: Love and Relationship
06:04 The Role of the Church in Building Relationships
09:07 Jesus' Methodology vs. Modern Church Practices
14:33 The Wrestling Analogy for Discipleship
19:46 Conclusion: Building a Winning Team

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In this video, Jim Putman gets real about what it means to make disciples. He points out that Jesus didn’t just come to save us—he came to show us how to build real relationships and make disciples, just like he did. Jim challenges the idea that we can separate Jesus’ teachings from his methods. If we want the results Jesus got, we have to do things his way.
Jim explains that Jesus’ approach was all about relationships. He taught big crowds, sure, but he also spent time with people, shared meals, and did life together. The early church followed this model, focusing on teaching, fellowship, and prayer—not just rituals or routines.

A big takeaway is that spiritual maturity isn’t about checking boxes or following rules. It’s about loving God and loving others. Every command God gives is meant to help us build better relationships. Sin messes that up, but God’s whole story is about restoring those connections.
Jim also calls out how easy it is for churches to get stuck on things like baptism or teaching, but miss the point if love isn’t at the center. He reminds us that even the most impressive spiritual acts mean nothing without love. The church should be a place where people see real, authentic relationships and want to be part of it.

To drive it home, Jim uses a sports analogy. He says being a disciple is like being an athlete—you need practice, coaching, and a team. Just sitting in the stands or listening to a coach isn’t enough. Real discipleship means getting involved, learning by doing, and helping others grow too.

Jim wraps up by urging the church to get back to Jesus’ way of making disciples: focus on relationships, help people grow, and live out your faith together. That’s how lives—and whole communities—get changed.

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