For years, I’ve said this: Christianity is a team sport. God’s design is that none of us would do life alone. In fact, one of the biggest lies of our culture is that we can thrive spiritually in isolation. It’s just not true. Whether we’re talking about the Church or our family, God always intended for us to grow in relationship—with Him, and with each other.
The Blueprint from Ephesians
At Real Life, we talk a lot about the 5 Spheres of Discipleship—Abiding, Church, Home, World, and Spiritual Battle. These aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re drawn straight from the book of Ephesians. Paul lays out a practical framework for what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus in every area of life.
He starts with the Abiding Sphere—our personal relationship with Christ. Ephesians begins by anchoring us in our identity: we are saved by grace, adopted into God’s family, sealed with the Spirit, and created for good works. That’s our power source. That’s where discipleship starts.
From there, Paul moves into the Church Sphere. We’re not only children of God—we’re part of His family. We have spiritual brothers and sisters, mentors and models, and we learn what love and humility look like in community. The Church is the spiritual training ground where we grow and where disciple-making begins.
Next is the Home Sphere. Paul gets very practical here—marriage, parenting, family roles. He says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” That’s not about control—it’s about laying down our lives for one another. This is where discipleship is tested and refined in the everyday grind of life at home.
Then we step into the World Sphere—our workplaces, schools, teams, and neighborhoods. This is our mission field. Discipleship isn’t something we leave at church or at home—it’s how we live, wherever we are. We are called to bring the light of Christ into the world through our work, relationships, and influence.
And finally, Paul closes with the Spiritual Battle Sphere. Because let’s be honest—there’s a war going on. While Christ is working in us from the inside out, the enemy is trying to attack from the outside in. That’s why we need the armor of God. That’s why we need the home team. We fight together.
Ephesians shows us how these spheres aren’t just parts of life—they’re connected, and discipleship happens when we align all of them under the Lordship of Christ.
From Obedience to Honor
Ephesians 6 lays it out: “Children, obey your parents… Honor your father and mother.” That’s not just for little kids—that’s for life. But it shifts. As parents, we’re not always the boss—we become the influencer, the encourager, the guide. And if we’re Christ-followers, our job doesn’t stop when our kids move out. We’re still called to disciple, to be part of their home team.
And here’s where it gets real… life is messy. Some of us didn’t have a godly example growing up. Some of us are in homes with division, pain, or dysfunction. But even then, we have a spiritual family—the Church—who can show us what love, grace, and resilience look like. That’s the beauty of the Body of Christ. You’re not alone.
Building the Home Team
Discipleship isn’t just a class or a Sunday sermon—it’s a lifestyle. It’s a commitment to raise up the next generation, not just in our homes but in our church. Grandparents, youth leaders, coaches, life group mentors—we are all spiritual mothers and fathers, spiritual aunts and uncles. Whether it’s at home, in a life group, or on a missions trip—we disciple together.
we are all spiritual mothers and fathers, spiritual aunts and uncles. Whether it’s at home, in a life group, or on a missions trip—we disciple together. Share on XAnd yes, sometimes we’re tired. Sometimes during services the sound is too loud or the kids are a little wild. But when I walk behind the scenes and see those kids running tech or leading worship—kids who grew up in our church—I don’t see chaos. I see the Church. I see discipleship in motion.
Don’t Just Watch—Play Your Part
We weren’t meant to sit in the stands. We were meant to play. Everyone has a part to play on this team. Maybe yours is hospitality, maybe it’s teaching, maybe it’s leading a small group or mentoring a student. But whatever it is, don’t miss the game. Get on the field. Be part of the home team.
Because the enemy doesn’t get our kids. Not if we can help it. And with God’s help—we can.
Let’s build our homes on the rock. Let’s raise up disciples. Let’s be the home team.
—Jim Putman
