'American Idol' Contestant Comes to Point of Grace Church

From small-town, country boy to the musical big leagues, Jason Rich has done it all.

The now 26-year-old from Stout, IA, first hit it big when he auditioned for the popular reality TV show, "American Idol" in 2007 but now, Rich is singing to smaller crowds as the new youth worship leader at Waukee's Point of Grace Church.

Rich, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, grew up in Iowa, married his high school sweetheart, Bailey, and set out to build a career as a church worship leader.

"Before that, we had never really been away from home," said Rich of the couple's first move to Georgia where he lead several different church music programs. "I took a job in Savannah and spent two and half years there. Toward the end of that, we started talking about how much we missed our family and our family missed us a lot, too. When the job came up in Waukee, I contacted them and it was perfect timing."

Now two months into his new job, Rich said life is, literally, a song.

"I originally took the position as worship music director with students with a goal toward transitioning into the adult music director for entire church," he said.

His first adult service was last Sunday, something he says was, "Awesome."

Even with his newfound position, Rich is still hoping to hit it big as a mainstream music artist. Since his "American Idol" debut, where he was cut right before producers chose the featured finalists, Rich has released a Christian music album and recently discovered his love for country music. He hopes to release a country music album in the near futures.

For now, Rich said he and his wife have not only returned to their Iowa roots, but have also found a new church family at Point of Grace. He hopes to pay them back with a successful music program.

"I think the community here is great," he said. "It's all about growing and always pushing to the next thing. That’s my personality. I don't ever relax. I have huge goals and building up Point of Grace, that’s another big goal for me. I like when I see my visions come to life and I plan to make that happen here."