The historic Little Brown Church has been a landmark in the Bigfork community since the early 1950s, with ties to the nearby cemetery reaching back to the 1800s. In 1972, the church formally became part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), a movement focused on the global mission of Christ and the fullness of life found in Him — and it has remained part of the C&MA family ever since.
In 2017, the name was changed from The Little Brown Church to Real Life Church — not to forget the building’s legacy, but to better reflect the people who gather here and the kind of life we’re called to live in Christ.
This shift also opened the doors for others in the community to use the space. Today, our building is shared with other churches and ministries, including Rural Shepard's Network, and a faith-based preschool, continuing the vision of its original builders — that this place would be a resource and blessing for the whole community.
The Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA) began in 1881 with a small prayer meeting in New York City, led by Pastor A.B. Simpson. Burdened for people overlooked by the traditional church — from the urban poor to the unreached around the world — Simpson planted Gospel Tabernacle, a church where all were welcome. He also founded the Missionary Training Institute, North America's first Bible college, to prepare believers for global missions.
By the end of the 19th century, the C&MA had already sent more than 180 missionaries overseas and opened new fields where the gospel had never been preached.
Over time, the Alliance grew into a global movement. In 1974, it officially became a denomination while continuing its deep focus on church planting, missions, and the Fourfold Gospel: Jesus as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King.
Today, the C&MA is one of the most diverse evangelical movements in North America, with a strong heart for the nations. Through local churches, global missions, and compassion-based ministries, the Alliance continues to bring the love of Jesus to people and places where His name is not yet known.
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