James studied Bachelor of Theology at Luther Seminary and Flinders University (Adelaide, South Australia), and a BA in Professional Writing at the University of South Australia. He has worked in various ministry roles: local church youth pastor, university ministry, Scripture Union primary age staff worker, lecturer at Bible College of South Australia (youth ministry), tutor at Tabor College Adelaide (youth work), regular teaching at New Creation Teaching Ministry schools and term programs, and preaching in various churches around South Australia. Currently a staff worker for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students at Flinders University.