Real-Life Discipleship

"Real-Life Discipleship" by Jim Putman presents a systematic approach to Christian discipleship within church communities, focusing on creating sustainable mentoring relationships that extend beyond traditional Sunday services. Putman, drawing from his experience as a pastor and his background in wrestling coaching, applies athletic training principles to spiritual development, emphasizing the importance of intentional, relationship-based growth rather than program-dependent ministry. The book outlines a four-stage discipleship model that moves believers from spiritual infancy through maturity, with each stage requiring different types of guidance and support. Putman argues that effective discipleship must be relational, reproducible, and measurable, challenging churches to move beyond event-based evangelism toward long-term spiritual formation. His approach emphasizes equipping ordinary church members to become effective disciple-makers themselves, creating a multiplication effect that can transform entire congregations and communities.

Jim Putman's "Real-Life Discipleship" presents a systematic approach to Christian mentorship through a structured workbook format. Readers consistently praise its practical framework for moving believers through spiritual development stages, earning strong ratings for its actionable guidance. Liked: - Clear categorization of spiritual stages from "dead" (unbeliever) to "parent" (disciple-maker) - Bible study format with fill-in-the-blanks, passages, and reflection questions - Reproducible process that works effectively in small group settings - Practical tools for recognizing where people are in their faith journey Disliked: - Some sections suffer from poor writing and need better editing - Works best as group study rather than individual reading - May require reading companion book "Real Life Discipleship" first for context The manual succeeds as a training resource for church leaders seeking structured discipleship methods, though its workbook design limits its appeal as standalone reading material.

Here are books that readers of "Real-Life Discipleship" would likely appreciate: Standing for Something by Gordon B. Hinckley - Offers practical wisdom on living with moral conviction and building character through daily choices, echoing Putman's emphasis on intentional spiritual formation. Stages of Faith by James W. Fowler - Provides a developmental framework for understanding how faith matures over time, complementing Putman's focus on progressive discipleship stages. Purification of the Soul by Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo - Presents systematic spiritual development through self-examination and accountability, paralleling the structured mentoring approach Putman advocates. The Path to Perfection by Shaykh Masihullah Khan - Details the mentor-disciple relationship in spiritual growth, offering cross-traditional insights into the guided discipleship model. The Way to Patience and Gratitude by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya - Explores character transformation through practical spiritual disciplines, resonating with readers seeking concrete tools for spiritual development. Purification of the Heart by Imam al-Mawlud - Addresses the inner work necessary for authentic spiritual maturity, complementing Putman's focus on heart transformation over surface behaviors. The Experience of No-Self by Bernadette Roberts - Challenges readers with a radical account of spiritual transformation, offering a provocative counterpoint to conventional discipleship narratives. Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness by Evelyn Underhill - Provides scholarly analysis of spiritual development stages across traditions, appealing to readers interested in the deeper psychology of faith formation.

• The book emerged from Putman's work at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho, which grew from 40 to over 8,000 members using these discipleship principles. • Putman's background as a former college wrestling coach heavily influences his systematic, goal-oriented approach to spiritual mentorship and development. • The companion training manual format makes it a practical resource used by numerous churches across different denominations for leadership development programs. • The book has been translated into multiple languages and adapted for use in international church planting contexts, particularly in developing nations. • Real Life Ministries, founded by Putman, has planted over 200 churches using the discipleship model outlined in this book.