Lead Pastor, Erik Gernand
Erik Gernand has been our lead pastor since 2008. He is passionate about communicating the new life available to everyone through Jesus. Erik has a B.A. in Psychology & Religion, an M.A. in Religion and a Masters of Divinity. He is also an ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Erik is married to Ashley and has two beautiful children, Anna (5) and Grey (3). You can connect with Erik at erikgernand@reallifecommunity.org, twitter (@erikgernand), or follow his blog at www.erikgernand.wordpress.com.
Worship Leader, Ashley Gernand
Ashley Gernand is our Worship Arts Pastor. She has a gift in leading God’s people in worship. Ashley holds a B.A. in Music from Olivet Nazarene University and has 9 years of experience as a worship leader. Ashley is married to Erik and they share the same kids. You can connect with Ashley by e-mail at agernand@reallifecommunity.org.
Nurseries Director, Hilary Holmes
Hilary Holmes is our Nurseries Director. She brings a great love to our little ones and leads a fabulous team of volunteers who are glad to make the childrens’ experience the highlight of their week. Hilary formerly led the Nurseries Ministry at Brentwood Church of the Nazarene. She is married to Bryan and they have a 4 year-old son named Micah. You can connect with Hilary at holmes5629@bellsouth.net.
Youth Pastor, Ben Stanhope
Ben and Samantha Stanhope team up to lead our youth ministry. Ben sensed a call to full-time vocational ministry after serving a term in the United States Marine Corps. He is currently studying Youth Ministry at Trevecca Nazarene University. Samantha “makes tents” at Bass Pro Shops in Nashville and is working towards her nursing degree at Trevecca. Both Ben and Sam have an incredible heart for our youth and their lives in Christ. You can connect with Ben at benstanhope22@gmail.com and on twitter (@benstanhope).
You can also keep in touch with the youth department on facebook by joining the group Real Life Community Oasis Youth.
Missions, Teresa Miller
Teresa Miller is our Nazarene Missions International President for 2011-2012. We are excited that Teresa is serving our church in this role. She brings a passion for community outreach and compassionate ministry along with a servants heart. Teresa is an elementary teacher at Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro. She is married to Dan and they have two awesome kids, Drew and Jessica.
Children’s Pastor, Sarah Suits
Sarah Suits is our elementary Children’s Pastor. She is currently a student at Trevecca Nazarene University studying Religion with a focus in Youth Ministry and Psychology. Sarah grew up in Cleveland, TN attending Cleveland First Church of the Nazarene where she served in various positions of leadership during high school. She has a heart for ministry and enjoys ministering to our children each week in Real Kids.
