The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast

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...

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...

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 Scr...

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 West...

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 Boo...

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 Chri...

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: brian@brianrussellphd.com or www.brianrussellphd.com Check out my books: The featured resources are my two book on the m...

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 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 conve...

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 brian@brianrussellphd.com Here are the many resources mentioned: Books that Shaped Me: Every book has the potential to teach you something about coaching. Refuse to r...

In this week's episode, Brian interviews Wade Arp (D.Min) on how he uses Scriptural Imagination to keep him clear and empowered for mission and his passion for church planting and renewal. Connect with Wade: warp@kyumc.org Books recommended by Wade: Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest https://amzn.to/3ID7WTP   Mulholland, Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation https://a...

In this special episode of the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations podcast, Brian shares Episode 1 of the new coaching podcast that he is co-hosting with Mark Dunwoody.  Brian and Mark introduce the Watering Hole Coaching podcast by talking about what coaching is, how it's helped them, and how coaching can serve the world You can also subscribe to the audio feed wherever you listen to podcasts. S...

In this episode, Brian Russell reflects on the process of true mastery: learning to walk the path rather than focusing on knowing the path or destination. You’ll find deep wisdom on how to learn and grow as the key to deep fulfillment and in becoming the person God created you to be. Brian’s Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Books Recommended by Brian: George Leonard, Mastery: The Keys to Success a...

In this episode, Brian Russell reflects on the role of fear in the spiritual life. He takes us on a deep dive into what it really means to fear God and why this actually frees us from the common fears that bind us and hold us back. Brian’s Website: www. Brianrussellphd.com Books Recommended by Brian: Susan Jeffers, Feel the Fear... and Do It Anyway: Dynamic Techniques for Turning Fear, Indecision,...

In this episode, Brian Russell shares his key insights from 2023 including his top books from 2023. Listen in to his discussion of DONE, spontaneous bursts of pure joy, best books, transformational teaching, how to walk the path, and owning one's personal health. Brian’s Website: www. Brianrussellphd.com Books Recommended by Brian: Scott Galloway, The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Faceboo...

In this week’s episode, Teresa Yerkes of the Christian Meditation Center shares about the practice of Christian Meditation and its role in the spiritual life. Teresa Yerkes is the Founder of Christian Meditation Center, has been a Christian since 1983 and has practiced Christian meditation since 2000. She is the author of three books, Come Closer: The Practice of Christian Meditation, God Within Y...

Dr Ken Schenck takes us on a deep dive into the holiness message for the 21st century, the present/future of Christian Education (and the role technology plays in making it even better), and how AI can enhance our work. Connect with Ken: Blog: http://kenschenck.blogspot.com/ Campus https://www.campusedu.com/ See Ken’s books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Mjg2TQ Books Recommend by Ken: Joel Green, Rec...

Brian Russell talks about how to read Scripture for conversion to the heart of God. Every reading of the text offers each us us an opportunity to align or realign with God's heart. We must always be the first converts to our interpretation. Read more in my books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (2023) https://amzn.to/402BlOP and (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scrip...

In this week's deep dive, Brian Russell shares tactics and tools for living moment by moment out of our true identity as men and women loved by God. He describes a triad of values that create a container for our life. Interested in more? Check out this video on creating a rule of life: How a Rule of Life Helps You to Grow in Love for God, Neighbor, and Self https://youtu.be/r98dPPZARH0 Brian Russe...

In this episode, Brian Russell unpacks Jesus’ initial proclamation: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Listen in and discover what Jesus’ call for a radical change in life and perspective means for us as 21st century Christ followers. To learn even more check out Brian's book (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE   (I recommend...

In this week's episode, Brian Russell reflects on how mission minded leaders can create a kingdom ethos within their communities of faith through language, cultivating the right environments for worship and growth, and modeling mission through their own actions. 10 Minute Video on Teaching the Biblical Narrative https://youtu.be/iK2ba3R9wm0?si=2rUGx9zqdGuEJqT5     Brian Russell’s Books Astonished...

In this episode, JR Woodward takes us on a deep dive into the nature of authentic Christlike servant leadership and how missional leaders can practice a self-emptying spirituality that reshapes us into the types of persons who model Christ before a watching world. Pick up a copy of JR’s latest book: The Scandal of Leadership: Unmasking the Powers of Domination in the Church https://amzn.to/3YWYgLc...

In this episode, I explore the relationship between centering prayer and reading Scripture for deep transformation. I believe this short reflection will serve you in your journey of grace in the growth of love for God and neighbor.   Brian Russell’s Books   Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8     Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Prese...

In this week's episode, author and pastor Derek Vreeland takes us on a deep dive into what it means to hold Jesus as the center of our spiritual formation, our moral lives, and our corporate life as God's people. We also talk about the rhythms of writing. Check out Derek's latest book: Centering Jesus: How the Lamb of God Transforms Our Communities, Ethics, and Spiritual Lives https://amzn.to/45E7...

Dr. Brian Russell talks about the critical importance of learning to speak human for missional living. You'll learn key principles for connecting with both church and world. You'll also gain critical insights into Scripture and missional living. Brian Russell’s Information Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespiri...