"Just Reach One" - 2026 Theme Launch - Pastor John D. Putnam
January 04, 2026
Pastor John D. Putnam
In this week’s POSC Podcast, Pastor Putnam launches a faith-stretching vision for 2026 with a clear and compelling mandate: Just Reach One—because one is worth it. Drawing from Luke 15 and other Gospel accounts, this message centers on the heart of Jesus for individuals, reminding us that crowds never distracted Him from the value of a single soul. With conviction and pastoral clarity, Pastor Putnam challenges the modern obsession with numbers, popularity, and platforms, emphasizing that Jesus was never impressed by crowds—He was moved by people. From the lost sheep in the wilderness, to the Samaritan woman at the well, to the demon-possessed man delivered after a stormy crossing, Scripture repeatedly reveals a Savior who stops, goes out of His way, and pays any cost to reach just one person. This episode calls the church beyond Sunday services and programs into lifestyle evangelism—a daily, personal obedience flowing out of a surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ. Evangelism, Pastor Putnam explains, is not a title, a microphone, or a method; its availability. While only God can save, heal, and transform, every believer has a responsibility to go, to love, and to reach. As heaven celebrates one repentant sinner, this message invites each listener to align their priorities with heaven’s joy. Whether it’s a neighbor, coworker, family member, or stranger, God is still asking His people to leave the 99 and pursue the one who matters deeply to Him. This sermon will stir your faith, challenge your comfort, and refocus your mission—because the world is reached one conversation, one prayer, and one act of obedience at a time. One is worth it. To hear more about what God is doing in Sheboygan County and beyond, visit us at posc.church.
Episode Notes
Main Point: Jesus has never been impressed by crowds—He is moved by compassion for one soul. One life is always worth the effort.
- Throughout the Gospels, crowds followed Jesus, but He consistently stopped, crossed storms, and changed direction for individuals.
- The mission of the Church is not built on numbers, popularity, or programs—it is fulfilled one soul at a time.
- Evangelism is not an event or a Sunday service; it is a lifestyle that flows from a surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Reaching one requires intentionality, movement, personal responsibility, and sometimes sacrifice—but heaven celebrates every time it happens.
- We are not called to save anyone—only Jesus saves. We are called to obey, serve, and be available.
Key Scriptures:
- Luke 15:4–7 – The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to search for one lost sheep.
- Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission to go, teach, and make disciples.
- John 4:28–39 – One Samaritan woman leads an entire village to Jesus.
- Mark 5:1–20 – Jesus crosses a storm to deliver one man, who then reaches ten cities.
- John 20:21 – “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”
Major Themes:
- The Value of One: Heaven rejoices over one repentant soul more than an entire crowd.
- Lifestyle Evangelism: True evangelism flows from a transformed life, not a church program.
- Personal Responsibility: Every believer shares the call to shepherd, care for, and seek the lost.
- Obedience Over Outcome: Our role is obedience and availability—God handles conviction and salvation.
- Joy in the Journey: The burden of reaching one is outweighed by the joy of restoration.
Reflection Questions:
- Who is the “one” God may be placing on my heart right now?
- Am I waiting for someone else to reach the lost instead of stepping out myself?
- What would change if I lived every day with intentional gospel purpose?
© 2026 POSC Podcast. All rights reserved.