Russell has been in pastoral ministry since 1996 as a youth pastor, associate pastor, interim pastor, church planter, and senior pastor. His leadership experience in multiple contexts of ministry has prepared him for this opportunity to plant and grow a life giving church in North Okaloosa County, Florida. He has been happily married to Christina since 1994 and they have two sons, one daughter, two daughter-in-laws, one son-in-law, and four grandchildren.