MEET THE TEAM

 
 

Joel Warneking | Executive Director

First and foremost I am a follower of Christ, Secondly, I am a husband to my beautiful wife Rachel, and father to my amazing daughters Amia, Mercy, and Noralee. 

I started my recovery journey in 2014 and have been radically changed by the goodness and love of God. I have dedicated my life to the ministry of reconciling men and women back into the right relationship with God and one another. So many people live life never knowing what it feels like to be known and loved in the midst of their pain and shame. So many have felt lost, stuck, and hopeless in their endeavors to be freed from shame and addiction. My deepest longing is to invite individuals to step into a community, a community that will walk with them in this journey of discovering who they actually are, behind the veil of shame, behind the layers of isolation, to help them for perhaps the first time find the freedom that is theirs in Christ. I am honored and blessed to be able to serve our Communities in whatever capacity is needed! 

 

Rachel Warneking | Women’s director

I am a wife to Joel and mother to three precious daughters. After my husband’s disclosure early in our marriage we found ourselves in need of a recovery community and shortly after moving to Portland, Oregon found 423 Communities. It was through 423 where we moved out of isolation and began to heal. In 2016 I started volunteering and eventually became a member of the Board of Directors in 2019. In 2023 I moved into a part-time role as the 423 Sisters Director. 

For me, there's nothing quite like seeing individuals find their identity in Christ and experience true wholeness through Gospel-Centered restoration. It's why I'm so dedicated to the work we do here at 423 Communities. I believe that everyone deserves a place where they can belong, be heard, and be loved, regardless of what their story holds.

As the Director of 423 Sisters, I'm committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for women to process the effects of betrayal trauma. It's a privilege to be a part of this program and to witness the transformation that takes place when women come together ready to engage parts of our stories that some have never been invited into. I'm honored to be a part of this team, and I hope that anyone walking the road of betrayal alone wouldn’t have to anymore through our program and resources.

 

Blake Brinkman | 423 NEXT Director

I was saved and started following Jesus my freshman year of high school and ever since I have always had a passion for seeing the next generation experience life and freedom in Christ! I worked in student ministry for 5+ years, where many students described the pain, frustration, and hopelessness of being stuck in pornography addiction. The same pains that robbed many years of my life from the intimacy and connection we were designed to have with Jesus and others. It is during this season, with the help of many great friends and mentors, I created the Alliance Student Recovery Program which has seen multitudes of students experience deeper life in Christ and freedom from addiction. I am beyond excited to continue this mission to offer hope and healing to the next generation with 423 Communities. I have been married to my lovely wife Katherine since March 2020 and we love to enjoy our life and Christ together along with many dear friends. 

 
 
 

Katie Johnson | Young Women/Women’s Director

I knew about God growing up but it wasn’t until my senior year of High school that I began to believe I was His child, worthy of love and acceptance. I’ve worked in college and student ministry for 8 + years and love seeing the younger generation live out their identity in Christ. Completing my Masters in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University has fueled my passion to equip women of all ages to know Gods design for sexuality.

I’ve experienced life in isolation where shame messages left me crippled. I know the feeling of being stuck and having unwanted desires. We all crave connection and intimacy, knowing we are fully loved and accepted no matter what. Growing in deeper intimacy with God and others can only happen if we allow ourselves to be fully known.

My husband James and I have been married for 7 years. We have two dogs and enjoy any fun adventures where we can hang with friends, play and laugh together. Some of our greatest hero’s are those who admit they need help. Out of our own brokenness and stories we can be wounded healers. It’s sacred space to journey with those seeking help when life feels unmanageable.

 
 

Joe McCrary | leadership development director

My name is Joe McCrary and I’m the Leadership Development Director for 423 Communities. I’m here to help, encourage and allow men to see their true potential. Life is hard and it is my belief that everyone needs a little direction as we try to navigate this thing called life. I have a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry from Pfeiffer University and a Masters in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University with a concentration in addiction. Nobody enters into a relationship or marriage expecting it to be hard and the same thing goes for a first drink or look at something on the internet. If you do not give it attention the problem with continue to grow until it gets unmanageable. That’s what I will walk you through, giving the hard things attention. These things can be worked on and things will be better. Hard work and dedication is all that it will take. It’s not a quick fix. Ask anyone who has been in counseling it takes work, but you will have to want it. I would love to partner with you. In this journey we will explore old thoughts and create new ones. We will look through our past and see what is a truth and what is a lie that we have bought into. I’m sure that I can help you reach your goals if you want it bad enough.

 
 

APRIL GADDIS | ASSISTANT TO THE EXEC DIRECTOR

I have been working with 423 communities since the Fall of 2018. I love the work that we do here at 423 Communities. Daily, you can see the difference this organization is making in people’s lives.

I live in Oklahoma City with my husband Zachary, son Jayson and our dog Mariah. I have worked as a virtual assistant since 2016 and I love it. Getting to help others accomplish their goals and make their lives easier is truly a passion of mine. In our spare time, my husband and I love to go hiking and spend time outdoors. We also have a husband and wife band called From A to Z that we write music for and gig regularly.