Jenn S

Review of Real Life Ministries

Attended Real Life from 2015-2017. Week after week...

Attended Real Life from 2015-2017. Week after week, lukewarm teachings. We're talking topical sermon with a sprinkle of 5-7 (usually out of context) Bible verses. Whoever said "the highlights of whatever book the pastor is preaching out of" is accurate.

Once they did a sermon series on the Book of Daniel, and stopped after chapter 6 because it contains prophecy and they said specifically private talks with staff that the church does not want to discuss prophecy. They do around 2 Christian life type books and preach those around 8 weeks each, sometimes 12. So that's a good chunk of the year on "lifestyle" that is not particularly Biblically sound. There are few, if any, salvation messages. Usually the pastor just says "I'm happy when people make a decision for Jesus."

Very focused on a formula that includes small groups rather than Bible study. The Women's Ministry is particularly problematic because they aren't under any kind of decent oversight. There are many teachings from women Real Life would be horrified to associate with (Lysa Terkhurst in particular) and new age practices such as "soaking" are not just promoted but encouraged. Tons of false spirituality from women there as far as "sitting and listening for God to speak" rather than reading the Bible. They are aware of this problem and do nothing about it because they feel like people in this ministry are trying hard.

My husband and I volunteered in the youth middle school ministry for a year. Real Life separates kids almost through high school from the congregation and they do not discuss similar topics to the sermon being given. While it is a safe and fun time for any kid to go to the middle school ministry youth group, the gospel of Jesus Christ is nowhere there. Often, the middle school minister attempts to preach one verse and then cover children in ketchup. They aren't focused on the spiritual needs of the kids.

The middle school ministry is also hyper focused on appearances. Leaders were repeatedly told when worship bands visited to make sure "kids hands were in the air" pretty much "or else." They want kids getting baptized and push for baptisms. They want these things without any preaching of God's Word. There is also a dress code a page long for girls that is not respectful to young ladies in any way, especially for a "come as you are" church.

Small groups rehash the sermon for the week, usually on whatever level the leader wants. We had a good time in the small groups. Be aware people from the small groups are only interested in you as part of the church, especially since small group leaders are pushed to "Split" into more small groups and have splits as often as they can.

Over all, this church is a good church if you want to send your kid to a community youth group and get them out of your hair for an evening with security, or if you want to go "play church" and don't really care about learning a lot about the Bible. Sometimes I worry about the people who come and say they are saved but will really end up in Hell.