Bill Putman has served in church ministry for more than 50 years, and he and his wife raised five kids in the church. But his ministry and marriage came to a breaking point because of crushing debt, one kid’s rebellion, one daughter’s rape, another daughter’s teen pregnancy, and their son Jim’s incredible prodigal journey.
Scroll down to listen or watch Bill and Jim’s powerful story this two part Focus on The Family episode.
During high school, Jim Putman got involved in alcohol and drugs and pursued atheism and Buddhism before finally submitting his life to Christ.
Today Jim leads a large church in Idaho, but he went through a horrific prodigal experience with his own son. In this interview, Bill and Jim paint a picture of the devastation of a prodigal journey, both from the perspective of the prodigal and their family.
Offering spiritual lessons based off the Bible parable of the prodigal son, they address best practices for Christian families who want to prevent prodigalism, how to trust God with no guarantees, and how the church can be more safe and welcoming to prodigals.
They offer hope to Christian parents dealing with a prodigal, and they encourage prodigals to return to the Lord.
