Jim Putman is the cofounder 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 was launched in 1998 with a commitment to discipleship and the model of discipleship Jesus practiced, relational discipleship.” Outreach magazine has regularly listed Real Life Ministries among the top one hundred most influential churches in America. Jim is also a cofounder and leader with the Relational Discipleship Network. 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, podcasts, and weekend services.

He is the author of five books: Church Is a Team Sport (2008); Real-Life Discipleship (2010); The Power of Together (2016); The Disciple’s Journey (2022); and RelationShift (2023) and the coauthor of four books: Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual (2010) with Avery T. Willis Jr., Brandon Guindon, and Bill Krause; DiscipleShift (2013) with Bobby Harrington and Robert E. Coleman; Hope for the Prodigal (2017) with Bill Putman; and The Revolutionary Disciple (2021) with Chad Harrington.

Jim’s passion is discipleship through small groups. With his background in sports and coaching, he believes in the value of strong coaching in discipling. He and his wife, along with their three sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, live in scenic North Idaho.

You can learn more about Jim and the church he leads by watching the history of Real Life Ministries at www.thestoryofreallife.com.