The Salt & Ember Marriage Conference

Dave and Brooke Ross have been married for 29 years, and their story began right where their hearts already were: in church, serving in ministry. In that season, both of them knew that if they were going to have a future with someone, God would have to be the one to put the right person in front of them. And He did. From the very beginning, their marriage has been built on that same trust, with Jesus at the center.

For 29 years, Dave and Brooke have served side by side in ministry, and their marriage has been tested along the way. Together they have walked through the loss of parents, a cancer diagnosis, and job loss. Those seasons taught them that a strong marriage isn’t one that avoids pain. It’s one where two people hold on to each other, and to God, when life hurts.

That journey has given them a deep compassion for couples who are hurting. They understand grief, uncertainty, and the weight of hard seasons, and they love helping couples find the hope, healing, and strength that are possible on the other side.

Family is their greatest joy. Dave and Brooke are the proud parents of two sons and a daughter, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. Their favorite days are full ones: chasing a new adventure, sharing a great cup of coffee, and gathering the whole family around one big, loud table.

Having trusted God with their story from the start, Dave and Brooke are passionate about helping couples protect their friendship, keep Christ at the center, and build a marriage worth passing down to the next generation.

Doug and Gretchen Reid have been married for 35 years, and their story began in the most fitting place for two outdoor lovers: a sporting goods store. From that first meeting, they built a life with Jesus at the center of their marriage, and that foundation has shaped everything they’ve done since.

For 33 years, Doug and Gretchen have served side by side in ministry. Today they pastor Coast City Church in Oceanside, California, where they have watched God transform lives and shape culture in their city. Gretchen is involved in every aspect of their ministry alongside Doug, while also working full time in the marketplace teaching financial management and future planning. She is a gifted teacher with a passion for inspiring women to live the full, abundant life God designed for them.

For the past six years, Doug and Gretchen have hosted a morning podcast Monday through Thursday, encouraging listeners around the globe to dig deeper into their relationship with Jesus. Their warmth, honesty, and love for God’s Word have made them trusted voices for people hungry to grow in their faith.

Family is their greatest joy. Doug and Gretchen are the proud parents of four sons, two daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. When they’re not teaching or pastoring, you’ll find them outdoors. They have traveled the world exploring beautiful places and are inspired by the history of humanity and the fingerprints of God across creation.

Having walked through 35 years of marriage and decades of ministry together, Doug and Gretchen are excited to help couples build marriages that don’t just survive, but truly thrive.

Tom and Jami Hammel have been married for 27 years, and their story started long before their wedding day. They first met as kids in their junior high youth group, but it wasn’t until after high school that friendship turned into something more. Built on a shared faith from the very beginning, their marriage has always had Jesus at the center.

For 30 years, Tom and Jami have served together in ministry. Tom is the Executive Pastor at The Gathering Church in Surprise, Arizona, and is also an author, speaker, and podcaster with a passion for helping people grow deeper in their walk with God. Jami has served in nearly every corner of ministry, from leading worship to organizing events. Today she brings that same heart to her work as a fitness coach, marriage coach, and real estate agent, helping people build strong bodies, strong homes, and strong relationships.

Family is their greatest joy. Tom and Jami are the proud parents of two amazing daughters and an incredible son-in-law. When they’re not teaching or serving, you’ll find them in the gym, where staying active together has become part of the rhythm of their marriage.

Tom and Jami are determined to have the best marriage ever, and just as determined to help other couples chase the same thing. After 27 years, they’re still choosing each other, and they believe the best is yet to come.