Week 19 - Real Life Church

www.seekreallife.com

As our circle continues to widen we are beginning to find more churches off the beaten path. Those ones you most likely would never see unless you take a wrong turn into the neighborhood where they are located.

For those keeping track, Real Life Church is part of the Nazarene tradition. While this may be meaningful at some level the reality is a first-time visitor wouldn't notice any difference between RLC and just about any other non-denominational, "community," church.

RLC offers two Sunday morning services and this week we made the early one. With an auditorium that seats about 200 the service was at near capacity with a broad range of ages, including many children. While the auditorium itself was fairly dark (no windows), there was plenty of energy and we were warmly greeted by several people. Even from where we sat, about mid way back, the stage was comfortably close and we felt like there was a real connection between the speakers and the congregation.

Music was provided by a group that included four instruments and three vocalists, and was primarily contemporary praise songs. The music leader was very enthusiastic and really appeared to enjoy what he was doing. Video projection was used extensively for song lyrics, announcements, and throughout the message. The family & children focus of RLC was readily apparent with heavy promotion of the sizable VBS program they will be putting on at the end June. 

As it was Mother's Day Sunday we were well prepared for the typical message about mothers and their role in the family and church. This week we got a special treat instead. RLC is in the midst of a series entitled "How to Win at Life," and this Sunday the husband and wife pastor team, Jeff and Shelley, spoke together. Shelley was the focus of the talk centered on the question "how do we win at the important roles in our life?" She shared with us that she does not enjoy being the center of attention, prefers the behind the scenes kind of service. Her husband Jeff, on the other hand, appeared quite comfortable being up front; plenty of personality. However Shelley had been sensing for some time that she needed to share some things that were on her heart and Mother's Day seemed the perfect opportunity.

Shelley's realization that she needed to do this fit nicely with her first point: "Listen to the gentle loving nudge of the Father." Then she reminded us that there are times when we must "stop 'doing for' God and begin 'resting in' God:" resting by slowing down, relaxing, and abiding in God's timing. Thirdly, she challenged us to "allow God to remove the veil," allowing us to be transformed into his image for his purpose. Finally we were reminded that "winning as a mom or whatever role you have in life begins with a personal relationship with Jesus." Despite her admitted reluctance in speaking up front she expressed herself well and gave a relatable talk on life in general from a busy mother's perspective. Throughout the talk Jeff asked a few prompting questions and added a few of his own insights; very thoughtful and a great interaction with the two of them sharing.

Real Life Church's vibrant spirit was evident from the moment we arrived and as we left. As one member shared with us they refer to themselves as the "little church with a big heart."