- Denomination: Christian Church (Restoration Movement)
- Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
- Size: 720
- Website: https://www.reallife.church/
- Hiring for: Creative arts director
Real Life Christian Church urgently needed a new creative arts director, a crucial role responsible for preparing, implementing, and producing Sunday morning worship. Brett Coates, executive director, emphasized the urgency, recognizing the significant impact the vacancy was having on their church experience and worship environment.
About Real Life Christian Church
Energetic, welcoming, and gospel-centered, Real Life Christian Church strives to be distinctly different by creating an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, regardless of background. Their mission is to provide an environment free from distractions where individuals can deeply connect with Jesus during Sunday worship.
Real Life takes worship seriously, recognizing it as central to the spiritual health and growth of their congregation. The church aims to offer vibrant and authentic experiences that resonate with attendees from all walks of life.
The ideal candidate
Real Life sought a candidate who:
- Could elevate Sunday worship experiences
- Had a West Coast perspective and influence
- Embodied passion and creativity in worship ministry
Searching from coast to coast
Initially consulting another search firm, Brett quickly realized they needed broader reach. This firm referred them to Vanderbloemen, known for an extensive network and rapid placement capabilities.
Brett and Real Life’s senior pastor met with Vanderbloemen to clearly outline their expectations and desired candidate profile. Understanding the urgency and unique cultural fit required, Vanderbloemen swiftly utilized their nationwide network. Vanderbloemen consultants promptly identified potential candidates, quickly leading them to Josh Combs from Sunnyvale, California.
About Josh Combs
Josh emerged as an ideal candidate from Vanderbloemen’s nationwide search, capturing the church’s heart and vision immediately. Josh relocated from California to Chesapeake, Virginia, with his wife and three daughters, eager and passionate about leading worship.
Josh Combs was ideal because:
- Proven ministry experience and worship leadership
- West Coast perspective aligning perfectly with Real Life’s vision
- Clear calling and passion for vibrant, impactful worship
“Josh is exactly who Real Life needed—his passion and style perfectly match their community and worship culture.” – Vanderbloemen executive search consultant.
Real Life found their ideal candidate swiftly, thanks to Vanderbloemen’s extensive network and efficient approach, securing a vibrant future in worship leadership.
Almost ten years later, Josh still serves in this role. His long-term dedication has provided Real Life with consistent leadership, stability, and a deep-rooted worship culture, greatly benefiting the church by nurturing sustained growth and community engagement over the years.
