I've had the privilege of working with pastors and spiritual leaders for over twenty years. In the process, I've learned that many of us, even those who are publicly successful, hold "secrets" close to our heart. They sound like this:
My ministry sometimes feels more like a burden or cross to bear than a joy-filled calling...
I'm profoundly lonely because I have to keep a wall around myself...
I sometimes struggle in my faith with doubt, uncertainty, and fear...
I have a difficult time slowing down and enjoying meaningful hobbies outside of my ministry...
I feel like I have to care for others before I can take time for myself...
I'm worried about the ways my ministry affects the persons whom I love the most (my spouse, children, parents and friends)...
I'm exhausted by the demands of my calling and fear that I'm on the edge of burnout...
Life and ministry do not need to feel this way!
What if you could design a rhythm of life that nourishes your soul and frees you to be your best self for ministry and for your family?
What if you could apply simple tools and resources to rethink your understanding of mission so that you can look forward to the next decade and beyond?
Introducing Deep Dive Spirituality with Dr. Brian Russell
I've been there. I preached my first sermon at age 19 and became a pastor of a local congregation at age 24. Since then, I've served rural, urban, and suburban churches as a pastor. I've also planted a church. Plus over the last twenty years, it's been my privilege to mentor and teach over a thousand students as a seminary professor and to speak in dozens of churches, camps, and conferences.
I know the heavy load that we carry. I've experienced the pain and disappointment of working in difficult contexts. I've lived through personal trauma. I've struggled to balance work with my heart desire to be a loving husband and father.
I've had to ask deep questions of myself. Besides continuing to cultivate my expertise as a biblical studies and missional thought leader, I've read hundreds of books on personal development, burnout, recovery, transformation, spiritual growth, time management, and psychology. I've worked with multiple coaches and spiritual guides who helped me to work through my pain and to reboot my life for the highest purpose.
In the process, I've gained deep insights into the love of God and grown in grace in ways that I'd never previously experienced. I've been sharing bits and pieces of my personal revival with students in class and more deeply in private mentoring. But I believe it's time to share these lessons with frontline ministry leaders like you.
I invite you to join me for a spiritual deep dive:
–Cultivate life enhancing habits rooted in ancient practices that are uniquely designed for your personality and that serve your highest and best self
–Take immediate control of your time and learn to move through overwhelm and hidden fears
–Create goals for a truly abundant life
–Transform your study into times that feed your soul, mind, and body
–Uncover and experience transformation and healing for your deepest wounds that are sapping you of energy and joy
–Grow into the person God created you to be in a dynamic group experience that you can then replicate in your ministry context to expand your impact on the world
–Work with other like-minded spiritual leaders to create solutions to your most difficult challenges in ministry
The Process
We'll meet as a group via Zoom video conferencing for two live sessions per month. Each session will involve guidance from Dr. Russell, group reflection to apply the new ideas, and a time for a "hot seat" coaching conversation on a ministry challenge or question. Members will covenant to put in the time to do the deep work of growth in between the sessions. Sessions will last roughly an hour.
Interested? Email me at deepdivespirituality@gmail.com
For those desiring a more private process, I am accepting a small number of clients for one on one coaching.
Brian D. Russell, Ph.D. is an academic dean, professor of biblical studies, Licensed practitioner of NLP, Life Coach and Business consultant.
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