Joanne is an anointed teacher and speaker.  The Lord has moved her ministry beyond the state South Carolina.  She is now speaking nationally, fulfilling her ministry mission to spread the Gospel, advance the Kingdom of God and to help people draw near to God.  

Nearly 20 years ago, the Lord began planting the seeds of Drawing Near to God Ministry. Joanne Ellison had a calling to cultivate Bible studies throughout the community of Charleston, South Carolina. Most of the studies were in small group settings. She soon realized that the Lord had something bigger in mind—perhaps she could bring together the people from the various studies to begin a community-wide study. In 2000, she launched a “pilot study” and by 2006, 300 participants attended Drawing Near to God. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8.   Her hope is that people will continually come together in unity to draw near to God, study His Word and come into a personal relationship with Him.   

As leader and teacher of Drawing Near, Joanne writes, teaches, and produces all Bible Study materials based on the Holy Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments. In 2007, she published Drawing Near To God, A 365-Day Bible Devotional.  Joanne’s Bible Studies can be heard on two local radio stations and one local TV station.

Joanne is a graduate of the College of Charleston.  She continues her love of learning by continuously studying the Scriptures, taking theology classes and spending precious quiet time with the Lord where great instruction and revelation come.

Joanne is married to cardiologist, Blount Ellison, M.D. She is the mother of three and grandmother of ten. She resides in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and is an active member of Saint Andrew’s Mount Pleasant, SC.