DiscipleShift: An Important New Resource for Churches that Want to Make Disciples

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discipleshiftPicked up a copy of a new book from Jim Putman last week.  DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples.  Trust me…this is one you’re going to want to carefully work your way through.  There are some very important ideas in this book.

Putman, founding pastor of Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho, is also the author of Real Life Discipleship and the Real Life Discipleship Training Manual (with Avery Willis, Brandon Guindon, and Bill Krause).  Known for one of the strongest disciple making models in America, DiscipleShift (with Bobby Harrington and Robert Coleman) is a great addition to the collection.

I picked up a number of great ideas, actionable concepts, that will help us make disciples who make disciples.  And this is the kind of book that’s going to get worn out.  My copy is pretty marked up after just one pass.  It’s also one of those books that call for a re-read to catch everything that’s in here.

I found several aspects very helpful.  First, Putman has assembled a model that begs to be implemented.  It’s easy to see why so many have attended the Real Life Immersion event (a two day training experience).  The clear, well organized concepts presented in DiscipleShift make a lot of sense and are illustrated very well.

Second, I really like Putman’s Five Stages of Discipleship.  With some overlap to the concepts developed in Willow Creek’s Reveal study, this is a very portable concept.  In fact, I can see it playing an important role in churches trying to implement an intentional and relational discipleship strategy.

Third, DisipleShift is packed with stories.  You are constantly reminded that this is not theory, but supported by solid implementation.  In addition to stories from Real Life, there are a number of other churches represented who’ve purposefully moved in the direction of a relational discipleship model.

Finally, the short segments that feature Robert Coleman’s contribution are a great addition.  Great wisdom captured in a collection of powerful examples.

I’ve been carrying this book around for about 10 days.  Can’t tell you how often I’ve found myself thinking about adding this concept or that practice to the model we’re using.  This is great, great stuff.  If you’re looking for a way to integrate honest-to-goodness disciple-making into your ministry…you’re going to want to thoroughly digest DiscipleShift.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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3 Comments

  1. Andrew Mason on June 4, 2013 at 9:34 am

    I’ve heard of this book before. How much of the content in the book overlaps with Small Group ministry in your opinion? In other words, how much of it influences the way we approach groups?

    Thanks for sharing as always!



  2. markchowell on June 5, 2013 at 6:41 am

    There is a lot here that will have immediate impact on the way we mentor leaders and unique insights on developing a pathway for group members. There is some overlap with Putman’s earlier book, Real Life Discipleship, but DiscipleShift is written in a new, fresh way.



  3. Andrew Mason on June 5, 2013 at 9:44 am

    Thanks Mark!