History
ReaLife was first incorporated in August 2000. The movement began as a small parachurch ministry aimed at supporting the local church in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia. Paul Stone and Rob Burns were founders and members of the original Board; they have led ReaLife through its first five years of much growth and transition.
In April of 2003 God provided for ReaLife to purchase Slugger’s Bar on the corner of Buckius and Richmond Streets. The next twelve months would be primarly consumed with the demolition and renovation of the bar into the newly established ReaLife Cafe. The Cafe was established as a place for people from the surrounding communities to relax, have some coffee, and form relationships that explore faith and life.
Since the opening of the Cafe in May 2004 God has used ReaLife in many ways to serve our community and build relationships. God has brought many changes to ReaLife over the years and has consistently confirmed the vision of meeting people’s physical and spiritual needs in a relevant way that reflects “real-life” and builds an ongoing conversation of faith, God, and how they relate to people’s lives.
Currently ReaLife is experiencing growth in a number of ways. From new people joining our ongoing faith studies, to experiencing new ways to serve our community and city, and partnering with other faith oriented organizations across Philadelphia.
We here at ReaLife are very excited about the future here of Philadelphia!! God has brought together an awesome Core Team and is bringing about many new opportunities to meet people, serve, and continue the conversation…