Dr. Kevin Watson takes us on a deep dive in the doctrine, spirit and disciplines that have fueled the Methodist movement. We talk about entire sanctification as well as the lessons modern “Wesleyans” can draw from our past in the hope of experiencing deep renewal in our day.  Kevin Watson (PhD, Southern Methodist University) is Director of Academic Growth & Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He regularly teaches on the history of Methodism and the Holiness Movement and Wesley’s...

Brian takes us on a deep dive into the provocative question that Jesus asks a blind beggar: “What is it that you want me to do for you?” Rooted in Psalm 13 and Mark 9:30–10:52, Brian offers a powerful challenge both to disciples and to outsiders desperate for what only God can do. Want to connect with Brian? www.brianrussellphd.com Sign up for centering prayer resources: www.centeringprayerbook.com Brian Russell’s Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation...

In this week's episode, Brian Russell hosts Dr. Russell West. Russ shares about his leadership journey and offers actionable tactics and tips for helping to build dynamic teams that advance their mission in transformational ways.  Check out Dr. Russell West's latest book: The Culturally Conscious Board: Setting the Boardroom Table for Impact https://amzn.to/4hwviuq Connecting with Russell West: www.RussellWest.info LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/russell-w-west-ph-d-92b8a94b...

Brian Russell talks about how to navigate seasons of spiritual dryness.  He offers trench tested spiritual practices that will help you grow through the dark nights of the soul. Questions or need help? Email: [email protected]  Brian Russell’s Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV  Centering Prayer: Sitting...

Dr. Brian Russell teaches on how biblical authority works in our lives. He uses the common “Wesleyan Quadrilateral” to explore our blindspots and help us to open a little more to the deep transformational work that God desires to do in us through our reading of Scripture Key resources mentioned:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN Recommended Videos: Idolatherapy https://youtu.be/jpoEIYd0VMM   How Centering Prayer Can...

Dr. Brian Russell shares best practices for implementing a missional vision for your local church in 2024. Drawing on his expertise and passion for missional interpretation of the Bible and his years of experience as a church planter, missional thinker, and coach, Brian offers actionable steps for transforming your understanding of leadership, biblical interpretation, and mission in our day. Key resources mentioned: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016)...

In today's episode, Brian Russell reflects on how to become a holy, missional community in 2024. Brian is passionate about reading Scripture missionally. You will learn key questions to help you as well as your community of faith to embody the Bible's "Go to" and "make disciples" ethos. Resources to help you:(re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World ($2.99 on Kindle): https://amzn.to/46tP8kV Brian's Spiritual Growth Workshops: www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops Brian...

In this week's episode, we welcome back Marcum Davis to take us on an even deeper dive into the importance of gratitude and his work with Abundance International (a 501 3c  organization he founded to serve orphans in Ukraine).. Check out Episode 166 for Part One of my conversation with Marcum: https://youtu.be/IjAHYy8vqV4  Check out Episode 167 for Part two of my conversation with Marcum: https://youtu.be/gMrWLorl5jA Check out Marcum's new book.  Legacy: Live with Purpose, Find Fulfillment,...

In this week’s episode, Brian Russell presents Avoiding the Seven Mistakes that Cause Pastors and Spiritual Leaders to Rust Out. This episode will also describe the opposite seven behaviors that promote flourishing in ministry for the long haul. Sign up for Brian’s 2024 Spiritual Growth workshops: www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops  . You’ll receive the zoom invites and also you’ll get the video replay as well as all of the tools and resources I share. Next workshops: July 24...

In this week's episode, we welcome back Marcum Davis to take us on an even deeper dive into creating a lasting godly legacy. He shares the core concepts of his Legacy "PEACE" formula. Check out Marcum's new book.  Legacy: Live with Purpose, Find Fulfillment, Be Remembered.  https://amzn.to/4eKKLWh Sign up for bonuses and free content: www.marcumdavis.com Support Marcum's 5013c Abundance International https://www.abundanceinternational.org/ Sign up for Brian's Summer 2024 Free Spiritual Growth...

In this week's episode, Marcum Davis helps us explore how to live a life that leaves a true legacy. You will be inspired and hear a powerful story of faith and gratitude that will help you live out the life you were created for. Check out Marcum's new book.  Legacy: Live with Purpose, Find Fulfillment, Be Remembered.  https://amzn.to/4eKKLWh Check out Abundance International (a 501c3 that supports orphans in Ukraine) www.abundanceinternational.org Sign up for bonuses and free content:...

In this episode, Brian Russell reflects on the dangers of assuming that God is on our side or my side rather than asking the deeper question: Am I on God's side? Listen in as Brian takes us on a deep dive into Joshua 5:13–15 where Joshua learns the key lesson that prepares him to lead Israel against Jericho and beyond: It's about the holiness of the leader and not about the demonization of the "other." You'll learn how a commitment to the love of God and neighbor shifts the way we can think...

In this week's episode, Roz and Callie Picardo return to the podcast to talk about their new book Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional, and Financial Freedom (Invite, 2024). We share a powerful and insightful conversation around money mindsets, money in relationships, and how these relate to our spiritual growth and formation. Take the Money Mindset Assessment:  https://app.agolix.com/assessment/24830 Order a copy of the book: https://amzn.to/4emzZ8x  For bulk orders,...

In this week’s episode, Amos Smith shares deeply from his personal experience in contemplative mysticism. We talk about the release of the 10th anniversary edition of Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots, why centering prayer is a critical practice today and his writing practice. Amos Smith (D.Min) earned a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Religion from The University of California at Santa Cruz in 1993, a Masters of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley...

In this episode, I (Brian Russell) take you on a deep dive into Paul's words in Philippians 3:17 "Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” Questions I explore: What kind of person do I need to become to serve as a model of Christ like character for others? Is Jesus' life merely aspirational or can humans literally live out the mind and character of Christ? How might God be calling me today to surrender even deeper into...

In this week’s episode, I reflect on Paul, missional holiness and the Gospel for today. I offer a deep dive into Paul’s missional method as he describes it in 1 For 9:19–27. This episode will empower you for more profound missional engagement in your community.   Highlighted resources: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed)...

In this week’s episode, I offer a missional overview of the book of Acts. I cover three core aspects of the missional message of the book: Mission is spirit driven; Mission advances in spite of persecution through the bold and courageous witness of people; and the apostles use a variety of methods to fulfill the mission of God in their day. Highlighted resources: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin...

In this week's episode, I share key spiritual growth lessons from my recent extended sabbath time and travel to Italy and Greece. I start with reading a section of Seneca’s Letter 28 on Travel, reflect on not working at all for 19 days, ponder the wonders of 21st century life, share a deep insight into “eternal” kingdoms and life’s meaning, contemplate the “relics” of Christendom (Eastern and Western versions), marvel at the long term influence of Athens and Rome, describe the brilliant...

In this week's episode, I share key growth lessons that I've learned from coaching pastors and spiritual leaders. If you listen to this episode you will gain insight into the challenges of ministry as well as learn actionable steps for growing in grace as a pastor or in support of a pastor. To learn more about my coaching: www.brianrussellphd.com or www.deepdivespirituality.com Brian Russell’s Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8...

In this week’s episode, I interview Dr. Ryan Danker, director of the John Wesley Institute. He is hear to introduce an important new book The Faith Once Delivered: We talk about the unique contribution of Wesleyan theology and future of “Methodism” as a multi-denominational movement. The John Wesley Institute: www.nextmethodism.org Get a copy of The Faith Once Delivered: A Wesleyan Witness to Christian Orthodoxy https://amzn.to/4cEN9wX Books Recommended by Ryan Danker: Heitzenrater, Wesley...

Dr. Brian Russell (Ph.D., Professor of Biblical Studies) reflects on the missional implications of the resurrection through the lens of Luke 24. Please "like", subscribe and/or share if you found this video helpful for your faith and growth in grace. Questions? Reach out to me: [email protected] or www.brianrussellphd.com Check out my books: The featured resources are my two book on the missional message of Scripture: For pastors and teachers: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture...

In this week's episode, I reflect on the centrality of the cross in the life of a disciple. Here is the poem I share: I can see Jesus carrying his cross all alone,
 He took on our flesh so far from his rightful throne. 
 Disregarded his name
, He embraced the cross
 And its shame
 To save the lost. He’s the Son of God, carrying the sins of the world   I can see Jesus wearing a crown made of thorns,
 In the anguish of death, feeling humanity’s scorn.
 His Father’s will to obey
 He...

In this week's episode, I interview three pastors from S. Georgia: David Donnan, Scott Stanfill, and Jack Varnell. They were and remain my original Deep Dive Spirituality group. We began working together in August 2019. Together we've navigated Covid-19, a hurricane, moving to new churches as well as the regular demands/challenges of being a pastor in the 21st century. In this raw and honest conversation, they reflect on how Deep Dive Spirituality coaching has helped them grow. To learn more...

In this episode, I share my coaching journey including the experiences, books, trainings, and key moments that have helped learn to serve my clients powerfully one on one and in group settings. Reach out: www.brianrussellphd.com and [email protected] Here are the many resources mentioned: Books that Shaped Me: Every book has the potential to teach you something about coaching. Refuse to read simply as a means for gathering mere information. The key is to apply insights and lessons...