Tom Joyce serves as the pastor of discipleship and family at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Virginia. Tom graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After completing flight training, he was selected to fly the F-14 Tomcat and then graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun). Two years later, Tom was selected to fly in some of the scenes of the movie Top Gun starring Tom Cruise. Tom met his wife, Deshua, in 1979 in Pensacola, Florida. He was in flight school at the time, and Deshua was teaching at Pensacola Christian High School. Tom served for over twenty years in the Naval Aviation Community and survived the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon, which included his office. Tom retired from the Navy in July 2003, after a twenty-five-year career in which he and Deshua led and ministered to men, women, and families in the Naval Aviation community. In addition to his degree from the United States Naval Academy, Tom received master’s degrees from Harvard University and Capital Bible Seminary. Tom and Deshua feel God has led them to work closely with families, encouraging couples in their marriage commitment, and equipping mothers and fathers in their desire to leave a godly legacy. They married in 1983 and have four grown children, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. 

Dr. Ken Whitten is the national director of pastoral leadership for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He retired earlier this year after serving as senior pastor for 33 years at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida. Ken Whitten is Ginny’s husband of 45 years; dad to four adult children (Tara, Andy, Kimberly, and Philip), all of whom serve and follow Jesus; and poppy to 13 grandkids. 

Key highlights of Pastor Ken’s 44 years in ministry include serving as the Florida Baptist Convention president, president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference, IMB trustee, FCA national board member, Guidestone board member, member of the Great Commission Task Force, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office chaplain, and many other local and global SBC initiatives. 
 

As Ken was mentored by the late pastor Adrian Rogers, Ken also enjoys mentoring up and coming pastors. The strength of Pastor Ken’s ministry is Jesus and Ginny, in that order. His 33 years of ministry at Idlewild Baptist Church included two campus buildouts, five church plants, and a current membership of nearly 14,000.  

Dr. Penn is passionate about serving Christian early education teachers and leaders. She has over 30 years of experience in organizational leadership and as a primary and secondary instructor. Althea is certified as a professional development specialist, early childhood educator, and administrator. As director of early education, she provides consultation and professional assistance to early educators, supporting them with a Christ-centered focus and helping them with biblically based resources and professional development. Althea’s favorite children’s book is The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You! by Jan Berenstain, and her favorite verse to teach children is Jeremiah 29:11. 

Rich Andrews serves as the vice president of Word of Life Florida Ministries. He is a graduate of the freshman and sophomore programs at Word of Life Bible Institute (92’–95’) and has a B.S. in business management and ethics from Trinity College of Florida. In 1994, Rich married his wife, Lynn. They became full-time staff with Word of Life New York in 1995 and served on The Ranch, The Island, and Gospel Productions. In the fall of 2000, Rich and Lynn became part of the staff at Word of Life Florida, where they have served with Camps, the Conference Center, and the Bible Institute. 

Kyle has been serving with Word of Life and preaching the Word for over 20 years, and he has a passion to see revival happen in the lives of young people. Kyle’s calling is to ignite excellence in others through the preaching of God’s Word and discipleship. He puts this calling into practice as the camp director of The Coast and Pursuit Camp. Kyle is a graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute and Tennessee Temple University. Kyle, his wife Nicola, and their four children live in Hudson, Florida. 

Brandon has over 25 years of experience in worship ministry and over 20 years in full time ministry. He currently serves as the minister of music and worship at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida. 

Brandon is a graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute and spent many years directing the music and drama programs at Word of Life’s Florida campus. He blends the heart of a shepherd and the heart of a worshipper in every aspect of his leadership, whether as a musician or a pastor. 

Brandon will be leading corporate worship times during The Portion Conference and will also be sharing his heart through one of our breakout sessions.  

Chip Nightingale is an executive with Word of Life Fellowship and is a gifted national and international conference speaker, author, entrepreneur, and life and leadership coach. His goal is to help people to grow in their understanding of themselves and the people they lead. Chip has been successful in business, coaching high school and college sports, launching and growing a volunteer program, revitalizing a church that grew from 75 to over 700, and serving as the executive director of a camp to inner city and under resourced children.  

Krissie Glass is a faithful follower of Jesus. She was born and raised in Texas, and lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Cameron, and their 6-year-old twins, Joah and Selah. Krissie is a licensed professional counselor, trauma specialist, life coach, author, and speaker. She holds a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and works for Care for Pastors, a ministry organization that provides counseling and resources to pastoral families.  Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Krissie developed a heart for working with the local church. With her experience, education, and extensive background working in the field of mental and behavioral health, Krissie partners with churches and parachurch ministries around the world to help others understand mental illness in a biblical and practical way.