Real Life Ministries — Local services in Post Falls

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...

I'm actually really disappointed In this church. I was going to youth group for about 2 years and they yell at us kids even tho that they want us there and there thankfully we r there bur clearly there not. all they do is sit you down and tell you a story and prey like they don't even talk about God that much all they want to focus on is entertainment and fake beliefs my friend fake kissed his other friend and our hole friend group got kicked out bc apparently we were gay and they screamed at us . And I just had a problem on the 15th of May 2024 chew the church or youth group leader was diss respecting me when I was being as respectful as a could to him and he said that I have to go to hight school youth group even tho I'm in 7th grade and I told him I didn't want to go to high school youth group and he yelled at me for telling how a felt about going to hs yg and he sure didn't like that idea bc he yelled at me to get off his property and tried to get in a physical interaction by trying to grab my arm and I told him not to touch me and he said he will do what he wants on his property and I totally understand that. And what I told him about my opinion on going to hs yg as a 7th grader I told him

"Sir I don't think I should go to hs yg I don't think I would feel safe hanging out with a hole bunch of 16+year Olds and my mom has work and it won't work that well for her and told me that wasn't my problem and that I need to leave his property if I wasn't going to agree with him Oh and that same day when he pulled me out of small group to talk to me, some kid took my phone charger and wouldn't give it back so I wouldn't leave until he found it a got it ti me and he yelled at me and told me to leave or he will call the cops and I told him to do it and I'll xall the cops on him for having stolen property on his property and he will receive a hefty law suite and so charges frome me and my mom and he would be in deep shot and je final coropera5ed with me. I WILL NEVER BE COMING BACK And I don't want a apology bc I it's not going to change enything I got want your stupid...

I am a single female in my mid-fifties and have been attending this church for 15 months - completely open-minded and accepting and ready for a new life, new friends, new connection. I was ready to serve the Lord and make some friends so I jumped right in, 100%. Fast forward to present day, I attend regularly, I volunteer, I tried 3 'life groups" as they strongly suggest, I still have not met or "connected" with anyone. I am unimpressed with the women's ministry, I attempted to talk to several of these ladies on several different occasions as was hastily snubbed - which makes very little sense to me as I don't personally know any of these ladies, I was very sad to experience this, and I will not be going back. Although the musicians are wonderful, the songs are the same, week after week which doesn't make any sense since this ministry seems to be quite large. I think the teachings get redundant and I always wonder why someone else has to carry out the horned stand for Jim and why he can't carry it himself? Oh well. I have decided to leave this church and search for another one. I hope not to turn anyone away, but to alert you this is a large church with some beliefs I don't necessarily agree with, for instance, they don't believe women should should teach, where would we be without Jocye Meyer or Lisa Terkeurst, or Lisa Harper..... to name a few who were immensely instrumental in leading me to Jesus and growing my faith and belief in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am actively searching for a new church, one who teaches more about the entire Bible, not just the Books that impress those doing the teachings. I have yet to hear one sermon on Revelations, but have heard quite a few on how important giving is. I'm not against tithing or giving, but perhaps more people would give if there were more genuine connections, with Jesus in control. Not only for the youth, young adults and families, but what about the older folks who find themselves alone later in life? Where do we fit at RLM? For me? It's out the...