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 the 807th Medical Command in Salt Lake City, Utah, and recently completed a Master of Strategic Studies through the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
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.