Community OutreachReal Life Church has a focus on outreach! Get together with others and see what you can do to help those in our community. If your not sure of what to do, contact the church, our Outreach Team has already put together many opportunities.For those who signup and continue in our Growth Groups, each group will do an outreach every semester. There are many who need our help! Find a way to volunteer some way in our community. For ideas, call us: 217-528-2299

WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE: Celebrate What MattersCheck back often for updates!Visit: www.womenoffaith.com for extended details on the conference.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:Pandamania is coming! Preparations are underway for this years Vacation Bible School at Real Life Church. VBS begins July 11th thru 15th. Parents and volunteers please go here to pre-register.Be sure your kids join us for this unforgetable event!

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITYBeat debt and build wealth! Real Life Church will be offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University beginning Sunday, January 9th, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. This is a 13 week class. Sign up on your communication card or contact the office at: 217-528-2299

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY:Real Life Church is an FPU church. We offer Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course multiple times throughout the year. This is a 13 week course designed to help you beat debt and build wealth! Personal finance is 80% behavior and only 20% head knowledge. Dave Ramsey busts the myth's about debt, and shows you how to take control of your money. This course will help you be on your way to beating debt once and for all!Visit the Dave Ramsey website:www.daveramsey.com

Here's some of our favorite websites:Hillsong United Lifechurch.tvCharlie Hall CCLI TVCommunity Christian Church 268 Generation i-Heart.org Cornerstone Simi ValleyNot For Sale David Crowder BandKiva.org

Join us for the upcoming series on marriage...Hebrews/Shebrews. Learn how to build a marriage that lasts.

VOLUNTEER MINISTRIES:There are many volunteer opportunities here at Real Life Church. If you like pitching in and helping out those who can nolonger do everything themselves, or you would like to help keep the children's tummies filled with toast on Sunday mornings, there is a ministry for everyone! Volunteer work is very rewarding and there is always a need. Here is a look at several of our Volunteer Ministries:Women's Ministry:The women"s ministry organizes and contributes to many events throughout the year, everything from prayer sessions to conference trips. This ministry is focused on fellowship within the church, developing outreach programs and a great deal more. New Men's Commandment Ministry:Volunteers from the church go out one Saturday morning each month in teams to help those in need. Elderly, widows, there are many in need of minor repairs or just a helping hand with yard work and other common duties associated with homeownership and daily living.Toast Ministry:Yes! We even have a Toast Ministry. Are you an early riser? Sunday mornings, volunteers come early to prepare slices of toast for the children.We have many ministries you can volunteer for here at Real Life, these are only a few at a glance.

GROWTH GROUPS:Spring Growth Groups catalogs available this weekend or view and signup here!The new Fall Growth Groups catalog is here and will be available in the church breezeway on Sunday's. The new groups begin the week of February 12 th.Growth Groups are groups of up to 20 people that meet together each week for Bible Study, fellowship and spiritual growth. They are a great way to have fun, learn and meet new people, while growing together with God. You can choose whichever group best fits you. Our groups are divided into three categories:* Developing Your Faith* Demonstrating Your Faith* Defending Your FaithOnline Sign-upsGrowth Group CatalogGrowth Group Leaders record weekly attendance here.

CONTACT US:Contact us by phone:217-528-2299Fill out the form, or contact us by e-mail:info@2reallifechurch.comContact a staff member:Clint: Clint@2reallifechurch.comBrian: Brianb@2reallifechurch.comKeith: Keiths@2reallifechurch.comKim: Kima@2reallifechurch.comRick: Rickh@2reallifechurch.com

STUDENT MINISTRIES - GRINDSTONE:Grindstone is the youth ministry at Real Life Church in Springfield, Illinois. It is a ministry that exists to empower students to take a stand for Christ in their lives, and make a difference in the world around them while helping them to develop deeper relationships with God. •Grindstone is a very active youth ministry, with plenty of things to help with your walk with God. •Grindstone meets every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 in the Youth/Children's Worship Center. •Friday Night Fun (FNF) is a great way to meet and hang-out with other Christian kids. We do a lot of fun things on those nights ranging from scavenger hunts to pool parties to overnight lock-ins (pizza always seems to be involved no matter what we do). Watch the calendar for the next FNF!!! •Trips, trips, trips, we love to make trips!!! Every year we attend the General Baptist National Youth Conference in Lake Windermere, Missouri and have a retreat or two of our own at local campgrounds, not to mention other trips like Acquire the Fire, an Inner-City Mission trip in Chicago and concerts that sound like lots of fun.No matter what you are into, there is a place for you in Grindstone!!!!!

Worship Arts Ministry:The members of the Worship Arts Ministry would like to welcome you to our website. Our worship pastor, Keith Stark, has been with Real Life Church since February 2008. He and his wife, Christy, have two children. Keith has been involved in the worship arts for over 14 years. Prior to coming to Real Life, Keith and Christy helped plant two churches. Keith has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Greenville College and is currently working on his Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics at Biola University.

Here's some of our favorite wesites:Hillsong United Lifechurch.tvCharlie Hall CCLI TVCommunity Christian Church Rob Belli-Heart.org Cornerstone Simi ValleyNot For Sale David Crowder Band 268 Generation

Rick Hector - Associate PastorRick retired from the Illinois State Police on January 31, 2009, at the rank of Lieutenant. He is a licensed and ordained minister who came on staff at Real Life Church as an Associate Pastor in January of 2010.Rick is married to Jeanne and began the building of their step-family in 1993. They began attending Real Life Church in 2001. Rick is a 1983 graduate of Eastern Illinois University.Email Rick at:Rickh@2reallifechurch.com

Real Life Women's Ministry:Our mission as a women's ministry is to help build relationships between the women of Real Life Church, by supporting each other in times of joy and need. Meanwhile, fostering a welcoming environment of love and fellowship among the women of our congregation; to make a strong ministry so no matter what circumstances a woman is going through, she will feel comfortable and grow closer to our Savior.Upcoming Events:- Mother/Daughter Banquet: May 7th at 11:30 a.m. & 5 p.m.- Father/Son Dinner: June 18th, 6 - 8:00 p.m.- Women of Faith Trip: August 19 & 20th

Connect Kids Ministry:Our Mission:Our mission at Real Life is to partner with parents and grandparents to connect all kids to Christ through knowledge, life lessons, encouragement and relationships. In return, our children will have a personal friendship with Jesus Christ and will plant seeds of faith into lost and broken people for generations to come! Connect Kids Ministry:Here at Real Life Church we are intentional about connecting kid's to Jesus Christ. We are so excited about our mission and try to make Sunday morning an awesome few hours in your child's week! We have two services for your K through 5th graders on Sunday mornings. At 9:30 we have Sunday School for them which is a small group setting where they can dive deeper into the Bible. Connect Kids Service Times: Sunday Mornings @ 8:15 and 10:30:This is a very exciting time in Connect Kids! A typical service consists of check in time, friend and game time (including PS2 and XBOX), worship through song, prayer, lesson, life application and small group. We would love for you and your family to join us!Wednesday Nights @ 6:30:On Wednesday nights we have a small group setting that is based upon building community through believing, knowing, sharing and celebrating each other through Christ. On the first Wednesday of each month we have Wacky Wednesday where we play lots of games, snacks, and team building excercises. This is our fellowship night each month. The last wednesday of the month we do a service project for our community.Infants through PreK:We could not forget these little bundles of joy. We are a church that values family and we have a very safe, fun and upbeat program for the little ones. We have a nursery for your children ages 6 weeks to two years old. We also have a toddler area that is for two years through preK age. We believe in teaching even the littlest about the love of Christ. Infants:This is a safe and loving place for your little one to relax while you go enjoy the word of God. Our nursery workers enjoy taking care of your child and teaching them about God's love. "Praise Baby" and other dvd's are played for your little one to enjoy! Toddler Town:We have a great group of volunteers here in Toddlertown. They nurture your creative bundle of movement in many different ways, pointing your kiddos to God through play, song, crafts, and creative Bible teaching! Is your church safe?We realize how hard it can be to leave your little one. All of our staff, teachers and caregivers at Real Life have undergone background checks. We also have check-in policies in the Nursery, Toddlertown and Connect Kid's Ministry area. In late 2009, Real Life has added a security and medical team to assist the needs of our growing congregation.

Children’s Director – Kim AyersKim Ayers was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. Her parents attended First General Baptist Church all of her childhood. She was one of the first children dedicated in the previous location. Kim asked Jesus into her heart at the age of five years old and was baptized at age 10 by Pastor Cook. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1995.In 1999, Kim met Jeff Ayers and on January 1, 2000, Pastor Clint Cook married them. Jeff was also born in Springfield and a graduate from Springfield High School. He went on to the United States Marine Corp where he served four years. He continued his education at Lincoln Land Community College and received an Associate’s Degree. Jeff committed his life to Jesus Christ in 1999 and was baptized by Ross Drennan in 2005. They are blessed with two wonderful children, Micah and Trinity. They each have a strong desire to teach children about Jesus Christ and are honored to serve the families at Real Life Church.Email Kim at:Kima@2reallifechurch.com

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NEW SERIES: THE COSTWhat do we have to do? Where do we begin? What happens next? Join us as we look at the cost of being a disciple of Christ.Series Topics: * "THE MARKS OF BEING A DISCIPLE"Watch Sunday's Service:VIEW CURRENT AND PREVIOUS SERMONS HERE

Keith Stark – Worship PastorKeith came to our church in February of 2008. He and Christy have two children, Dylan and Kailey.Keith studied music education at Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Southern Mississippi. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Greenville College and is currently working on his Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics at Biola University.He has been a Christian since the age of nine. Before coming to Real Life Church, Keith and Christy had helped plant two churches.When he’s not leading worship, Keith enjoys studying apologetics, spending time with his family and working on their farm.Email Keith at:Keiths@2reallifechurch.com

Brian Burris - Administrative PastorBrian accepted Christ when he was nine years old and was baptized shortly thereafter. In May of 1996 Brian renewed his commitment to Christ. He attended Decatur Foursquare Church until June of 1996 when he married Dottie Bennick and they moved to Springfield. Brian and Dottie found Real Life Church (formerly First General Baptist Church) in October 1996 (after being invited for a Friend Day) and have called this church their home ever since. In December of 1997 they began leading the youth group and continue to lead as volunteers in that ministry with a group of volunteer leaders who are dedicated and inspiring.In July of 2007 Real Life Church hired Brian as part-time Administrative Pastor to assist in organizing and overseeing various ministries of the church.Brian is also employed part-time by SASED as a school psychologist and assigned to the Rochester School District.Brian holds a BA in Psychology from SIU-E, a Master’s Degree in Child Psychology from SIU-E, and a Specialist Degree in School Psychology from SIU-E. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and maintains a small practice where he specializes in individual therapy for children and adults, as well as family and couple therapy.Brian and Dottie have two wonderful children, Emma and Nicholas, who keep smiles on their faces and their schedules busy.Email Brian at:Brianb@2reallifechurch.com

Clint Cook - Senior Pastor Clint Cook, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 18, 1962. He was called into the ministry at the age of 16. He was ordained as a minister in September, 1982 at the age of 20 in St. Louis, Missouri. Clint married Judy Smith on May 28, 1983. He served as Associate Pastor at West Side General Baptist Church in St. Louis from 1983 to 1985. Clint graduated from St. Louis Christian College in May, 1986 and began his first pastorate at Real Life Church in September, 1985. At that time the church was known as First General Baptist Church. Real Life Church recently celebrated Clint"s 25th year as Senior Pastor. Since coming to Real Life Church, Clint and Judy have had two children: Amanda Christine, born August 27, 1987; and Christopher James, born February 24, 1990.Email Clint at:Clint@2reallifechurch.com

REAL LIFE CHURCH:Real Life Church is located:2450 Taylor Ave.Springfield, IL 62703Follow this link for directions.

THE HISTORY OF REAL LIFE CHURCH: Real Life Church began as First General Baptist Church on November 17, 1974, as a mission by the General Baptist Home Mission Board. The Home Mission Board selected the original site at 2637 S. Tenth St. in Springfield, Illinois. On November 11, 1990, a new facility was built and dedicated to accommodate the church’s growth. Through the years, God has blessed the congregation with 3 devoted pastors Clint Cook, our current pastor, came to First General Baptist Church in 1985. Through his direction the congregation has continued to grow and expand with additional ministries and services being added. With this growth and to better reflect the changing times, on July 24, 2005, the congregation voted to change the church name to Real Life Church.

OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH:1. GOD - We believe that there is only one true, living and eternal God and that the Godhead is revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.2. THE BIBLE - We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the Old and New Testaments; the inspired and infallible Word of God and therein is found the only reliable guide of Christian faith and conduct.3. MAN - We believe that God created man in His own image to bring Him glory through obedience, and that when man disobeyed; he became a fallen and sinful creature, unable to save himself. We believe that infants are in the covenants of God’s grace and that all persons become accountable to God when they reach a state of moral responsibility.4. SALVATION - We believe that Salvation (regeneration, sanctification, justification and redemption) has been provided for all mankind through the redemptive work (life, death, resurrection, ascension and intercession of Jesus Christ), and that this Salvation can be received only through repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.5. ASSURANCE AND ENDURANCE - We believe that those who abide in Christ have the assurance of Salvation. Being faithful, enduring to the end.6. CHRISTIAN DUTIES - We believe that Christians should live faithfully by serving in and through the local church, praying diligently, witnessing earnestly, practicing tolerance, showing loving kindness, giving as God prospers, and conducting themselves in such a way as to bring glory to God.7. THE CHURCH - We believe that the Church Universal is the body of Christ, the fellowship of all believers, and that its members have been called out from the world to come under the dominion and authority of Christ, its head. We believe a local church is a fellowship of Christians, a part of the Body of Christ, voluntarily banded together for worship, nurture and service.8. ORDINANCES - We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances instituted by Christ to be observed by Christians only. We also believe that the Biblical mode of baptism is immersion and that participation in the Lord’s Supper should be open to all Christians.9. THE LORD’S DAY - We believe in the sanctity of the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week, and that this day ought to be observed by worshipping God, witnessing for Christ, and ministering to the needs of humanity. We believe secular work on Sunday should be limited to cases of necessity or mercy.10. LAST THINGS - We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ, and in the bodily resurrection of the dead. We believe that God will judge all mankind by Jesus Christ; that He will reward the righteous with eternal life in heaven, and that He will banish the unrighteous to everlasting punishment in hell.11. ADDENDUM - We believe that according to the Word of God and the practices of the early church, public worship and prayer should be in a language of the people. It is clear that the Apostle Paul placed the strongest emphasis upon rational and intelligible language in worship. We cannot endorse practices which plainly violate these scriptural principles.

PURPOSE OF REAL LIFE CHURCH: The Purpose of Real Life Church is simply... Reaching people for Christ, Building People in Christ, Sending people to reach other people.Matthew 28:19-20 - "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."

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITYFPU is back! Stop wondering where your money went and start making it work for you. This is a remarkable, life-changing class!! Call the office for details.Begins Jan. 8th

WELCOME <meta name="google-site-verification" content="qpFKhSgPcowotjv6-oaGPNzvWAC2jzQVGAnNDRGU9ZE" /> SPRING GROWTH GROUPSSpring Growth Groups catalogs will be available on January 8th. Sign up on your communication card, here online, or call the office. Get connected!January 2012

CURRENT SERIES: Hebrews/ShebrewsJoin us as we take a look at what it takes to create a marriage that lasts. This is extremely helpful for those who are married, divorced, or never married.Begins February 5, 2012



Come see us on Facebook... Location: Sunday Services:2450 Taylor Ave. 8:15 a.m.Springfield, IL 62703 9:30 a.m. 217-528-2299 10:45 a.m.