About the Real Life Residency
Making disciples who make disciples
isn't a casual commitment.
It's a calling that demands everything.
Our Story
The Residency isn't just a program—it's a transformation journey where ministry leaders learn to create disciple-making cultures that multiply.
Born from the growth of Real Life Ministries Texas - from 10 disciples in a living room to a thriving church of 1,800+ members and 7 church plants, we're passionate about one thing: equipping leaders who make disciples who make disciples.
Here, you won't just learn theory—you'll experience intentional discipleship firsthand, put principles into practice immediately, and join a community of leaders with the drive to transform their ministries. From calling to confidence, from knowledge to application, The Residency is that missing piece for ministry leaders who sense there must be more to disciple-making than what they've experienced.
Meet The Team
Jim, his wife Lee Ann, and their two children Michael and Rachel began attending Real Life Ministries in 2017. Jim left his position with The Lone Star College System to join the staff as the Executive Director of the Real Life Residency in 2022. Jim has a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Abilene Christian University and a M.Ed. in counseling from Texas Tech University. He leads the residency’s Spiritual Foundation track. Jim’s favorite job before joining Real Life was coaching high school and collegiate women’s basketball. Jim also has a son Brackston and a grandson Everett who also live in the Houston Area.
Greg Granger is the Missions and Church Planting Pastor, bringing seven years of full-time ministry experience to his role. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Greg's journey began in the culinary arts, where he trained as a chef and worked in the food industry until 2005. That year, Greg and his family relocated to the USA, where he became a stay-at-home dad until 2016. His passion for missions and church planting reflects his heart for serving communities and expanding the church's global impact. Greg has been married to his wife, Laura, for 25 years, and together they have three daughters: Amy, Carey, and Gina.
My name is Aaron Wiliams, and I am the Lead Residency Instructor, responsible for successfully guiding our residents through the residency program. I spend most of my free time with my family. I am married to my beautiful wife Sena, and I have two children. My son is the oldest, and he is funny, smart, and loves sushi. My daughter is the life of the party, loves to make people laugh, and enjoys helping people. I have a Bachelor’s degree in business, finance from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, a Master’s degree in Sports Performance and Conditioning from Southern Utah University, and a Master’s degree in Disciple Making and Ministry Leadership from Maritime Christian College. Before accepting my calling to full time ministry, I was a sports performance coach.
Amber Guindon is the Residency’s coordinator. She handles all the behind the scenes work that occurs before, during and after each cohort of residents. Amber has a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Linfield College. Prior to working at the residency, she oversaw operations at a non-profit health care clinic that served low-income, uninsured individuals, but before that she was blessed to be a stay-at-home to her children. She is married to husband, Brandon, and has four grown children. In her spare time, she raises chickens and loves to garden.