The Real Life Discipleship Podcast

In part five of The Lord's Prayer podcast, Lance Wigton and Keith Strasburger are back to share insights from the third line of the prayer that Jesus gave his disciples when they asked him how to pray. They are talking about “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us”. Here are a few of the key points in this episode:   What does it mean when God forgives us of our sin? What if I struggle to forgive myself? Does forgiving someone mean I have to forget what they have done? What if the situation is abusive? How do I forgive that?    

In part four of The Lord's Prayer podcast, Lance Wigton and Keith Strasburger are back to share insights from the third line of the prayer that Jesus gave his disciples when they asked him how to pray. They are talking about “Give us this day our daily bread". Here are a few of the key points in this episode:   Why do you think Jesus tells us to ask for this daily? What do you think he is referring to? Physical bread or something else? What does it look like for us to receive this bread from God?   BibleHub.com BibleGateway.com YouVersionBible   The Lord's Prayer Part Three: Podcast with Keith Strasburger The Lord's Prayer Part Two: Podcast with Keith StrasburgerThe Lord's Prayer Part One : Podcast with Keith Strasburger    

Lance Wigton, Communications Director at Real Life Ministries is back again talking with Jim Putman, Senior Pastor of Real Life Ministries, about the discipline of fasting and what it means to a disciple of Jesus. Lance and Jim discuss the purpose behind fasting, what does it look like, and how did Jesus utilize it on his own and with his disciples.   Free Booklet: Guide To Fasting        

    Jim Putman is back from his summer break, and he is talking today with Lance Wigton about some of the things he learned in his time away. Their discussion includes the topic of how a disciple of Jesus should respond to the crises and situations that have arisen around us during this season. How do you view our country (America) and what role do you believe it plays in God's plan for believers? What part does patriotism play in your life, and how much do you depend on your dream and vision for what America should look like? This is an important discussion that comes at a time when America's leaders are making decisions and choices that could make us lose trust in "The American Dream." Jim Putman is asking: "Could that be precisely what God is asking us to do?     Sermon Series mentioned in this podcast:The Journey: Growing in and living out Spiritual Maturity in every area of your life.  

  In part three of The Lord's Prayer podcast, Lance Wigton and Keith Strasburger are back to share insights from the third line of the prayer that Jesus gave his disciples when they asked him how to pray. They are talking about “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”. Here are a few of the things they cover in this episode:   What does God's Kingdom look like? What is God's will for my life? What will my life look like if I am living as if God is my King?   Links mentioned in podcast:  BibleHub.com BibleGateway.com YouVersionBible Real Life Ministries Cultivate Series        

Welcome to part two of The Lord's Prayer podcast. Lance Wigton and Keith Strasburger are back to share insights from the second line of the prayer that Jesus gave his disciples when they asked him how to pray. They are talking about "Holy is your Name". Here are a few of the things they cover in this episode: What does it mean to be Holy? Why does it specify that his name is Holy? What is God's name?  Click below to download the Study Guide for this Podcast The_Lord_s_Prayer_Podcast_Part_2 Notes

Join Lance Wigton, Communications Director and Keith Strasburger, Pastor at Real Life Ministries as they talk through the Lord's Prayer. In this session they are unpacking the first part of the prayer - Our Father who is in Heaven.

http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/How-Should-We-React-to-Crisis-RLDPodcast-25_mixdown.mp3 The year 2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for most of us across America. From the Covid19 pandemic, to nationwide rioting in the streets, to UFO sightings and Killer Hornets, there have been many situations this year that have the potential to cause us to experience an emotional reaction or two. Jim Putman and Lance Wigton are back again to discuss how we, as disciples of Jesus, ought to be responding to the events going on around us, and how our response might effect others.   Some of the things they cover in this episode are: How are we filtering the things we listen to? How easily are our belief systems being challenged by the voices of the world? Are there people out there with an agenda that are promoting divisiveness or fear? If so how are we responding to that? Is it right for us to protest against something that is wrong? Take a step back and ask yourself, what would Jesus say is right here? How would he have me act?   "You can't protest injustice by creating more injustice" Jim Putman You can't protest injustice by creating more injustice #discipleshipClick To Tweet You can watch the sermon on the Holy Spirit (Cultivate) that is referred to in this podcast on YouTube at this link: https://bit.ly/Cultivate2  You might also be interested in the following posts: Managing Your Emotions – Podcast Ep 24 Jim Putman Does A Christian Have To Submit To Government Authority? Podcast Are You Using These 2 Rules For Conflict Resolution In Your Discipleship Small Group?

Spiritual Maturity is the destination of the road we travel as disciples of Jesus, and a person growing in spiritual maturity needs to develop the ability to control his emotions. Jesus' method of Relational Discipleship is hinged on our ability to make and maintain relationships. When we allow ourselves to be controlled and steered by our emotions, it is inviting opportunities for our relationships to be strained and offences to build. Real Life Ministries is currently in a sermon series titled "You're Not The Boss Of Me - Learning to say no to the emotions that control you." I kicked it off with the first sermon - Undercover Boss - last weekend. I never seem to have the time to unwrap all the things I want to say during the time allotted for the sermon. Because this is such an important topic, I decided to dig into it deeper on our Real Life Discipleship Podcast.   Let me know what you think! Click here to watch the sermon: You're Not The Boss Of Me Click here to download the emotion graphic: Emotion Graphic    

Bill Hull, host of The Bonhoeffer Show Podcast, interviews Jim Putman about his story - and how a National championship wrestler who had turned his back on God, became a world wide disciple making leader- "The Bonhoeffer Show is a no holds barred interaction around religion, culture and politics. The shows purpose is to call every listener to follow Jesus and learn from him how to live their lives. Bill confronts the listener not with a sanitized Christianity separated from the reality of everyday life. He wades into the dangerous waters of religion, culture, and politics." This podcast was originally posted here:  https://thebonhoefferproject.com/thebonhoeffershow   You may also be interested in the following posts: A Beginners Guide For How To Study The Bible (Plus Small Group Study!) What Is A Disciple? -The Real Life Discipleship Podcast – Episode #002 Six Habits Of An Effective Disciple Maker  

Patrick Annotti talks with Jim Putman about being ready to give an answer or defense for why we believe Jesus is the son of God. We should be confident not only in who God is, but in how we might articulate that to others.             You can't use the Bible against somebody who doesn't believe the Bible is true. #discipleshipClick To Tweet   Click below to download the transcript of this podcast: Can You Defend Your Faith? Podcast Ep 22   You may also be interested in the following posts: Recommended Resources for Disciple Makers Why Believe: Are You Arming Your Kids To Take A Stand For Jesus?  

In this podcast, Jim Putman and Lance Wigton talk about God's original purpose for tithes and offerings, and why it is important to His Church and His people. "That's why  God's design for the churches was that they met together in the temple courts and there was preaching. And then they met together house to house and they did life together. And so they were supporting each other – learning from one another – modeling for one another – doing life together – both in the learning and the living – and that's God's method for the church. And so many people, they want to create a church around their own image instead of saying – you know what – no more 'buts' - I am going to follow Christ – I will do what Jesus asked – I'm going to do what He said. And there is such a blessing in all of that. And so many people want to create a church around their own image instead of saying – you know what - I am going to follow Christ – I will do what Jesus asked – I'm going to do what He said. And there is such a blessing in all of that. #discipleship Click To Tweet You can download the transcript to follow along by clicking the link below. Ever Wonder Why The Pass The Bucket? RLD Podcast Ep 21 Transcript   You may also be interested in the following posts: When it Comes to Discipleship – Small Groups are the Vehicle, not the Destination Is a Big Church a Bad Thing? Podcast Do You Know How To Engage and Connect with the Next Generation? Do you know what DOESN'T work? Podcast  

In this podcast, Jim Putman talks with Lance Wigton about how he utilizes books both for self-study and to coach the people he is discipling. Some of the things they cover are: The Bible is the primary text, but should we use other books when discipling others? Why we need to be seeking out growth in all the spheres of life. How do I choose a book to study? How can I teach someone else to study a book? Click the links below to access the resources Jim mentions in this podcast - A good book can be like a good sermon - it expounds on scripture and shows you how to apply it in specific ways. #discipleshipClick To Tweet Every Good Endeavor - Connecting your Work to God's Work: Tim Keller Real Life Resources

Real Life Ministries Benevolence Pastor Rex Lettua joins us once again to share some tips for improving our listening skills. Rex comes with a background of years of experience working with our Benevolence team, training them to serve the hundreds of people that they interact with weekly through our Community Assistance, Financial Ministry, and Food Room programs. In this podcast, Rex shares some best practices for listening that he draws out of the life of Jesus - Jesus's understanding came from listening: to his heavenly Father and people he interacted with.  He listened, asked questions, listened to the answers, this created conversation.  Jesus was curious, he wanted to learn more.  Relationship and understanding was his priority. "Although God has given most ears to hear, we all had to learn to listen. When we become followers of Jesus, as his disciples we start a journey of instruction. An important component of loving God and loving others is listening." When we become followers of Jesus, as his disciples we start a journey of instruction. An important component of loving God and loving others is listening.Click To Tweet   You can download the transcript of this podcast below: How to improve your listening skills Ep19 If you enjoy listening to the Real Life Discipleship Podcast be sure you subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss an episode!

    In this weeks podcast Lance Wigton - Communications Director at Real Life Ministries,  interviews guest Gabe Cleave -  College and Young Adult Pastor at Real Life Ministries, on the topic of the Next Generation. Lance is asking the question: What are some effective ways an older generation can connect with the Next Gen? Some of the things they cover are: What is the age range of Millennials, Gen X and Gen Z? What are some of the characteristics of these generations? How has technology impacted them? What are some effective ways to connect with them? What are some ineffective ways to connect with them?   "The problem isn't misunderstanding, the problem is when we lack the DESIRE to understand." The problem isn't misunderstanding, the problem is when we lack the DESIRE to understand. #nextgen Click To Tweet "We need all generations throughout the church to have a voice, to be able to speak to the issues at hand, and to have a place to play. They are not the "Next Generation" they are the NOW Generation!" We need all generations throughout the church to have a voice, to be able to speak to the issues at hand, and to have a place to play. #nextgen Click To Tweet   You may also be interested in the following posts: What Is Happening To Make So Many Young Adults Leave The Church Today? Why Believe: Are You Arming Your Kids To Take A Stand For Jesus? How Can You Keep Your Child Safe Online? Learn To Utilize Tech-Wise Parenting (Podcast + Workbook)   Click below to download the show notes: How to connect with the Next Gen Notes

In this episode of The Real Life Discipleship Podcast - Jim Putman answers the question "Do you think a church can be too big?" This is a topic that comes up often in Real Life Ministries North Idaho location, and Jim shares his perspective as pastor of what would be considered a megachurch.   God's job isn't to make us comfortable - He's going to challenge us to go out and walk on water... #discipleship #leadership Click To Tweet  

    In this episode of The Real Life Discipleship Podcast, Lance Wigton talks with Real Life Staff members, and husband and wife -  Chris and Sara Short. Chris has worked with Children's Ministry for 15 years, and Sara is on the Women's Discipleship Team.   This powerhouse couple brings dedicated research and personal wisdom to the topic of the Online Community and how to manage it confidently with your children. It can be a very dangerous area - and the Short's share some structure and good practices that they have set into place to protect their family.   Click below to download the pdf of their accompanying work book!   Tech Wise Parenting If you find this podcast informative and helpful, be sure to share it with family and friends!   You may also be interested in the following posts: What Is Happening To Make So Many Young Adults Leave The Church Today? How Does Discipleship Work In A Digital World? Six Habits Of An Effective Disciple Maker  

In this episode, Jim Putman and Lance Wigton discuss the topic of Government Authority and how we are to respond to it. In the past few years, we have been moving from a culture that for the most part, believed in and protected a specific lifestyle and belief system into one that doesn't. What does it look like to walk as a wise believer in the midst of a world that is becoming increasingly antagonistic towards Christianity? We are called to be like Christ: How much humility did Christ display while he was here on earth? How did Christ submit to authority? What if the Government goes against my value system? Do we have the right to opt out? Is there a time and place to fight? What does it look like to walk as a wise believer in the midst of a world that is becoming increasingly antagonistic towards Christianity? Click To Tweet You may also be interested in the following posts: What Happens After We Die? Podcast How Can You Determine When Your Disciple Is Ready To Leave The Nest? What Is A Disciple? -The Real Life Discipleship Podcast – Episode #002

In this podcast, Jim Putman and Lance Wigton discuss the topic- "What happens after we die?" Some of the things they touch on are: Is there a Heaven? Is there a Hell? How do we know where we are going? How do we talk to others about this?        

    In this episode of The Real Life Discipleship podcast, Lance Wigton and Jim Putman discuss Small Groups and Bible Classes - some of the things they cover are: Isn't a small group the same thing as a Bible class? Do I need to attend both a group and a class? What makes each one unique? Can they be used for discipleship?   In case you missed these: Creating A Culture Of Accountability As A Disciple (Podcast and Show Notes) How To Disciple In Your Community – Real Life Discipleship Podcast How To Share The Gospel Without Being A Jerk – Podcast    

In this episode of the podcast, Lance Wigton and Jim Putman discuss overcoming the fear of rejection or failure when it comes to sharing Christ with others. Some of this discussion includes: It takes courage to overcome your fears, but if you are a disciple (every Christian is) then sharing Christ is what you were saved to do. Let your fear of someone not knowing about Christ override your fear of being rejected. Sharing the gospel might not look like what you expected it to look like. We need to initiate courageous, purpose filled relationships with outsiders to help them know Jesus. We need to tell the truth without being a jerk about it - don't just focus on hell, tell how much God loves us and all he has done to be in relationship with us. We need to initiate courageous, purpose filled relationships with outsiders to help them know Jesus. #discipleship #podcastClick To Tweet   http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/How-To-Share-The-Gospel-Without-Being-A-Jerk-Ep-09.mp3

http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Creating-A-Culture-Of-Accountability-RLDP-Ep.-11.mp3 Real Life Discipleship Podcast Ep. #11 Lance Wigton and Jim Putman Show Notes         Click Here To Download pdf of Show Notes & Questions Creating a culture of accountability You will create the culture you model – YOU will set the depth of transparency. A natural result of living in a sinful world is the desire to cover oneself.  We want to hide our real self from others because we are afraid of rejection or condemnation. We prefer surface relationships because we feel safer that way. However, if we are to have the kind of relationships God has created us for we will not be shallow. We will have the kind of relationship with others that allows us to know and to really be known. When you walk in the light you take the dark thoughts, these lies that Satan plants in our mind and he causes to fester – you will take those out of the darkness and bring them into the light – light is the best disinfectant.   (1 John 1:7) We can get so clouded in our own understanding, if we don't have relationship with people that know us and can catch us while we are just one degree off, we run the risk of going completely off the rails. We all struggle in our mind in one way or another, it might be with an addiction, it might be shame, it might be with pride – and one of the ways that God blesses us and heals us in part is the grace He gives us through other people in our life. I'm talking about really being known, and really knowing others. That is what the Holy Spirit does in us, it creates these deep relationships that we were built for but we lost because of sin. That is what the Holy Spirit does in us, it creates these deep relationships that we were built for but we lost because of sin. #discipleship Click To Tweet Hebrews 3:12-13 “Encourage one another daily” That word encourage also means to exhort or admonish. This means give feedback when you see them doing well, but you also give feedback when you see them saying or doing something that doesn't fit with who you know they are striving to be in God. If you are disciple maker and are mature in Christ – you are here to bring about change. You are responsible to build a culture around you where there is honesty and transparency. When you come into a culture, whether you are at the top or the bottom, you CAN change that culture. You have a culture at home, you have a culture with friends, and you have a culture with coworkers. These are cultures where you get to be the light; you get to be honest and life giving. Jesus was a life-giving spirit and because we have the Holy Spirit within us we can be a life-giving spirit. Whether you are at the top or the bottom of a culture - you CAN change it. #discipleshipClick To Tweet Satan works like a military coup – he is going to cut off all communications, he is going to make you isolate, and then he is going to ambush. We see in the lives of the people that we are in relationship with. We must be willing to be courageous and start a culture around us where that accountability is welcome and then add the extra layer - which is getting those people that are familiar enough with you – a small group –that you continue to walk with and allow to speak into your life. Satan works like a military coup – he is going to cut off all communications, he is going to make you isolate, and then he is going to ambush. #discipleshipClick To Tweet We are to be raising up people that have lived in that culture of accountability, understand it, and can pass it on - so that we can help other people experience what God has for them — which is discipleship in relationship. We are to be raising up people that have lived in that culture of accountability, understand it, and can pass it on. #discipleshipClick To Tweet Questions For Discussion: 1.     Does God say we need accountability with anyone other than Him? (James 5:16) 2.

This weeks podcast features Real Life Ministries new Online Campus Pastor, Patrick Annotti. Patrick and Lance are discussing the topic of Discipleship and how it integrates with the digital world we find ourselves in. Some of the things they cover in this episode include: What are some of the reasons people might attend church online? If technology was available during the time of the New Testament, would the disciples have used it? Can connection, or relationship, really happen through digital means? Thank you for listening! If you enjoy this podcast you can subscribe to it on iTunes or Spotify by clicking below: iTunes Spotify    http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/How-Does-Discipleship-Work-In-A-Digital-World-Ep-008.mp3   Click below to download the transcript of this podcast: How Does Discipleship Work In A Digital World?

Join Jim Putman and Lance Wigton as they talk about how to identify spiritual maturity. Some of the topics they address: Is complete spiritual maturity ever attained? Spiritual maturity in every sphere of life. Surprising things that don't always mean spiritual maturity. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast using your favorite podcast app! iTunes Subscribe Link Spotify Subscribe Link http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/RLDP-Ep-7-What-Does-Spiritual-Maturity-Look-Like.mp3

In this weeks podcast, Lance Wigton, Real Life Ministries Communication Pastor talks with Rex Lettau, Real Life Ministries Benevolence and Lifelines Pastor, about taking discipleship outside of your building and into your community. Rex discusses how he is leading a team to do this on an organizational level, and how you can and should do it on a personal level.     Topics covered in today's podcast: Inviting your neighbor to church The importance of knowing someones back-story What doesn't work well in connecting with non-believers How not to be 'creepy' when sharing Christ Being Proactive vs Reactive http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/RLD-Discipleship-In-Your-Community-Ep.-006.mp3

  Real Discipleship  -  For Real People -  In Real Life Jim Putman and Lance Wigton discuss finding, or making, time in your life for discipleship. How much time will it really take to disciple someone? What things should come first in our lives according to God's view? What are some things we could/should move to the back burner? Listen to Jim and Lance discuss these issues and more!   http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Real-Life-Discipleship-Podcast-Ep.-005.mp3   You can subscribe to this podcast on iTunes by clicking HERE You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify by clicking HERE

In episode 004 of The Real Life Discipleship Podcast, Lance Wigton, Communication Director at Real Life Ministries, leads Jim Putman through a discussion on helping your disciple take the next step. They address:  What are the signs you should watch for in the character and attitudes of the people you are leading that will alert you they are ready to take the next step?  This could be in their personal walk with God, in their outreach to those around them, or stepping into a volunteer position at their church. Knowing your disciple well is imperative to the discipleship process as you are leading them to the destination of Spiritual maturity, and recognizing when they are ready to take the next step is a key part. What are the signs you should watch for in the character and attitudes of the people you are leading that will alert you they are ready to take the next step? #discipleship #podcast Click To Tweet You can download the transcript for this podcast by clicking The Real Life Discipleship Podcast Ep. #004   http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Real-Life-Discipleship-Ep-004.mp3   You may also be interested in these podcasts: Ep. 001 - You Are A Disciple  Ep. 002 - The Definition Of A Disciple  Ep. 003 - Where Does Discipleship Happen

In this episode of the podcast, Lance Wigton (Communications Director at Real Life Ministries) talks with Jim Putman about where discipleship takes place. They discuss Jim's 'Crockpot' analogy for how he checks on people to see when they are ready to take the next step in growth. http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-Real-Life-Discipleship-PodcastEpisode-003.mp3

I am excited to share with you this first episode of The Real Life Ministries Discipleship Podcast. In this podcast we will be discussing all things discipleship. We want to address some of the issues around being and making disciples that people struggle with, but may not want to ask for help in. Those issues that you don't always find in textbooks, or hear about from a speaker on the stage. Having said that - we hope that you share with us some of the issues you may struggle with for us to put it as podcast topics. The first thing I want everybody to get is that you - every Christian - is called to be a disciple of Jesus that makes disciples of Jesus. Every. single. one of us.. It's not easy, but we can learn it if we set our minds and hearts on it.Click To Tweet I will be joined every week by your podcast host and my great friend, Lance Wigton. In this first episode we are discussing the topic - You Are A Disciple. Do you think that is you? You had better listen to find out! http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/RLDP-Episode-001.mp3 If you would like to download the transcript of this episode you can click below - RLDPodcast#001

In the podcast below my dad and I talk about our latest book, Hope for the Prodigal. It is a subject that is very close to the heart of my family as we have lived out the story of the Prodigal son for 3 generations now. It is also an important topic in a time when fewer young people than ever are reaching adulthood staying connected to God. I encourage you to listen and comment - JP Often when we use the word prodigal we think about that kid who went out and did things that were obviously rebellious, and that is the kind of prodigal I was in my own life. But not all prodigals look the same, and you can't always tell the heart of a person by watching their outward actions.Click To Tweet The truth is- most people have been or will be a prodigal at some point. And almost all of us have relationships or connections with someone who is not living near to or in relationship with God. So we need to ask, what is the message of Jesus to them? What is God's pattern of dealing with prodigal's that draws them back to God, church, and home? Listen to the podcast below to hear our thoughts - Bringing Your Prodigal Home - Faith Radio http://jimputman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Bringing-Your-Prodigal-Home-with-Jim-and-Bill-Putman.mp3 If you are interested in learning more about the book Hope for the Prodigal go HERE