June 30, 2026
Think Discipleship
A reflection on Real Life Ministries, small groups, and how intentional leaders, relational environments, and reproducible processes can move people from spectators to mature disciple-makers.
June 30, 2026
A reflection on Real Life Ministries, small groups, and how intentional leaders, relational environments, and reproducible processes can move people from spectators to mature disciple-makers.
March 14, 2018
By Mel McGowan Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho, strives to meet people where they are and then walk a mile or even a lifetime alongside them. This church does not attempt to impress its community but, rather, exposes its own raw, real character to draw in “messy, ordinary people.” My company learned this firsthand when we presented a storyboard to them that included a photo of nice, new work boots, and the church leaders’ immediate pushback was that the boots wouldn’t be theirs. That’s because the shoes they walk in would be a pair of boots borrowed
April 11, 2010
Real Life Ministries’ growth reflects a focus on relational discipleship, community outreach, leadership development, and partner churches rather than a personality-driven or performance-centered model.
April 7, 2010
Mark A. Taylor reflects on megachurch growth statistics and encourages smaller churches to see opportunity, not inferiority, in their own growth and baptism potential.
October 7, 2009
Matt King shares how grief, anger, and church hurt gave way to Christ’s forgiveness, leading him from business sales into church planting and pastoral ministry.
July 4, 2008
Jim Putman explains how Real Life Ministries built a discipleship-focused church culture around small groups, intentional leaders, apprentices, coaches, and relational environments for spiritual growth.
October 10, 2007
Bill Putman shares how his family endured crisis, rebellion, and hard boundaries—and how God’s grace brought healing. A candid interview about tough love, hope, and trusting God with the children you cannot fix.
October 7, 2007
Relationship is essential to the church’s teamwork and mission. Jim Putman explains why leaders need honest friendships, unity, and encouragement to model love, resist isolation, and serve with spiritual endurance.
March 18, 2007
Using a coaching metaphor, Jim Putman urges church leaders to equip believers for ministry and prioritize disciple-making over spectator Christianity—developing leaders from within so the whole body works together.