What Vanderbloemen Is Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Every year, our team here at Vanderbloemen pauses on Thanksgiving to focus on what we're thankful for. While each of us is immensely grateful for our families, our loved ones, our country, and our health, we also are in awe of the work God allows us to do here at Vanderbloemen.

In short, we are thankful for YOU, our Vanderbloemen community. But some of our team members put it much better.

Here is what the Vanderbloemen team is grateful for this Thanksgiving, in their words:

Sarah Robins, Director of Client Relations - "This year, more than ever before, we've worked with a lot of churches under 1,000 in size. I've loved hearing the stories and triumphs from these churches and am so thankful we're getting a chance to make an impact for the Kingdom with them."

Deanna Kotrla, Executive Search Consultant - "This year, we have seen God’s Kingdom expand on earth. It is a privilege to be a small part of the work we do here and to walk in the sacred spaces and conversations that happen daily."

Rusty Gates, Search Specialist - "I'm genuinely thankful that I daily get the chance to hear the stories and passion of amazing pastors."

Holly Tate, Director of Business Development - "In 2016, I'm especially thankful for the incredible international ministries we've gotten to work with overseas. I think of specific ministries that are ministering in cultures that are adverse to the Gospel. To see their perseverance in difficulty and commitment to sharing the love of Jesus even in challenging places inspires and humbles me."

David Whiting, Executive Search Consultant - "I'm thankful that after 23 years of pastoring one local church, I now get to see God at work in so many churches through searches, consulting, and coaching. What a blessing!"

Thilini Cate, Copywriter - "The impact of women in ministry today is simply astounding. I'm thankful for the wisdom, candor, and excellence they offer the local, regional, and global church."

Danny Watterson, Executive Search Consultant - "I'm so thankful and humbled to have the chance to serve amazing churches and organizations in some of their most delicate and sacred stages of decision-making.  It never gets old watching first-hand how God takes these churches to a whole new level."

Jeff Gilmer, Candidate Support Specialist - "This year, I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with a passionate and caring team to help build the kingdom!"

Tim Stevens, Director of Executive Search Consultants - "This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful specifically for the amazing people I met at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham last month. They have a tremendous legacy, and I’m so grateful to partner with them in finding their next Senior Pastor."

Katie Viscontini, Business Development Coordinator - "This year, I'm especially grateful for the church leaders who come to our coaching networks. I feel honored to be a small part of facilitating their growth as leaders and offering them a safe space to do so. I feel blessed just thinking about their churches' continued growth and impact!"

Caroline Smith, Search Specialist - "This year, I am thankful for the opportunity to see continual growth at churches we've worked with when I first started here at Vanderbloemen. Such a gift to have a front row seat to the Kingdom and what God is doing through His Church." 

Bob Sutton, Director of Candidate Relations - "I'm especially thankful for our Candidate Relations Team this year. They've worked harder than ever before and been able to help an incredible number of pastors in the midst of their transition." 

Gail Mayes, Search Specialist - "As a mom of two little boys, I praise God for and am filled with thanks towards the amazing leaders in Children's Ministry. What a gift to know that our kids are taught the gospel every Sunday in an environment that is fun and engaging." 

Ben Homesley, COO - "I am humbled by and grateful for the sacred places that we're invited to walk into. Our clients come to us at a crucial intersection of their church story and trust us to be their guide through their transitional time. I am grateful to be a very small part of this amazing group."

Jennifer Winge, Executive Search Consultant - "I am thankful I have been able to see how God uses the beautifully distinct and diverse churches throughout our country to reach equally distinct and diverse individuals with the message of Christ."

Katie Bivens, Research Specialist - "This year I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our candidates. Being able to witness what God is doing in their lives and their hearts during a sacred time of potential transition is something I do not take for granted!"

Adrienne Vanderbloemen, CFO - "This year at Vanderbloemen, I am most thankful for the blessing of a new office space and a very flexible staff who have rolled with the transitions while still doing an awesome job in their roles!" 

Brian Dunks, Executive Search Consultant - "This year, I am thankful to be a part of a cohesive, collaborative, creative team of people seeking to connect the dots between churches and candidates."

Katie Chapman, Assistant to Consultants - "I’m especially thankful for the front row seat I’ve had to see God work in the influence that Vanderbloemen has had in the lives of our clients, pastors, candidates, and employees to impact the kingdom of God. It's been an honor being a part of a team who truly desires the best for all churches." 

Sam Murray, Search Specialist - "I am thankful for the opportunity to hear the stories of many pastors who God is using to restore difficult situations and hurting church bodies."

Jay Mitchell, Executive Search Consultant - "I'm grateful to see all the unique ways God can work through all the different styles of churches we are privileged to work with. God's Kingdom is growing and making a difference!"

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?