Dr. Juli Slattery is a clinical psychologist, author, speaker and the president/co-founder of Authentic Intimacy. Juli earned her college degree at Wheaton College, an MA in psychology from Biola University, and an MS and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology.
From 2008-2012, Dr. Slattery served at Focus on the Family writing, teaching, and co-hosting the Focus on the Family Broadcast. In 2012, she left Focus on the Family to start Authentic Intimacy, a ministry devoted to reclaiming God’s design for sexuality. Juli is the author of ten books and host of the weekly podcast “Java with Juli.” Juli and her husband Mike are the parents of 3 sons; they live in Akron, Ohio. |
As a third-generation pastor, Nick Stumbo started his ministry career at the East Hills Alliance Church in Kelso, Washington. Serving as their lead pastor for more than a decade, Nick observed the fallout of sexual brokenness and devastation in the lives of men and women in the church and recognized, like never before, the need for a culture of grace in the Church.
Confronted with his own addiction to pornography, Nick and his wife, Michelle, found hope and healing through the counseling and group ministries of Pure Desire. It radically changed their lives! His public disclosure to his church body lead to a revival of forgiveness and healing, launching Pure Desire groups—of hope and freedom—for men and women. Following his healing, Nick stayed connected to Pure Desire through group leadership and has authored two books, Setting Us Free and Safe. Today, as the Executive Director for Pure Desire, Nick continues to believe that the Church can become a place of healing and that Pure Desire is leading the way. His passion for the Church and this ministry is evident. |
Matthew Rueger received his M. Div. from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne and a Ph.D. in Christology from Durham University in England. He is the author of Sexual Morality in Christless World (CPH 2016), and “Christian Sex Education: The Great Cover-up” in Ethics of Sex (CPH 2017).
Rev. Rueger began his interest in sexual ethics after being invited to lecture at an ethics class at Iowa State University on the topic of a “conservative Christian response to same-sex marriage.” His exchange with the students prompted his research into the historical setting of New Testament sexual ethics. He has lectured on this topic in Taiwan, Lithuania, Germany, and Russia and at conferences throughout the U.S. He and his wife Dana have been blessed with 7 children and reside in central Iowa where he has served as Lutheran pastor for over 30 years. |
Jake Porter is a Board Certified Counselor, Doerr Institute Certified Professional Coach, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. He is also the creator of Couple–Centered Recovery, a model for treating attachment wounds of couples experiencing the trauma of betrayal.
Dr. Jake is a Level II PACT Clinician and has undergone extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an evidence–based treatment for couples who have suffered attachment injuries. He has worked with couples from around the world who have travelled to Houston for treatment of severe attachment injuries and relational trauma. Jake lives in Houston with his wife, Kristen. |