Holy Tension & Tough Topics with Drew Berryessa
About Drew
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
About Mariah
Mariah Anne is a 20 year-old full-time college student studying elementary education and minoring in human development. . Though she didn't grow up in a particular faith, she has been actively building relationship with God. She is at a point in her life where she wants to connect with more Christians and grow in her faith.
When she was eleven, Mariah received a Bible that helped her through a hard time. When she read some commentary in the Bible that she didn’t like, she discontinued her pursuit of faith for a time. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community, she has wrestled with the sense of belonging and Christianity. But the desire to have relationship with Christ hasn’t gone away. There have been times in her life-especially times of fear or need- where she has turned to God. The pandemic has recently been the impetus for her returning to a pursuit of God and finding comfort in online church services and podcasts.
Ultimately, Mariah wants a deeper relationship with Christ, to be authentic, and to find a sense of the fulfillment and understanding that she observes in people of faith.
Today, Janell and Mariah sit down with Drew Berryessa. Drew shares about his ministry and some of the challenges he has faced, his experience with sexuality and the Biblical position on it, and more! They also talk about the Gospel and living for Christ requires sacrifice. We hope you enjoy this episode!
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Mentioned in this Episode
Drew Berryessa
Are We There Yet? - Drew Berryessa
Sit, Walk, Stand - Watchman Nee
The Hound of Heaven - Francis Thompson
FSR s4e21 with Mariah
FSR s4e10 with Brenna Blain
FSR s4e8 with Drew Berryessa