Deep Dive Spirituality: A Dynamic Coaching Program for Pastors and Spiritual leaders

Deep Dive Spirituality: A Dynamic Coaching Program for Pastors and Spiritual leaders

Dear Pastors and spiritual leaders:

Do you ever feel run down in your work as a pastor?
Have you ever feared that the constant demands of ministry were slowly draining your spiritual vitality? Have you ever felt guilt or shame around these struggles? Are you looking to revitalize your first love in the midst of the busyness of life?

I understand and have been there too. I’m in ministry for the long haul and have experienced the highs and lows over the last thirty years. Also I've had the privilege of working closely with pastors and spiritual leaders just like you for over twenty years as a seminary professor.

In the process, I've learned that many of us pastors hold "secrets" (like the ones above) close to our heart. Some sound like this:

My ministry sometimes feels more like a burden or cross to bear than a joy-filled calling...

I'm lonely because I have to keep a wall around myself...

I sometimes struggle in my faith with doubt, uncertainty, and fear...

Scripture doesn’t always seem as fresh and life giving as it once did...

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 but I want to be faithful...

Life and ministry do not need to feel this way!

Remember Jesus’ words:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28–30

What if you could design a rhythm of life that nourishes your soul, deepens your relationship with God and frees you to be your best self for ministry and for your family?

What if you could gather with other pastors and leaders committed to dynamic and deep transformation?

What if you could apply simple tools and resources to rethink your understanding of mission and calling so that you can be energized and retooled for the next decade and beyond?

Introducing Deep Dive Spirituality with Dr. Brian Russell

I've been there. I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ since I was 15 years old. I preached my first sermon at age 19 and became the “senior” 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 well over a thousand students as a professor of biblical studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and to speak in dozens of churches, camps, and conferences around the country.

I know the challenges that we face as pastors and spiritual leaders. I’ve felt the burden of expectations. I've experienced the pain and disappointment of working in difficult contexts. I've struggled to balance ministry with my heart’s desire to be a loving husband and father. I’ve faced burnout.

But I did not stay there. You don’t have to either.

I learned to ask deep questions of myself and look for help. Over the last decade plus, besides continuing to cultivate my expertise as a Biblical studies and missional thought leader, I’ve devoured hundreds of books on personal development, contemplative practices, burnout, recovery, transformation, spiritual growth, time management, and psychology. I’ve attended retreats and workshops. I’ve completed training programs. 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 my seminary classroom 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:

–Deepen your relationship with God and your experience of God’s grace and love

–Build new spiritual muscles by honestly owning both your strengths and weaknesses, your talents and your flaws

–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 long-term goals for a truly abundant life–goals that rekindle your sense of mission and –goals that will pull you forward in your growth in love


–Transform your study into times that feed your soul, mind, and body

–Gain new interpretive skills from an award winning teacher of biblical studies

–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 pastors and spiritual leaders to create solutions to your most difficult challenges in ministry

How does it work?

We'll meet in small groups of 4–7 via Zoom video conferencing for two live sessions per month (approximately 1 hour per session). 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.

Gain access to all of this for $100 per month. This program is billed quarterly and requires a minimum commitment of 3 months ($300).

TESTIMONIALS:
“It was great to work with Brian. He encouraged us to share with him the areas in which we wanted to experience growth. Brian helped us see challenges from different perspectives. He also brought clarity to things we were facing both in our professional and personal lives. His counsel was insightful and he provided concise take-aways on which we could reflect throughout the week. Brian has become a trusted advisor and friend.” – Mike and Jade M

“Dr. Russell can guide you. He is an active listener that can unveil revelations and open up new alternatives you may not have considered. His guidance was vitally important and favorably regarded.” – Betzy S.

“Dr. Russell is incredible. I am thankful to have had this experience. I have
seen noticeable and transformational growth spiritually and professionally.” – Anonymous Participant

“I realize that my potential is higher and I am more capable of being able to live within my own skin. I am so thankful for the impact that Brian has had on my life and am looking forward to the next step with "Deep Dive Spirituality." – Keith H

Interested? Email me at deepdivespirituality@gmail.com for an application and to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Russell.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(1) Is there a curriculum? Yes and no. Dr. Russell has tools that will help you but the actual curriculum is tailored around the goals, challenges, and needs of the group members. In other words, you are the curriculum. Your growth and spiritual vitality are the reasons for this coaching program. There are no cookie cutter solutions to the challenges faced by pastors and spiritual leaders. Dr. Russell will focus his experience and knowledge to deliver results to you.

(2) Can I create a group with my ministry friends or church staff? Yes, mention this in your email to deepdivespirituality@gmail.com and I’ll send you a group application. Discounts are available for pre-arranged groups of at least 5.

(3) How long does the program last? It is designed for one year but since spiritual formation and growth are a lifelong process it will be up to you to decide how long to stay enrolled. The basic commitment is a block of 3 months and it’s billed with that assumption.

(4) Can deep spiritual formation occur in an online group video chat?
Definitely. I’ve been in online small groups since 2015 and they’ve been life changing for me. Zoom technology is cutting edge. The testimonials above testify to this. Here is the “secret”: Commit to showing up fully present, being honest with yourself, and do the work.

(5) Will there be opportunities for face to face meetings? Dr. Russell has long term plans to hold weekend retreats for interested participants in Deep Dive Spirituality. Stay tuned for more information.


(6) What if I’m not satisfied with Deep Dive Spirituality? Your commitment is for three months. There are no refunds. Do the work and participate in the video calls. If you are not experiencing results, you may drop out of the program after completing the three month commitment.

(7) What if I desire one on one coaching with Dr. Russell? Dr. Russell works with a select number of individuals each year. Contact him directly at deepdivespirituality@gmail.com to schedule a powerful coaching conversation today.

(8) What if I have to miss a group meeting? There will be a followup email that details the session and includes any assignments. Communicate directly with Dr. Russell if you know you will be missing a session.


(9) How do I pay? Deep Dive Spirituality with Dr. Brian Russell is billed via PayPal. PayPal accepts major credit cards and bank transfers. Payment is due at the beginning of each quarter.

Let me thank you for reading this far. It would be my privilege to serve you in your spiritual journey and ministry!

Peace,
Brian
Rev. Brian D. Russell (Ph.D, Professor of biblical studies and Transformational Coach)

PS– New groups are forming now. Email/Write now: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com for an application to Deep Dive Spirituality and to schedule an initial conversation with Brian

PPS– Bonuses for Signing Up:

(1) One private one on one coaching call per quarter with Dr. Russell
(2) The Deep Dive Spirituality Toolbox of worksheets designed with you in mind to help you reflect deeply on your life and ministry
(3) Brian’s latest teaching videos sent directly to your InBox
(4) Immediate Access to Brian’s Teaching Series on Centering Prayer
(5) Instructions for the five minute journaling practice that helped Brian to transform his life (Video and PDF)
(6) Guide on How to Study the Bible (PDF)

PPPS–All this for a $100/month commitment. Billed quarterly. Thank you for privilege of serving you.