IRL WARSAW
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Real Life
starts here.
IRL is a ministry for people in their 20s and 30s who want to meet real people in real life and grow real faith.
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Meeting in Warsaw, Indiana but serving young adults from communities around the greater Warsaw area, IRL offers places and spaces where you can gather with friends, meet new ones, and have honest conversations with quality people.So if you're ready for more than another night of solo doom-scrolling— join us!
Curious but not quite ready? No worries. Just take a look around and see if IRL might be for you.
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Get to know us better.
Now that we've officially met, let's get to know one another better. Take a minute to read our IRL Profile.
If you'd like to learn more about IRL swipe right! A new, real life journey is about to begin!
What do you think?
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About
Who IRL is for
People around your age, experiencing life in all its glorious confusion.
Maybe you are established in your life and career. Perhaps you are still finishing school, starting over, new to the area, single, dating, engaged, questioning your faith, rebuilding it, or still trying to determine what a mature, responsible adult is supposed to look like.IRL is for people in their 20s and 30s who are seeking a more abundant life. Expect all types of people. Some who attend will be actively pursuing a relationship with God. Others may be sorting through their spiritual commitments, but they want meaningful connections with others without having to pretend they have everything figured out. If any of this sounds like you, you're our people.Though IRL is interested in helping Gen Z and Millennials put the pieces of their lives together, those who come to IRL don't need to be especially religious, socially fearless, or unusually good at small talk. You just need to be willing to show up and meet other people, in real life. That's it.
You're going to love this.
IRL places a priority on creating environments that have good energy, that are welcoming, and that motivate people to participate. Everything IRL gatherings and events do are meant to encourage you to move toward real people, real life, and real faith.*
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Real People
At IRL you'll meet people from the surrounding area who are looking for friendship, community, and conversations that go beyond the usual surface-level routine. No hidden agendas. Just come as you are. No fake perfection required.
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Real Life
IRL creates environments where you can talk honestly about things like: work, challenges, identity, purpose, decisions, disappointment, relationships, and the many other parts of adulthood none of us have completely mastered.
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Real Faith
IRL creates real-life environments where you can cultivate your faith. Instead of living in digital isolation, you'll be within arm's reach of a group of people a lot like you, as we go "analog" by moving from living life screen-to-screen and going face-to-face, by meeting in real life. Imagine being a part of a community that's committed to your personal well-being, mental and emotional health, and overall fulfillment. That's how IRL wants to encourage you.In short, we want to provide somewhere for people like you to meet, time to think, and space to just be themselves— or to rediscover exactly who they want to become.But even more, IRL is a place where the focus of our gatherings is to build you up and to help you cultivate a relationship with God— but without it getting weird. Try it, you'll like it.
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If any of this makes sense or sounds familiar, then you're "our people."
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You're going to fit right in!
Why not take a moment to learn more about our IRL Gatherings in the Warsaw area? Let's go there now.
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Gatherings
A Gathering—
Not a program
What to Expect
IRL Gatherings meet at a comfortable home in Warsaw, Indiana. It's a relaxing and inviting place that we're confident you'll enjoy. But as IRL grows, that could possibly change, so stay flexible. After all, it isn't really about the "place" but the gathering itself. And what makes the gathering, are those who gather (you).
As far as what you can anticipate at IRL gatherings, just expect familiar faces and meeting new soon-to-be friends. When you come, even the very first time, you'll feel welcomed and relaxed, as you sense others' warmth and genuine interest. Conversations will be easy, with low-maintenance people.
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The Bible 'Lesson'
A primary purpose of IRL is to help you be, belong, and become. Those things happen through the intentional way our gatherings are designed. A part of that is discovering transforming truths found in God's Word.So during the meeting, we'll gather to hear an engaging talk from the Bible. Think of it as a discussion that stimulates your imagination, cultivates your curiosity, and invites you to think about real life, using a related passage of scripture. We won't assume that everyone's a biblical scholar. But it also won't be kid's stuff and make-believe. It will be thoughtful and relevant to your life— legit.But just so you know— our talks aren't exactly what you'd call "sermons," and our gatherings aren't "worship services," nor is our ministry a "church." It's less formal than that. IRL is a simple get together where fellowship occurs, friendships develop, and faith blooms.The talks that are given will often be followed by relaxed large or small-group discussions, meant to give you a chance to hear others' thoughts about the theme or issue being discussed. Don't worry~ discussions aren't like going to a confessional booth or disclosing painful memories of your past. Not at all. These are times for personal reflection and sharing insights. No expectations will be placed on you or anyone during group studies and discussions. You won't feel pressured to do or say anything. Your level of interaction is up to you. Anyone who doesn't have something they'd like to say can enjoy the interesting and rich discussion that stems from the life lesson shared from a relevant Bible passage.Following the talk and discussion, there may be a final wrap up, with a call to action where you're encouraged to consider how the session's main idea applies to your life. So, as you can see: no worries. Just be yourself and enjoy yourself!
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After the Lesson Sesh'
The physical space in which IRL currently meets is totally chill. It has lots of places to touch base with others, whether inside, in a number of unique spaces— or outside on the deck or patio. You can stand around and crack jokes, sit and quietly connect, spend time talking to the IRL leader or hosts, or mix it up with competitive games and interactive activities.
Following the lesson, there may be light refreshments, free time, or even a semi-structured activity— depending on what's scheduled. This may include watching a ballgame or movie on the big screen, having a dart, pool, or ping-pong tournament, playing a hand of cards, learning a new board game, catching up with an old friend or new acquaintance, or heading home for an early morning start. As you can tell, there will be plenty to do. Everything planned for our Gatherings is meant to maximize your opportunity experience the joy of being together with others in real life.That's the scoop on our Gatherings. Expect our meetings to last about 90 minutes. But if we have special group activities or the fun and laughs are just too great to call it quits, you're welcome to stay longer. It's up to you.
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Our Gathering Place
The location of IRL meetings isn't a secret, but since the current location is a comfy private home, it's not provided publicly on this site. But you can get all that information by going to our group's official online community, which uses the WhatsApp communication tool freely available in your device's app store.If you want the time and place of the next IRL Gathering ASAP, you can go to our WhatsApp Community right now. Go ahead, we'll wait.You'll be glad to know that our location has plenty of parking, even if you come in a stretch limo or with a large entourage. Indeed, we encourage you to do so!Gatherings take place in the Brookshire Village subdivision in Warsaw. That's only 10 minutes south on State Road/SR-15 from the Highway/US-30 intersection. In fact, you can get here in only 10 minutes from about anywhere in the Warsaw-Winona Lake corridor. If you live outside Greater Warsaw, you are also welcome. After all, you shouldn't miss out just because your town doesn't have an IRL Gathering. Maybe that can arranged in the future. We'll see.
Anticipate Gatherings being held at the same location each week. If there is a change in time or location, IRL community members will always be the first to know through timely IRL WhatsApp announcements.In those instances, we'll take care of needed details, and seek to provide an exciting alternate activity. But that's nothing for you to worry about. These details won't cause any problems on your end. Just keep an eye on your IRL WhatsApp Community notifications. the days prior to upcoming IRL meetings.This underscores the fact that the only reliable source for IRL information is our official WhatsApp Community. You'll learn more about it later, on the Connect page. We've got you covered.
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Whoa, what's this?
Congratulations! Like a secret message surreptitiously placed at the end of a blockbuster movie, you've discovered the secret Bonus IRL Easter Egg!This is another important part of our efforts, as we are promoting special IRL Events designed to build your friendships with people~ just as IRL Gatherings are designed to build our relationship with God.
IRL Events
This means, besides weekly Gatherings that include fellowship and a Bible study, you can expect additional social opportunities in the form of IRL Events. (Rowdy, raucous applause)
As IRL grows, a diverse calendar of exciting events will be offered. These will be coordinated and communicated by IRL, and led by our leaders or you, our IRL family. Those who are responsible for assisting in the creation and hosting of these types of activities will be a part of our IRL Crew. Devoted IRL members will be allowed and invited to be a part of this leadership squad (Crew). That is the team responsible for the planning and hosting of Official IRL Events.>
All of this information can be found on the IRL WhatsApp Community. That free app is an essential tool that allows community members to join sub-groups. These include conversations with Co-Ed 20s-only, Co-Ed 30s-only, Men's Only (20s-30s) and Women's Only (20s-30s) groups. This allows you to connect with and befriend people in any sub-group that interests you.Be prepared to get busy. Soon, you'll be peppering your schedule with your choice of small and large-group events. Be sure to check out our Connect page.
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Now that you have an understanding of IRL Gatherings and Events, take a moment to learn more about the IRL Founder. You can also find out how to get involved to support IRL or how to become a part of the IRL Crew.
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Leader
Who Leads IRL?
IRL was launched by Freddy Cardoza in the summer of 2026, because of his growing conviction that more needed to be done to encourage Zoomers and Millennials. Freddy believes the potential of today's 20s and 30s is enormous, but not yet even remotely exhausted. He feels this is due to inattention and inadequate investment into these age groups over the years, including now.
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Conviction to Take Action
Freddy feels that today's men and women in their 20s and 30s comprise a pivotal cross-section of generations wedged between the Old and New Worlds. They came to age during COVID-19, the AI Revolution, and a world of geopolitical turmoil and economic crises— when time stood still.Having moved into adulthood during those catastrophic years of global turbulence, these men and women were forced into a world that was detached and disconnected. Despite that, they were expected to flourish without being given the structures needed to support their successful launch into the world.IRL seeks to provide the encouragement, environment, and equipping that Gen Z and Millennials need to flourish into the men and women that God intended. IRL believes that by building a real-life community of real people and real faith, today's emerging adults can transform into being, belonging, and becoming happy, healthy, whole, and holy people. That's why IRL exists.IRL Leadership welcomes other spiritually mature, personally generous, and emotionally healthy median adults to contribute to this noble cause. To learn about the vision of IRL and discuss opportunities to meaningfully participate, contact the IRL Founder, Dr. Freddy Cardoza. After that, we might have a talk or set up a Zoom meeting. Let's do this! (Serious inquires only).
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Bio
Dr. Freddy Cardoza is Vice President of Grace Theological Seminary and Dean of the School of Ministry Studies at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. He has lived and served in the Greater Warsaw area since arriving on January 1, 2019.Freddy has been married since 1993 to his wife Kristy, and they have two grown sons. Freddy has served in theological higher education for over 25 years, was a pastor for two decades, and has been an ordained minister for a combined 30+ years. He has led large and substantial young adult ministries in Arkansas, Kansas CIty, and Chicago, in addition to other executive roles. Go here to learn more about his life and ministry.
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FAQ
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Anytime you consider checking out a new place or group, you have questions. We understand. That's why we've identified answers to some frequently asked questions that you may have. After you learn more, we believe you'll feel relaxed and know that you're among friends.
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FAQs
What exactly is IRL?
Think of it as a group of people in their 20s and 30s who enjoy hanging out, having meaningful conversations, eating food, and laughing a lot. But most of our gatherings will also include a lesson from the Bible taught by the IRL Leader, or a highly equipped and spiritually mature Christian approved by him. In those 30 minute-or-so lessons, we'll think about life, and seeking to interpret it through a biblical lens. It'll be a combination of big picture perspectives about our beliefs, along with practical lessons from the pages of scripture. But, at the same time, IRL is not a church service. It's not a class. It isn't a weekly worship service. It's a community that gathers to experience and live life together, and to be encouraged.
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Who exactly is IRL for?
If you're in your twenties or thirties, you're probably our people. People who will enjoy IRL are those who like to meet interesting people, laugh a lot, and who aren't intellectually lazy— meaning they are curious people, who like to think and learn, because they don't have it all figured out. So whether you're a 20s college student, young professional, newly married, single, new to the area, or tired of not having anything to do and looking for authentic community, we'd love to meet you.
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Who isn't IRL for?
IRL isn't for people who cannot respect our mission to provide this type of relational and redemptive space for 20s and 30s to meet freely and without opposition. On one hand, we warmly welcome people from all backgrounds, including those who are committed Christians, nominal church attenders, religious seekers, authentic skeptics, and even people from other faiths who want to learn about Jesus and Christianity.We are excited and eager to get to know each and every person. But we would draw the line if a situation arose where someone sought to distract the Gathering from its mission or created a threatening or unkind environment.Otherwise, we welcome people who, like us, don't completely have their lives together, and we celebrate those who are seeking to get their lives together. That's where we want to go, after all. As you can see, everyone is welcome. So come as you are.
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Is this going to be awkward?
Only if someone burns the pizza. Seriously though... We've all been the new person somewhere. And it's too bad that simple things like an adult fellowship gathering has so much baggage and causes PTSD.As for IRL, our goal is simple: To help you feel welcome without making you the focus of everyone's uncomfortable attention. You won't be asked or expected to do weird things. You won't be expected to do anything at all. Just relax and enjoy yourself and others.
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What if I'm not a Christian?
Every IRL attendee is wanted and welcomed. When you come, you'll encounter all types of people. Some will be followers of Christ; others will be spiritual seekers; and still others will be on a journey of spiritual discovery.But giving different labels to describe people isn't particularly important to us, though. That's because we're not seeking to be religious or to create "religious" people. We do, however, want to see people's lives transformed by God Himself, through this community. So the best type of people for IRL are curious people: those who want to be challenged to think, to find themselves, and begin to figure life out, all while taking part in an amazing community of people who want to engage with others IRL.A couple more things: You won't be put on the spot or expected to have everything figured out. Questions are welcome here. We're not threatened by your questions, doubts, or uncertainty. We honor everyone who is on a spiritual quest to find meaning and truth. We welcome it!
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What if I don't know much about God, the Bible, or faith?
These things are a mystery to most people. That's part of why we're meeting. The fact is that no one's an expert, including those who lead IRL.But those who teach at IRL are theologically and biblically informed, kind-hearted, and capable communicators who can play a role in part of your spiritual journey.Though we all have lots of questions, IRL has the assumption that we all want to be prepared for anything that life throws at us. We think the ancient truth of the Bible is immediately relevant to life today, and that it offers wisdom that can transform us. In addition, IRL leaders believe people have a natural curiosity about existence, reality, morality, ethics, truth, God, Jesus, human nature, global challenges, personal issues, and everything in between... but too often, these themes are neglected and not pursued, needlessly leaving us with deep questions about life and beyond.IRL teachers are capable of meaningful instruction and constructive discussions about who God is, what He is like, and how God's Word applies to life. IRL teaching won't be aggressive or defensive. It'll be inquisitive, interesting, stimulating, investigative, and exploratory.Lastly, at IRL you'll never be looked down upon. Just "being here" is the point. We honor you for your interest in finding yourself and then building a life that counts.
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Can I just come observe?
Absolutely. There is no participation trophy given to people for "talking." You won't be put into a situation where you're expected to offer a public prayer or to demonstrate what might seem like a physical posture of praying, or similar types of things. You do you.And even if there was a special moment of devotion, if you'd rather sit quietly, think, or listen for a while, you can do that— of course! You can do whatever you want! No one is expected to perform, and nobody is checking up on you. Just be yourself. We're easy.
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Is this a weekly worship service?
IRL Gatherings are social events that provide incredible opportunities for connecting with others while also having a spiritual component where you can learn helpful principles from the Bible, all "in real life." Local church congregations conduct weekly worship services, but IRL isn't a church and the Gathering isn't a worship service. IRL does not have a pastor, does not baptize, does not present the Lord's Supper, isn't a mission, nor is it a new church start. There isn't a band or song leader, regular group worship songs, singing, or sermons. So when IRL meets, it will feel completely different than a church, even though there is a lesson being taught from scripture. We also want church leaders and pastors to know that IRL will not "become" a church. It is not a competitor to local churches, nor does it want to take emphasis away from the wonderful and supremely important things that churches do. In fact, we want to encourage people at IRL to get involved with a good Bible-honoring Christian congregation. But IRL isn't any of those things. It is a "gathering" whose focus is creating a space and place for 20s and 30s adults to gather and do life together.
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Is there anything specific I know about going to IRL In-Home Gatherings?
Extend General CourtesyBecause of the homeowner's willingness to regularly open their home to whoever wishes to come, we recommend being warm, kind, and considerate to other IRL guests, the homeowners, and the home itself. Whether it is considering removing one's shoes while inside, alerting gathering hosts when bathroom or kitchen supplies are needed, or helping throw away food leftovers or cleaning up spills, all of that would be appreciated at the host home.Fully Participate in Gathering ActivitiesIRL is created for you, so enjoy it! So whether it is interacting with others, respectfully engaging in Bible study, or participating in group activities, take full advantage of the opportunity! Another way might be playing a role in volunteering in some capacity to coordinate IRL Gatherings, Events, or communication.Remember the IRL Target Audience and MissionThe IRL Target Audience: Though a ministry like IRL could benefit many different types of people, its mission is to serve 20s and 30s adults. That is another way of saying that IRL simply cannot meet the needs of everyone. For example, childcare services and children's ministries are not provided. Attendance to IRL is exclusive to adults. In addition, participants are to be in their 20s and 30s, not younger, nor older. *With that said, IRL welcomes discussions with others past their 30s, as they may be eligible and welcomed to play a leadership role in IRL, either as Hosts or other Crew members. Anyone beyond their 30s should proactively initiate that discussion with the IRL Leader. This is a welcomed conversation, but one designed to protect the integrity of our mission.The IRL Mission: The mission of IRL is to help 20s and 30s find real life, real people, and real faith in order to help them be, belong, and become all God intends. These values drive the organization, and no other priorities can become the focus of the organization. IRL hopes to help people develop friends and deep relationships. This may even grow beyond platonic friendships in some cases, though that is not the stated purpose of IRL. Either way, careful attention will be given to ensuring any privately budding relationship does not become a distraction to the group, or individuals in it. In addition, no IRL attendee is to become the subject of unwanted attention from other attendees. IRL members and IRL leadership will work to ensure the ministry promotes and protects the safety, security, and sanctity of all participants.
Is there a "dress code" or special expectations of how to appear at IRL Gatherings and Events?
There aren't "rules" or the like. There's just one "guiding principle" that should govern these things: We would appreciate the effort to ensure that one's demeanor or appearance doesn't distract other attendees away from our purposes for meeting together. This is a common sense concept that we're certain will be easy to honor.Hopefully these FAQs are almost too obvious and a waste of time to read. We don't want any barriers whatsoever to keep everyone from enjoying time together. But we've provided these to ease your mind and to disarm potential concerns.Now let's get on to more important things!
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CONNECT
Next Steps
Life is a journey that takes place one step at a time. IRL wants to be a part of your path toward a more amazing, fulfilling, and meaningful life."Progress" in the spiritual journey of life is nothing more than taking tiny leaps of faith, by putting one foot in front of the other.
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The IRL Pathway
Pathway Step 1
You are being invited to head upward on the IRL Pathway. To take full advantage of IRL and what we have planned for those within driving distance of our Warsaw, Indiana location, you are being challenged to take the first three steps on the IRL Pathway.Ironically, YOU'VE ALREADY TAKEN THE FIRST STEP. By already taking the time to learn more about IRL, you're already on your way toward our vision of connecting you to others, so you and they can take advantage of mutually-beneficial opportunities to gather for meetings and other group experiences!Congratulations!Now it's time to courageously take the next exciting step!
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Pathway Step 2
Below you will find two ways to connect with us: E-Mail or WhatsApp.
STEP 2 of the IRL Pathway involves you building a bridge from any current isolation and alienation in your life by making contact with IRL. While you can certainly email us, the most meaningful and necessary step is to join our IRL WhatsApp Community.
E-mail is best for asking a specific question, if needed. First review the FAQ section, which might give you an immediate answer to what's on your mind.But the real journey begins when you take a step toward meeting other quality people in real life. The best way to begin is by joining the IRL WhatsApp Community. It has been launched to support and supplement our real-life gatherings and events.Keep in mind that, while we gladly volunteer our time, IRL isn't yet available 24/7. But if you contact us below, we'll reply soon! Then, continue to come back to our IRL Community as more people begin to populate it!Follow along below, then find Pathway Step 3.
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E-Mail IRL a Question
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Connect on WhatsApp
For those who don't prefer email, open a chat and connect in our IRL WhatsApp Community right away. The IRL WhatsApp Community is the official source for all IRL communication and happenings. In it, the IRL Community can get informed and be encouraged. They can also ask to belong to sub-sections that offer group chats with fellow men, women, 20s, or 30s, all designed to help each person in the IRL Community to become the person they want to be. All emerging adults are invited to participate in the WhatsApp Community, even if they live outside the immediate area, so they can be enriched, encouraged, and equipped.We look forward to hearing from you!
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Pathway Step 3
Great work. The final recommendation to help you take meaningful steps on your journey toward faith, fulfillment, and a fantastic life is to stay tuned for the next IRL Gatherings and Events. Once you see these, be prepared to take action on IRL Pathway - Step 3 by joining others in real life @IRL.We'll see you soon! And in the meantime, share this page with a friend. Don't keep good news to yourself!