Real Life Ministries is a non-denominational Evangelical Christian church in Post Falls, Idaho, situated in Kootenai County, Idaho. The church was planted in 1998 by four families, including now senior pastor, Jim Putman. Since its founding, the church has grown to an average weekend attendance of over 6,000. On Easter, 2006, the church had over 9,500 attendees. It is now the fastest growning non-denominational Christian church in the United States, experiencing growth of 247% over the past four years (2002-2006).[1]

History

The church began by meeting in private homes until their numbers became too great, at which time they were able to rent space in a movie theater. Church Development Fund approached the church leadership in 1999 with plans to purchase 33 acres in Post Falls, Idaho for the church to build a facility to serve the 1,600 in weekly attendance, at that time. The church moved in to a 26,000 sq. ft. building on that property in 2001, but quickly outgrew it. In 2004, the church built a 68,000 sq. ft. facility, featuring a multi-purpose, 1700 seat auditorium, also on the same property.

Faced with unprecedented, continuing growth, the church leadership has had to face the fact that their current property is insufficient for further expansion and has recently decided to purchase a 118 acre plot of land for a new site. Preliminary plans for the new property include an expandable 3,500 seat auditorium, state-of-the-art children's facility and six multi-use sports fields. Construction at that site may begin in 2008.

When the church's expansion plans were announced in a local newspaper there was some concern regarding the financial accountability of the church. In an effort to resolve any controversy, the church leadership has solicited input from their members about expansion plans and have also made financial statements available to anyone who would like to review them.

The church is reportedly also seeking accreditation with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability to further achieve financial transparency.[2]

Boise Bible College - Post Falls

In 2004 Boise Bible College launched the Post Falls Center in cooperation with Real Life Ministries. The extension site combines the discipleship process employed by RLM with the Biblical training provided by BBC, resulting in an A.S. in Biblical Leadership.

Church Mission Statement

• From the church website.

The Real Life Vision Statement

"We have all been called and empowered to reach the world for Jesus one person at a time."

The Real Life Mission for Making Disciples

"We will create a relational environment for the purpose of discipleship." (Small groups)

God Has Given Us Our Mission

Just before our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was taken up into heaven, He gave the disciples and us this command and commission:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 - NIV

It is by these words that we are all called and empowered to change the entire world for Christ, one person at a time. By...

Sharing Christ with a dying world. Matt 28:19, Luke 19:10

Connecting people to God and to each other. Matt 22:37-40, Heb 3:12-13

Training believers in Christ to minister to those in the church and in the community. Eph 4:11-13

Preparing those we disciple, our children and others, to live God-centered lives so that they can prepare others. Mk 10:14, Lk 17:2, 2 Tim 2:2; Matt 28:19

Everything we do at Real Life Ministries revolves around these four purposes.

External links

• Real Life Ministries homepage
• Boise Bible College homepage
• Church Expansion - A Matter of Faith, CDA Press, June 4, 2006