Russ began serving as our Senior Minister in May of 2017. A native of Radford, Virginia, Russ earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina as a Religion and Political Science double major in 2000. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in 2003, and was ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) after graduation. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

During his seminary years, Russ served as Youth Minister at Creekwood Christian Church in Flower Mound, Texas. After graduation and ordination, he accepted a call to serve as Associate Minister at Collierville Christian Church near Memphis, Tennessee. In 2007, Russ was called as Associate Minister for Youth at University Christian Church of Fort Worth where he served for nearly 10 years.

A graduate of Furman University’s Army ROTC program, Russ serves as a chaplain in the Army Reserve. He is currently assigned to U.S. Army Japan where he completes his Reserve duty in a 5-week block every year, and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies through the U.S. Army War College.

Outside of church, Russ enjoys traveling and finding great restaurants (if you’re familiar with the Enneagram, he is a 7), dabbling in home improvement projects, and attempting DIY endeavors like smoking foods. Russ’ wife, Sarah, is also a lifelong Disciple and TCU alumna, and they have four children.

From Alex: I grew up in Cedar Hill, Texas where I was the fourth of seven children.  I received my bachelors degree in Music Education from Texas Christian University in 2009, and my MM in Choral Conducting from TCU in 2011. At TCU, I served as the Drum Major of the Horned Frog Marching Band, an Associate Justice in Student Government, and as the Conducting Graduate Assistant of the TCU Choral Department. I currently teach choir in a local school district in the Fort Worth area. I came to Ridglea Christian Church as a stereotypical poor music student simply looking for work. I have truly been blessed to be included into such a wonderful and inclusive congregation.

Anna is currently a senior at Texas Christian University where she is majoring in Computer Science and serves in leadership with Disciples On Campus. A native of Spring, Texas, she grew up in a Disciples church and knew how to livestream before it was something every church needed to learn how to do. In her role as Office & Media Coordinator, Anna handles many of the church's administrative tasks during the week and on Sundays ensures that media is seamlessly incorporated into our services in the sanctuary and that those worshipping online have a great experience.

Mollie first joined our staff in September 2022 as Office Administrator, and left in March 2023 to keep up with her growing textile arts business. We're thrilled that she returned to our staff in December 2023 as Artist-in-Residence. In this 3 hr/wk role, Mollie shares her artistic and creative gifts to enrich our worship services, small groups, sacred spaces, and other areas of church life.

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Mollie is a graduate of Warren Wilson College (BA, Social Work) and Vanderbilt Divinity School (Master of Divinity) where she met her husband, Ryan (yes, our Minister of Outreach). She is currently working toward a Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Social Transformation through the Center for Prophetic Imagination and the Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing (MICAH). You can learn more about Mollie's art on her website or see her in action on her Instagram.