Jim Putman is the co-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 was launched in 1998 with a commitment to discipleship and the model of discipleship Jesus practiced, which is called, “Relational Discipleship.” Outreach Magazine continually lists Real Life Ministries among the top one hundred most influential churches in America. Jim is also a co-founder 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, radio, and weekend services. He is the author of four books: Church is a Team Sport (2008), Real-Life Discipleship (2010), and The Power of Together (2016) The Disciple’s Journey (2022). He also co-authored four books with others: Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual (2010) (with Avery Willis, Brandon Guindon, and Bill Krause) DiscipleShift (2013) (with Bobby Harrington and Robert 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 as a means to disciple others. Jim lives with his family in scenic northern Idaho.