Jim started preaching when he was 17 and became a pastor when he was 18. He has served churches in Texas, New Mexico and California. His longest tenure was with the First Baptist Church of Palm Desert where he served for ten years.  Today, he is the Associate Director of the Doctor of Ministry and Theological Field Education Programs and an Associate Professor of Leadership Skills Formation at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.  He also serves as the Teaching Pastor at Hemet Valley Baptist Church.

Pastor Jim graduated from Wayland Baptist University with a B.A. in Religion & Speech in 1981 and from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 1985 and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in 1991. 

Dr. James L Wilson is an award winning writer with over 100 pieces in print in 40+ publications including some published by Christianity Today, Inc., Focus on the Family, and Lifeway Christian Resources.  His other books include, The Heart of Deacon Ministry, The Boomerang Mandate, Transformations, How to Write Narrative Sermons. He also contributed a Chapter to Stories for the Spirit-Filled Believer.