The Power of Together by Jim Putman - REVIEWED

About the Book:
The joyful and powerful Christian life you long for is closer than you think
None of us is lovable all of the time--and no one can make us feel worse than those closest to us. So we keep others at arm's length to protect ourselves rather than reaching out for relationship. But think of who Jesus invited into his life and ministry. They weren't always lovable. Yet he modeled perfect love for us and showed how the mark of a spiritually mature believer is engaging with others in meaningful relationships. This in-depth, biblical look at the critical importance of "doing life" in close fellowship with other believers will draw you closer to your spiritual family--and to Jesus--than ever before.

My Thoughts:

“….it’s not enough to just be honest about your brokenness.  You also have to be willing to lean into the direction God wants you to go.  The Hole Spirit will give you power to change ultimately, yet you need to paddle you surfboard in the direction of the wave.”  (p.106)

Jim Putman has put together a great resource filled with real-life examples and tons of Scripture to teach believers what it looks like to be in relationship – both with other believers, non-believers and new believers.  Relationship is messy, it takes work, it is almost always inconvenient and takes us outside our comfort zone.  BUT…God designed us to be in relationship, with Him first and then with others. 

This is a book you need to read with a good highlighter and pen, because this is a resource that you will come back to time and again.  I am actually toying with the idea of presenting it as a small-group curriculum for adult singles to use in the Fall.  This is solid material, and if you invest your time, you will be challenged to grow into more mature relationships in every area of your life.

I HIGHLY recommend this book!  HIGHLY!!  Learn about relationship with God, with others and how to make an eternal difference in those relationships every day!

About the Author:

Jim is the founder and senior pastor of Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho. Prior to his role as senior pastor, he served as a youth minister in two small churches. In college, Jim won

three All American titles in wrestling and went on to become a successful wrestling coach.  Real Life Ministries began as a small group in 1998 and has grown to a membership of more than eight thousand.  Ninety percent of its fellowship is active in small groups. Outreach Magazine continually lists Real Life Ministries among the top one hundred most influential churches in America.

Jim holds degrees from Boise State University and Boise Bible College. His voice reaches hundreds of thousands across the world through speaking conferences, the web, radio, and weekend services. He is the author of two books; Church is a Team Sport (2008) and Real-Life Discipleship (2010) and co-authored; DiscipleShift (2013).
Jim’s passion is discipleship through small groups. With his background in sports and coaching, he believes in the value of strong coaching as a means to disciple others.  Jim lives with his family in scenic northern Idaho.