CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

In 1996, Drew surrendered his sexuality to the Lordship of Christ, leaving behind a homosexual relationship. Drew chose to trust Christ with his future, believing that the Word of God was trustworthy and that Christ would be faithful to give him a life worth living outside of a homosexual identity or relationship. This surrender began a process of transformation and healing confronting the issues of same-sex attraction and overall relational dysfunction in his life.

Drew began full-time ministry to the sexually and relationally broken in 2004, joining the staff of Portland Fellowship, a para-church discipleship ministry in Portland, OR. Drew spent ten years in ministry there, ending his time as the Assistant Director to found A Living Letter Ministries in 2015.

Drew’s life and testimony stand in stark contrast to the current cultural narrative about sexual identity, demonstrating instead what Christ can do for a sexually broken life submitted to His Lordship. With the current shifts in ideology regarding sexuality, identity, gender, and God’s transformative power, Drew's ministry, experience, and insight stand as a redemptive voice of truth to the body of Christ.

Drew is a graduate of Multnomah Bible College, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Ministry and Leadership. In addition to being the Founder and Director of A Living Letter Ministries, Drew serves as a Teaching and Counseling Pastor at Living Waters Church in Medford, OR. Drew released his first book, Are We There Yet? in 2018, adding author to his list of accomplishments.

Of all the roles and titles he carries, his most prized titles are that of husband and father. Drew and his wife Suzanne have been married since 2004 and together they have the joy of raising their three daughters.

Since 2009 Thaddeus Heffner has practiced as a licensed marriage and family therapist in the greater Nashville area. Facilitating individuals and groups both, he has increasingly found himself working with men and young men around issues of addiction and attachment.

Being certified in EMDR Trauma therapy, Thaddeus also works with men, women and teens who struggle with anxiety, PTSD, and other trauma wounds and messages in their life.

His passion is to help people understand that we each have a unique story, and to see them embrace healing in their lives while getting their needs met through a healthy community.

Thaddeus Heffner, LMFT is a member in good standing with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Nashville Area Association of Christian Counselors.  

http://www.thaddeusheffner.com/

Joanna has been in the field of Mental Health Counseling since 2005 and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, clinical supervisor, and former adjunct professor of psychology at Union University. She is the owner of a thriving group counseling practice with three locations, where she leads a team dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families find healing and connection.

Specializing in working with couples from all walks of life, Joanna often works with those stuck in unhealthy patterns that block emotional and physical intimacy. With advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and certifications in EMDR and Brainspotting, she brings expertise in addressing trauma and its impact on relationships, including sexual trauma, purity culture wounds, and attachment challenges.

Joanna believes that as we begin to address our traumas and pain, healing becomes possible. When we further explore and realign misplaced dependence on our spouse or marriage back toward God, we open the door to greater emotional freedom, deeper connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. This shift allows us to build stronger, healthier relationships without the weight of unrealistic expectations, avoiding the cycle of disappointment, resentment, and burnout. Joanna is passionate about guiding couples and individuals through this process of healing and realignment, helping them rediscover intimacy, purpose, and wholeness rooted in faith and personal growth.

https://www.mattersoftheheartcounseling.org/

Gary Polk is a devoted Christ-follower and an adoring husband to the love of his life, with whom he shares three grown children.

A recently retired Las Vegas Fire Captain, Gary's career achievements include being awarded the Medal of Valor and being honored as Captain of the Year in 2023. Upon retirement in March 2024, he and his wife relocated to Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Gary is an avid golfer who enjoys kayak fishing and bringing his wife's dream of a mini homestead to life.

Gary strives to live authentically as the spiritual leader of his family and has a passion for forging deep Biblical relationships with other men through vulnerability, transparency, and accountability.