The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast

Brian Russell (Ph.D., Professor of Biblical Studies) shares key lessons for life and mission on the occasion of his 56th birthday.  Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update/Newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Key Lessons: 1 Two One Line Prayers that Summarize My Relationship with God. 2 The Gospel comes to us on its way to someone else. – Alex McManus 3 You want to set a goal big enough that in the process of attaining it you become someone worth becoming.  – Jim Rohn     4 “Courage is the key that unlocks the door to the future of God's dreams.” Brian 5 “Skin in the game.” Nassim Taleb 6 Small things done consistently over time yield extraordinary results – The Magic Lamp 7 Be for something not merely against things 8 Practice Abundance  9 IDEA Sex 10. Winning isn't always learning; but learning is always winning. — Dan Sullivan Bonus: “Today is the 1st day of the rest of your life. Trust. Surrender. Walk the path.” Recommended Books:  John Maxwell, Failing Forward https://amzn.to/4dgeMwY  Epictetus, Discourses and Selected Writings https://amzn.to/42MJdY0  Hendricks, The Big Leap https://amzn.to/3GDtMJ5  Ellis, The Magic Lamp: Goal Setting for People Who Hate Setting Goals https://amzn.to/4k8f0bF  Taleb, Skin in the Game https://amzn.to/44r9nkj  Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ      Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ      (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com     Connecting with Brian:   Website: www.brianrussellphd.com    Twitter: @briandrussell   Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife   Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com     Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  

Seven Lessons the Church Can Learn from Bob Dylan The Never Ending Tour Don't Rely on the Greatest Hits Package Challenge the Audience Go to New Places Make It about the Music Rely on Your Band Reinvent Continually While Always Being True to Your Roots Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com   Buy me a coffee to support this work: www.paypal.me/drbrianrussell  Recommended Books on Bob Dylan Sounes, Down the Highway https://amzn.to/3RYBOOV  Wald, Dylan Goes Electric https://amzn.to/3YEsDXE  Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting  Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Brian Russell offers a poignant reading of Psalm 137 and shows how psalms of vengeance can help us to grow in love for God and neighbor. Brian talks about trauma and how certain expressions of faith actually oppress traumatized people.  Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com Buy me a coffee to support this work: www.paypal.me/drbrianrussell Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ    Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ    (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a tiny percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, Brian Russell reflects on how to think about and surrender into a time of spiritual growth during the season of Lent and beyond. He shares from his own experiences as well as from the wisdom of John Mark Comer, Dallas Willard, JR Woodward, John Wooden, AJ Sherrill, and Martyn Lloyd–Jones. Resources Mentioned by Brian "How a Rule of Life Helps Your Growth in Love for God and Neighbor" https://youtu.be/r98dPPZARH0 John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way  https://amzn.to/4kr6GV9 Interview with JR Woodward https://youtu.be/58De8PsisLg Interview with AJ Sherrill https://youtu.be/-OfQ3IQbA78 AJ Sherrill, The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation: How Knowing Ourselves Can Make Us More Like Jesus (2020) https://amzn.to/36hezJj Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines https://amzn.to/41vi4GU   Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ    Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ    (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.    

In this week's episode, Dr. Arianna Molloy takes us on a deep dive into the practice and mindsets of sustainable work. We talk about Christian identity and calling and the unique challenges around overwork and even burnout for persons living out a calling. You will gain valuable insights into pursuing your calling and doing so in a way that allows you to grow and serve for the long term.   Buy a copy of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work https://amzn.to/43fBCll  Dr. Arianna Molloy is an Associate Professor of Organizational Communication in the Division of Communication at Biola University.  Website: www.ariannamolloy.com  Books Recommends by Arianna: C.S. Lewis, Great Divorce https://amzn.to/3FeMOo7  ––The Horse and His Boy https://amzn.to/4h4EiFE  Dallas Willard books https://amzn.to/3XlXqrO  Manning, The Furious Longing of God https://amzn.to/43lhSg7  Jane Austen books https://amzn.to/3XpB0pu  Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ    Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ    (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Brian Russell offers a deep dive into how to integrate high altitude spiritual experiences with God. He uses as a model the Transfiguration of Jesus as reported in Luke 9:28–36. Brian offers a close reading of the experience of Peter, John and James in light of the wider context of Luke 9. You will gain insights into the biblical text and learn practices for turning spiritual experiences into transformational living in your day to day life. Interested in joining Brian Russell's Deeper program (launches each Mar 1 and Sept 1): www.brianrussellphd.com/deeper  or email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9     Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #transfiguration #Luke #jesus

Carolyn Moore, a Bishop in the Global Methodist Church, joins me for a deep dive into spiritual leadership. We talk about the role of the holy spirit, Christian leadership, holiness, mentoring others, and discerning God's will. Find out more about Bishop Carolyn Moore: www.artofholiness.com Interested in joining Brian Russell's Deeper program (launches each Mar 1 and Sept 1): www.brianrussellphd.com/deeper  or email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Books by Carolyn Moore: When Women Lead: Embrace Your Authority, Move Beyond Barriers, and Find Joy in Leading Others https://amzn.to/4hX1c2y Supernatural: Experiencing the Power of God's Kingdom https://amzn.to/3EyDUS7 19: Questions to Kindle a Wesleyan Spirit https://amzn.to/3X53HId Books Recommended by Carolyn Moore: John Oswalt, Called to Be Holy https://amzn.to/3QjVGeB Matt O'Reilly, Free to Be Holy https://amzn.to/4k2Ph52 Diane Ury, Holy Love https://amzn.to/4k06Vq8 C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity https://amzn.to/41eVTGi Oswald Chambers https://amzn.to/4iizWfh Dennis Kinlaw, Let's Start with Jesus https://amzn.to/4hYCHSK Ken Blue, Authority to Heal https://amzn.to/4hQvfJg  Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #holyspirit #holiness #spiritualleader

In this episode, Ben Gosden takes us on a deep dive into faith, grace and recovery from addiction in all its forms. We talk about surrender as the pathway to deep healing, right sizing our lives, and growing in God's grace.  Check out Ben's new book: Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing through Faith and Recovery: https://amzn.to/3WQzH2u Rev. Dr. Ben Gosden is the senior pastor of historic Trinity United Methodist Church in Savannah, GA. Originally from Columbus, GA, Ben graduated from Columbus State University with a degree in Political Science. He earned his M.Div. and D. Min. degrees from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Ben is a Christ-follower, husband, father, pastor, and pilgrim on a journey, in the hope that out of our deepest wounds can flow God's greatest work. Contact Ben Gosden at bgosden1982@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.bengosdencoaching.com. Books Recommended by Ben: Cal Newport, Slow Productivity https://amzn.to/4jP74g0 Brad Stulberg , The Practice of Groundedness  https://amzn.to/4jOesby   Brian Russell's Info Interested in joining Brian Russell's Deeper program (launches each Mar 1 and Sept 1): www.brianrussellphd.com/deeper  Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9     Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #addiction #spiritualgrowth #recovery

In this episode, Brian Russell takes you on a deep dive into how to overcome burnout, workaholism and overwhelm in ministry. He breaks down elements to flourishing and thriving: (1) Establishing one's true values and mission (2) Learning to feel one's feelings (3) Setting up a rule of life (4) Practicing Sabbath (5) Creating firm boundaries via rules for saying “yes” or “no” Interested in Deeper: www.brianrussellphd.com/deeper  Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9     Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #burnout #ministry #spiritualgrowth 

In this episode, Brian Russell reflects on the message of entire sanctification for 2025. He covers his personal experiences, key lessons, current thinking, and the importance of holiness for 2025 and beyond. Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Recommended Resources to Explore Holiness of Heart and Life John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection  https://amzn.to/4fFOCTK John Oswalt, Called to Be Holy https://amzn.to/4jpYYKM  Matt O'Reilly, Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/49xJmQQ  Joe Dongell, The Most Excellent Way: John Wesley's Theology of Love (Seedbed, 2024): https://amzn.to/3B1BZ7n Ayers, Bounds, and Friedman; Holiness: A Biblical, Historical and Systematic Theology https://amzn.to/49o4AQQ   Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9     Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #sanctification #holiness #perfectlove

In this week's episode, Brian Russell breaks down his key spiritual growth lessons from 2024 in  a way that will help you in your personal spiritual journey. He covers favorite books, love for the lectionary, writing collects, word for the year, fear, transitions, the power of extended time off and holiness of heart and life. Favorite Books from 2024  John Oswalt, When Morning Gilds the Sky: A Collection of Devotional Thoughts (2024): https://amzn.to/3Ox5Lnv Dethmer, Chapman, and Klemp; The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. https://amzn.to/4aazZa6  George Leonard, Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment https://amzn.to/3tPw9lU  Example of a collect: Our Great God, who pierces the darkness with your light and gives us true life through the Living Word made flesh. Fill us with your Spirit so that we may exult in your salvation, cry out “Abba Father” and live victoriously as your redeemed children and heirs of your promises before the watching world. To the glory of the Father, through the life of the Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Based on Psalm 147, Isa 61:10–62:5, John 1:1–18, and Gal 3:23–4:7) Sign up for Brian's Deep Dive Spirituality Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  Interested in a coaching relationship with Brian for 2025?  Email today: brian@brianrussellphd.com for a deep conversation to see if you are a good fit or check out www.brianrussellphd.com  Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/49MS0ee  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Brian's Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer:  https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com   Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, I offer a deep dive into the story of the Magi from Matthew 2:1–12. I explore the contours of the story to discover challenges for religious insiders and invitation for those on the margins. Sign up for Brian's Free Monthly Deep Dive Spirituality Update: Resources to fuel your Spiritual Growth, Biblical Interpretation and Missional Imagination: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/49MS0ee Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Brian's Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer Information on Brian's Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders:  www.deepdivespirituality.com Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Brian Russell shares his transformational takeaways from his study of the Scriptures related to Advent 2024. Week 1: Psalm 50; Zech 14:1-8; 1 Thes 3:6–13, Luke 21:25–33 Our mighty One, God the Lord, who alone is the righteous judge and our redeemer and deliverer. Help us to be mindful of the times so that we can wait expectantly and confidently for your arrival. Fill our hearts with gratitude so that they are open for the infusion of your holy love in order that we may stand firm in faith and manifest love for one another and for the world at the coming of our Lord Jesus. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen Week 2 Psalm 126; Malachi 3:1–5; 1 Cor 4; Luke 3:1–6 Almighty God, who refines, purifies and restores the fortune of your people. Forgive us our sins. Cut out the idols in our hearts and the injustice that manifests in our lack of love for our neighbors. May we become stewards of your mysteries, voices of hope that announce your coming, and dreamers who embody before the world what you have done in Christ Jesus Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit as One God, now and forevermore. Amen Week 3 Psalm 85, Zeph 3:14–20; Phil 4:4–9; Luke 3:7–20 O God of our salvation, who embodies steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace, Be powerfully present as in days of old. Grant us the courage of true repentance so that we may bear fruit that signals our readiness for the deep work you desire to do in us and through us. Send your Holy Spirit and your fire. Renew and revive a people for yourself that we may exult before the nations in the good news of your salvation.  To you our King: Father, Son and Holy Spirit be all glory now and forevermore. Amen Week 4 Psalm 80, Mic 5:2–5a, Luke 1:39–56, Hebrews 10:1–10 O Lord, our God of the hosts of heaven, Cause us to turn back to you so that we may be saved. May your loving gaze shine anew upon us during this season.  We wait patiently for you to renew us as you did in ancient times. Grant us the faith of Elizabeth and Mary who received your Word and acted on it. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Sanctify us fully through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ the coming One.      To whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.  Sign up for Brian's Deep Dive Spirituality Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Interested in a coaching relationship with Brian for 2025? Email today: brian@brianrussellphd.com for a deep conversation to see if you are a good fit or check out www.brianrussellphd.com Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/49MS0ee Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Brian's Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  

In this week's episode, Alastair Sterne takes us on a deep dive into true biblical joy.  Buy Alastair's Books: Longing for Joy: An Invitation into the Goodness and Beauty of Life https://amzn.to/3ZUGmuD  Rhythms for Life: Spiritual Practices for Who God Created You to Be https://amzn.to/3hvWOZG   .  Books Mentioned by Alastair  Charles Taylor Robert Robertson Andrew Root Willie Jennings Connect with Alastair: Website: www.ordinarymatters.com   www.alastairsterne.com/  Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings? Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  When you sign up, I'll share the Gratitude Amplifier tool with you. If you only want the tool, email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/    Brian's Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer   Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #wesley #holiness #perfectlove #spiritualgrowth Links to Amazon are affiliate links. Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations gets a small fee if you purchase products through the links. This does not affect the price you pay. Thank you for supporting my podcast by ordering some of the suggested resources or by using the links on the way to buy things that you normally use via Amazon.

Dr. Matt O'Reilly takes us on a deep dive into a biblical exploration of sanctification. We talk about his latest work Free to Be Holy and discuss key elements of understanding and proclaiming the biblical doctrine of entire sanctification for the 21st century. Buy Matt's book: Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/49xJmQQ Connecting with Matt:  website http://www.theologyproject.online  YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/theologyprojectonline  Twitter: @mporeilly  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline  https://amzn.to/49xJmQQ Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice (Emory Studies in Early Christianity) https://amzn.to/35diOoH  Bless the Nations: A Devotional for Short-Term Missions https://amzn.to/2GyeRAO  The Letters to the Thessalonians https://my.seedbed.com/product/the-letters-to-the-thessalonians-onebook-daily-weekly/  Resources Recommended by Matt:  Athanasius, On the Incarnation https://amzn.to/3D04iDV  Ayers, Bounds, and Friedman; Holiness: A Biblical, Historical and Systematic Theology https://amzn.to/49o4AQQ  Kinlaw, Mind of Christ https://amzn.to/3OForlc  Verlyn Klinkenborg, Several Short Sentences about Writing https://amzn.to/3c0ZvAo   Carolyn Moore, Art of Holiness podcast: https://artofholiness.com/  Oswalt, Called to Be Holy https://amzn.to/3ZrqVZq  John Wesley A Plain Account of Christian Perfection https://amzn.to/2ZIuLiF Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings? Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Brian's Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer:  https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife   Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #holiness #perfectlove #spiritualgrowth    

In this week's episode, Dr Joe Dongell (Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary) takes us on a deep dive into John Wesley's Theology of Love. Joe offers a true depth of insight into Wesley's ideas about holiness and heart of life. You will be informed and inspired by Dongell's reflections. Check out Joe Dongell's latest book The Most Excellent Way: John Wesley's Theological of Love (Seedbed, 2024): https://amzn.to/3B1BZ7n Connecting with Joe: Joe.Dongell@asburyseminary.edu  Books Recommended by Joe Dongell: G. Eldon Ladd, A Theology of the New Testament https://amzn.to/3ZdEyv1 Ernest Becker, The Denial of Death https://amzn.to/3ZbJ5ye Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings? Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  When you sign up, I'll share the Gratitude Amplifier tool with you. If you only want the tool, email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/    Brian's Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer   Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #wesley #holiness #perfectlove #spiritualgrowth

In this week's episode, I take a deep dive into the role and power of gratitude for opening us to higher levels of spiritual growth in 2024. Cicero wrote: "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings? Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter When you sign up, I'll share the Gratitude Amplifier tool with you. If you only want the tool, email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com Resources Recommended on Today's Episode: Marcus Aurelius Meditations https://amzn.to/2LrD1za Epictetus Discourses https://amzn.to/2LrTEe4 and Enchiridion https://amzn.to/3bfDIX9 Seneca Letters from a Stoic https://amzn.to/3rYtwZa Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Brian's Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #gratitude #thanksgiving #spiritualgrowth

Dr. Kevin Watson takes us on a deep dive in the doctrine, spirit and disciplines that have fueled the Methodist movement. We talk about entire sanctification as well as the lessons modern “Wesleyans” can draw from our past in the hope of experiencing deep renewal in our day.  Kevin Watson (PhD, Southern Methodist University) is Director of Academic Growth & Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He regularly teaches on the history of Methodism and the Holiness Movement and Wesley's theology of discipleship. Buy Kevin's latest book: Doctrine Spirit and Discipline: A History of the Wesleyan Tradition in the United States. https://amzn.to/3OcS2lM   Sign up for Brian's new monthly Deep Dive Spirituality Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Here are links to Kevin's most accessible writings on Methodist class meetings, bands, and discipleship:  Perfect Love: Recovering Entire Sanctification—the Lost Power of the Methodist Movement https://amzn.to/3xPLJ2U  The Band Meeting: Rediscovering Relational Discipleship in Transformational Community (co authored with Scott Kisker) https://amzn.to/2Wd4aZW   A Blueprint for Discipleship: Wesley's General Rules as a Guide for Christian Living https://amzn.to/2Wz36hP   The Class Meeting: Reclaiming a Forgotten (and Essential) Small Group Experience https://amzn.to/2AbgSzP Old School or New School Methodism https://amzn.to/3CBtP69  Kevin also recommends the following writings for those interested in taking the next step in their spiritual formation: John Wesley. The Sermons of John Wesley: A Collection for the Christian Journey (eds. Collins and Vickers) https://amzn.to/2L6u4b5  Finke and Stark, The Churching of America 1776–2005: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy https://amzn.to/4fyHpFW  Aaron M. Reno https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/02/the-three-worlds-of-evangelicalism  Want to connect with Brian? www.brianrussellphd.com Sign up for centering prayer resources: www.centeringprayerbook.com Brian Russell's Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Brian takes us on a deep dive into the provocative question that Jesus asks a blind beggar: “What is it that you want me to do for you?” Rooted in Psalm 13 and Mark 9:30–10:52, Brian offers a powerful challenge both to disciples and to outsiders desperate for what only God can do. Want to connect with Brian? www.brianrussellphd.com Sign up for centering prayer resources: www.centeringprayerbook.com Brian Russell's Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #Jesus #kingdomofgod #bartimaeus 

In this week's episode, Brian Russell hosts Dr. Russell West. Russ shares about his leadership journey and offers actionable tactics and tips for helping to build dynamic teams that advance their mission in transformational ways.  Check out Dr. Russell West's latest book: The Culturally Conscious Board: Setting the Boardroom Table for Impact https://amzn.to/4hwviuq Connecting with Russell West:  www.RussellWest.info LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/russell-w-west-ph-d-92b8a94b www.Culturallyconsciousboard.com www.Worthplacecollective.com Books Recommended by Russ: Adler, How To Read A Book https://amzn.to/4eapjsp Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull https://amzn.to/4ejsoWW Ong, The Presence of the Word https://amzn.to/3AgvzRz Brian Russell's Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #leadership #leadership #leadershipcoaching

Brian Russell talks about how to navigate seasons of spiritual dryness.  He offers trench tested spiritual practices that will help you grow through the dark nights of the soul. Questions or need help? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Brian Russell's Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? www.brianrussellphd.com Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #spiritualgrowth #spirituality #darknightofthesoul 

Dr. Brian Russell teaches on how biblical authority works in our lives. He uses the common “Wesleyan Quadrilateral” to explore our blindspots and help us to open a little more to the deep transformational work that God desires to do in us through our reading of Scripture Key resources mentioned:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN Recommended Videos: Idolatherapy https://youtu.be/jpoEIYd0VMM   How Centering Prayer Can Help You Read Scripture for Deep Transformation https://youtu.be/AOV5jfbc0mM  Brian Russell's Other Books:  (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #Wesleyanquadrilateral  #biblicalauthority #Biblestudy

Dr. Brian Russell shares best practices for implementing a missional vision for your local church in 2024. Drawing on his expertise and passion for missional interpretation of the Bible and his years of experience as a church planter, missional thinker, and coach, Brian offers actionable steps for transforming your understanding of leadership, biblical interpretation, and mission in our day. Key resources mentioned: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV Brian's Spiritual Growth Workshops: www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops Recommended Videos: Idolatherapy https://youtu.be/jpoEIYd0VMM Teaching the Biblical Narrative in Under Ten Minutes https://youtu.be/iK2ba3R9wm0 Resources for Use in the local Church that teach the biblical narrative: Sandra Richter Epic of Eden https://resources.seedbed.com/the-epic-of-eden/ Brian Russell, Invitation: a Bible Study to Begin with https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Brian Russell's Other Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com   Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  

In today's episode, Brian Russell reflects on how to become a holy, missional community in 2024. Brian is passionate about reading Scripture missionally. You will learn key questions to help you as well as your community of faith to embody the Bible's "Go to" and "make disciples" ethos. Resources to help you: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World ($2.99 on Kindle): https://amzn.to/46tP8kV Brian's Spiritual Growth Workshops: www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops Brian Russell's Other Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com   Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. 

In this week's episode, we welcome back Marcum Davis to take us on an even deeper dive into the importance of gratitude and his work with Abundance International (a 501 3c  organization he founded to serve orphans in Ukraine).. Check out Episode 166 for Part One of my conversation with Marcum: https://youtu.be/IjAHYy8vqV4  Check out Episode 167 for Part two of my conversation with Marcum: https://youtu.be/gMrWLorl5jA Check out Marcum's new book.  Legacy: Live with Purpose, Find Fulfillment, Be Remembered.  https://amzn.to/4eKKLWh Sign up for bonuses and free content: www.marcumdavis.com Support Marcum's 5013c Abundance International https://www.abundanceinternational.org/ Sign up for Brian's Summer 2024 Free Spiritual Growth Virtual Workshops (you'll receive the video and tools even if you can't make it "live"): https://www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops Sign up for Brian's Monthly Centering Prayer Update (w/invites to virtual gatherings): www.centeringprayerbook.com  Books Recommended by Marcus: John Maxwell, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership https://amzn.to/3zCFO1w Seth Godin, Tribes https://amzn.to/3W9R3HF John Eldridge, Sacred Romance: Drawing closer to the Heart of God https://amzn.to/3XPuIAk  Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com   Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #legacy #faith #gratitude

In this week's episode, Brian Russell presents Avoiding the Seven Mistakes that Cause Pastors and Spiritual Leaders to Rust Out. This episode will also describe the opposite seven behaviors that promote flourishing in ministry for the long haul. Sign up for Brian's 2024 Spiritual Growth workshops: www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops  . You'll receive the zoom invites and also you'll get the video replay as well as all of the tools and resources I share. Next workshops: July 24 Contemplative Practices for Busy 21st Century Pastors  (noon eastern) Aug 21 How to Be Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (noon eastern) Brian's Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Book Recommended by Brian: George Leonard, Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment https://amzn.to/3tPw9lU  Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, we welcome back Marcum Davis to take us on an even deeper dive into creating a lasting godly legacy. He shares the core concepts of his Legacy "PEACE" formula. Check out Marcum's new book.  Legacy: Live with Purpose, Find Fulfillment, Be Remembered.  https://amzn.to/4eKKLWh Sign up for bonuses and free content: www.marcumdavis.com Support Marcum's 5013c Abundance International https://www.abundanceinternational.org/ Sign up for Brian's Summer 2024 Free Spiritual Growth Virtual Workshops (you'll receive the video and tools even if you can't make it "live"): https://www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops Sign up for Brian's Monthly Centering Prayer Update (w/invites to virtual gatherings): www.centeringprayerbook.com  Books Recommended by Marcus: John Maxwell, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership https://amzn.to/3zCFO1w Seth Godin, Tribes https://amzn.to/3W9R3HF John Eldridge, Sacred Romance: Drawing closer to the Heart of God https://amzn.to/3XPuIAk  Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com   Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #legacy #faith #gratitude

In this week's episode, Marcum Davis helps us explore how to live a life that leaves a true legacy. You will be inspired and hear a powerful story of faith and gratitude that will help you live out the life you were created for. Check out Marcum's new book.  Legacy: Live with Purpose, Find Fulfillment, Be Remembered.  https://amzn.to/4eKKLWh Check out Abundance International (a 501c3 that supports orphans in Ukraine) www.abundanceinternational.org Sign up for bonuses and free content: www.marcumdavis.com Sign up for Brian's Summer 2024 Free Spiritual Growth Virtual Workshops (you'll receive the video and tools even if you can't make it "live"): https://www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops Sign up for Brian's Monthly Centering Prayer Update (w/invites to virtual gatherings): www.centeringprayerbook.com  Books Recommended by Marcus: John Maxwell, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership https://amzn.to/3zCFO1w Seth Godin, Tribes https://amzn.to/3W9R3HF John Eldridge, Sacred Romance: Drawing closer to the Heart of God https://amzn.to/3XPuIAk  Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #legacy #faith #gratitude

In this episode, Brian Russell reflects on the dangers of assuming that God is on our side or my side rather than asking the deeper question: Am I on God's side? Listen in as Brian takes us on a deep dive into Joshua 5:13–15 where Joshua learns the key lesson that prepares him to lead Israel against Jericho and beyond: It's about the holiness of the leader and not about the demonization of the "other." You'll learn how a commitment to the love of God and neighbor shifts the way we can think about the divisions of today and how to live missionally in a world and church that focuses on dualistic tribalism and the demonization of opponents. This reflection is a sample of what you'll find in Brian's 2023 book: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN Sign up for Brian's Summer 2024 Free Spiritual Growth Virtual Workshops (you'll receive the video and tools even if you can't make it "live"): https://www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops Sign up for Brian's Monthly Centering Prayer Update (w/invites to virtual gatherings): www.centeringprayerbook.com Books mentioned in the Podcast: Christopher Wright, The God I Don't Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008) https://amzn.to/3L5pVmN Stanley Gundry, C.S. Cowles, Eugene Merrill, Daniel Gard, and Tremper Longmann; Show Them No Mercy: Four Views of God and Canaanite Genocide (Grand Rapids: Zondervan: 2003) https://amzn.to/3RMyqah R. Walter Moberly, Old Testament Theology (2013). https://amzn.to/3RO4ue2 Solzhenitsyn, Gulag Archipelago https://amzn.to/3RNy5nR Brian Russell's Other Books: Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #scripture #spiritualgrowth #holiness

In this week's episode, Roz and Callie Picardo return to the podcast to talk about their new book Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional, and Financial Freedom (Invite, 2024). We share a powerful and insightful conversation around money mindsets, money in relationships, and how these relate to our spiritual growth and formation. Take the Money Mindset Assessment:  https://app.agolix.com/assessment/24830 Order a copy of the book: https://amzn.to/4emzZ8x   For bulk orders, contact Invite for discounts: https://www.inviteresources.com/lp/healthy-money-landing Listen to our previous conversation: Money Talks: A Biblical Take on Earning, Saving, Spending & Giving https://youtu.be/FHB4SKQqLlA  Signup for Brian's free Summer Spiritual Growth workshops: www.brianrussellphd.com/growthworkshops  Brian's Free Centering Prayer course: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/challenge-page/fb06a8df-99bd-47c0-bc06-0892ec6777ed  Brian Russell's Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (2023) https://amzn.to/3Vw9I07   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #stewardship #moneymindset #financialabundance

In this week's episode, Amos Smith shares deeply from his personal experience in contemplative mysticism. We talk about the release of the 10th anniversary edition of Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots, why centering prayer is a critical practice today and his writing practice. Amos Smith (D.Min) earned a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Religion from The University of California at Santa Cruz in 1993, a Masters of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley in 1998, and a Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2008.  Buy a copy of Healing the Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots https://amzn.to/3KFju9L  Check out his other books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39oIxPs  Connect with Amos Smith:  Twitter: @amossmi  Email: amossmi@gmail.com Web: www.amossmith.org Password: friends  Books mentioned in the conversation: Van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score https://amzn.to/4bU1ODE  Athanasius, On the Incarnation https://amzn.to/4bSyzRr Brian's Free Centering Prayer course: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/challenge-page/fb06a8df-99bd-47c0-bc06-0892ec6777ed  Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (2023) https://amzn.to/3Vw9I07 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #mysticism #spirituality #silence

In this episode, I (Brian Russell) take you on a deep dive into Paul's words in Philippians 3:17 "Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” Questions I explore: What kind of person do I need to become to serve as a model of Christ like character for others? Is Jesus' life merely aspirational or can humans literally live out the mind and character of Christ? How might God be calling me today to surrender even deeper into the love God and neighbor? What kind of person do I need to become in order to serve as a model of Christ like character for others even more effectively tomorrow than I do today? Highlighted resource: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Free centering prayer course: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/challenges Brian Russell's Other Books: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #philippians #paul #christianliving

In this week's episode, I reflect on Paul, missional holiness and the Gospel for today. I offer a deep dive into Paul's missional method as he describes it in 1 For 9:19–27. This episode will empower you for more profound missional engagement in your community.   Highlighted resources: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Free centering prayer course: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/challenges   Brian Russell's Other Books:   Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   Connecting with Brian:   Website: www.brianrussellphd.com   Twitter: @briandrussell   Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife   Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, I offer a missional overview of the book of Acts. I cover three core aspects of the missional message of the book: Mission is spirit driven; Mission advances in spite of persecution through the bold and courageous witness of people; and the apostles use a variety of methods to fulfill the mission of God in their day. Highlighted resources: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Brian Russell's Other Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife   Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, I share key spiritual growth lessons from my recent extended sabbath time and travel to Italy and Greece. I start with reading a section of Seneca's Letter 28 on Travel, reflect on not working at all for 19 days, ponder the wonders of 21st century life, share a deep insight into “eternal” kingdoms and life's meaning, contemplate the “relics” of Christendom (Eastern and Western versions), marvel at the long term influence of Athens and Rome, describe the brilliant missional audacity of Paul, and share a couple of my “heart strangely warmed” moments from the trip. Check out Seneca's Letters from a Stoic (Penguin) https://amzn.to/3Wo2cp1 Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbedhttps://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, I share key growth lessons that I've learned from coaching pastors and spiritual leaders. If you listen to this episode you will gain insight into the challenges of ministry as well as learn actionable steps for growing in grace as a pastor or in support of a pastor. To learn more about my coaching: www.brianrussellphd.com or www.deepdivespirituality.com Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, I interview Dr. Ryan Danker, director of the John Wesley Institute. He is hear to introduce an important new book The Faith Once Delivered: We talk about the unique contribution of Wesleyan theology and future of “Methodism” as a multi-denominational movement. The John Wesley Institute: www.nextmethodism.org Get a copy of The Faith Once Delivered: A Wesleyan Witness to Christian Orthodoxy https://amzn.to/4cEN9wX Books Recommended by Ryan Danker: Heitzenrater, Wesley and a People Called Methodists https://amzn.to/3TroGSW Ken Collins, The Theology of John Wesley https://amzn.to/3Py2HZ8 Collins/Vickers, The Sermons of John Wesley https://amzn.to/3viG7Nr Billy Abraham, Methodism: A Very Short Introduction https://amzn.to/3VvRuw2 Rowell, et al, Love's Redeeming Work: The Anglican Quest for Holiness https://amzn.to/495gsW7 Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  

Dr. Brian Russell (Ph.D., Professor of Biblical Studies) reflects on the missional implications of the resurrection through the lens of Luke 24. Please "like", subscribe and/or share if you found this video helpful for your faith and growth in grace. Questions? Reach out to me: brian@brianrussellphd.com or www.brianrussellphd.com Check out my books: The featured resources are my two book on the missional message of Scripture: For pastors and teachers: (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE (usually 2.99 via kindle) For everyone: Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Brian Russell's Other Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, I reflect on the centrality of the cross in the life of a disciple. Here is the poem I share: I can see Jesus carrying his cross all alone,
 He took on our flesh so far from his rightful throne. 
 Disregarded his name
, He embraced the cross
 And its shame
 To save the lost. He's the Son of God, carrying the sins of the world   I can see Jesus wearing a crown made of thorns,
 In the anguish of death, feeling humanity's scorn.
 His Father's will to obey
 He died on the tree
 To set us free 
 And show the way. He's the Son of God, healing all the pain of the world.   I can see Jesus crying to all “It is done,”
 Creation's redeemer, our Lord God's victory won.
 The offer is made
 The price has been paid 
 To give us life
 And end all strife. He's the Son of God, still reaching out to us everyday.
 He's the Son of God, still reaching out to us everyday.   So see through the pain 
 The means to true gain
 For its true
 He died for you. He's the Son of God, carrying the sins of the world.
 Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, I interview three pastors from S. Georgia: David Donnan, Scott Stanfill, and Jack Varnell. They were and remain my original Deep Dive Spirituality group. We began working together in August 2019. Together we've navigated Covid-19, a hurricane, moving to new churches as well as the regular demands/challenges of being a pastor in the 21st century. In this raw and honest conversation, they reflect on how Deep Dive Spirituality coaching has helped them grow. To learn more about my coaching: www.brianrussellphd.com or www.deepdivespirituality.com Books Recommended by David, Jack and Scott Jack C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity https://amzn.to/4ci7F5Z Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew https://amzn.to/49kXE5H McKnight, Jesus Creed https://amzn.to/43quKj8 Scott: James Stewart, A Man in Christ https://amzn.to/3PoMaqF E. Stanley Jones, In Christ https://amzn.to/3TE4GOf David Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life https://amzn.to/4ahmqVc David Watson, Scripture and the Life of God https://amzn.to/3TE4Oxd Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this episode, I share my coaching journey including the experiences, books, trainings, and key moments that have helped learn to serve my clients powerfully one on one and in group settings. Reach out: www.brianrussellphd.com and brian@brianrussellphd.com Here are the many resources mentioned: Books that Shaped Me: Every book has the potential to teach you something about coaching. Refuse to read simply as a means for gathering mere information. The key is to apply insights and lessons from your reading into actual tactics/action steps and questions. Learn to read books as a means to helping yourself and others experience transformation. I've read hundreds of books over the last 13 years that have helped me to develop into the person and coach that I am today. The following books are the curated few that I personally recommend because they authentically helped me to grow personally and taught me ideas and practices that I've integrated into my own style of coaching and into the programs that I presently offer. Check out www.deepdivespirituality.com to see my coaching programs. Classical Resources Epictetus, Discourses and Selected Writing https://amzn.to/40Euc7T Seneca, Letters from a Stoic https://amzn.to/3G4UBCa The Best of the Best Jack Canfield, The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be https://amzn.to/45ZIYXU Gay Hendricks, The Big Leap https://amzn.to/479z0Vc  ____ The Genius Zone https://amzn.to/47wCXCX  Rich Litvin, The Prosperous Coach https://amzn.to/3MHaimW James Hollis, Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life https://amzn.to/3ulgf2k Richard Rohr, Falling Upwards https://amzn.to/3SzKT27  Modern Writers: John Maxwell, Thinking for a Change https://amzn.to/3QQ4okO   ----and Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success https://amzn.to/49GxvPV John, O'Neil, The Paradox of Success: When Winning at Work Means Losing at Life https://amzn.to/47B9CHB Keith Ellis, The Magic Lamp: Goal Setting For People Who Hate Setting Goals https://amzn.to/47eAH3e Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich https://amzn.to/40Evcc9 Lencioni, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team https://amzn.to/3SIVojK  ----and The Five Temptations of a CEO https://amzn.to/47io9Z3 Dan Sullivan, Always Be the Buyer: Attracting Other People's Highest Commitment to Your Biggest and Best Standards https://amzn.to/3SIce2g, ----The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers Guide to Happiness, Confidence and Success https://amzn.to/3ukWeJu, -----Who not How https://amzn.to/3ubpHp1 Richard Bandler, How to Take Charge of Your Life: The User's Guide to NLP https://amzn.to/ Tony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within https://amzn.to/49GYfju Shirzad Chamine, Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours https://amzn.to/3SOms15 Training: I've worked personally with the following coaches who have helped me: Glenn Gutek, Mark Danzey, Brooke Castillo (group program), Robert Glover (group), and Sid Agarwal Here are some links to additional trainings (free and paid programs that I have found helpful): Saboteur Training. www.positiveintelligence.com. NLP: https://www.purenlp.com/  10 Day Intensive in Orlando in 2018 with Richard Bandler (one of the two co-founders of NLP) and his associates John and Kathleen LaValle. I have a couple of Bandler's books listed above. The intensive was pricey but hands on and fun.  Tony Robbins. I own all of his programs except for his ones on health and relationships. They are listed here: https://store.tonyrobbins.com/collections/breakthrough-app?_ga=2.16994681.1779309796.1699805656-502128627.1699805656 Jim Rohn. I own several of his CD programs. Most of these are now available on YouTube. Search Jim Rohn and enjoy a true master of his craft. Rich Litvin. https://richlitvin.com/ search on YouTube and watch him coach. Seth Godin. Listen to his speeches on YouTube and/or search for interviews on Podcasts. Podcasts: 10x Talk with Dan Sullivan and Joe Polish. Capability Amplifier: Mike Koenigs and Dan Sullivan The Big Leap Podcast: Gay Hendricks and Mike Koenigs I Love Marketing Podcast: Joe Polish and Dean Jackson  John Maxwell Leadership Podcast The Life Coach School Podcast with Brooke Castillo How to Make Money as a Life Coach: Stacey Boehman The Watering Hole: A podcast for coaches Lists of Questions: Brian's 31 Transformational Questions https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzah82ipRosYS-EcmXsyWBd6rlEwPobiK Tim Ferriss, 17 Questions that Changed My Life https://tim.blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/17-Questions-That-Changed-My-Life.pdf Rich Litvin, 121 Powerful Questions for Coaches and Leaders https://richlitvin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Rich-Litvin-121-Powerful-Questions.pdf  *Links to Amazon are affiliate links.

In this week's episode, Brian interviews Wade Arp (D.Min) on how he uses Scriptural Imagination to keep him clear and empowered for mission and his passion for church planting and renewal. Connect with Wade: warp@kyumc.org Books recommended by Wade: Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest https://amzn.to/3ID7WTP  Mulholland, Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation https://amzn.to/3uGo83i    Brian's Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Brian Russell's Books: Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  

In this special episode of the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations podcast, Brian shares Episode 1 of the new coaching podcast that he is co-hosting with Mark Dunwoody.  Brian and Mark introduce the Watering Hole Coaching podcast by talking about what coaching is, how it's helped them, and how coaching can serve the world You can also subscribe to the audio feed wherever you listen to podcasts. Search for The Watering Hole a podcast for Coaches wherever you listen to podcasts or go to its home: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dyland243/episodes/Welcome-to-The-Watering-Hole-Podcast-e2fe69f  Connecting with Mark Dunwoody: https://healthyrhythms.org/ Email: mark@missiopartnerships.com Connecting with Brian Russell : https://www.brianrussellphd.com/ Email brian@brianrussellphd.com Books by Mark and Brian Mark Dunwoody and Winfield Bevins, Healthy Rhythms for Leaders: Cultivating Soul Care in Uncertain Times (Exponential, 2021): https://amzn.to/3SIntaz Brian Russell, Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (Paraclete Press, 2021): https://amzn.to/3vZSEp5 ____ Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press, 2023): https://amzn.to/4bkj0SN ____(re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Press, 2016): https://amzn.to/3HNOint Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to us.This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this episode, Brian Russell reflects on the process of true mastery: learning to walk the path rather than focusing on knowing the path or destination. You'll find deep wisdom on how to learn and grow as the key to deep fulfillment and in becoming the person God created you to be. Brian's Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Books Recommended by Brian: George Leonard, Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment https://amzn.to/3tPw9lU NT Wright, Into the Heart of Romans https://amzn.to/48upLPW Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this episode, Brian Russell reflects on the role of fear in the spiritual life. He takes us on a deep dive into what it really means to fear God and why this actually frees us from the common fears that bind us and hold us back. Brian's Website: www.Brianrussellphd.com Books Recommended by Brian: Susan Jeffers, Feel the Fear... and Do It Anyway: Dynamic Techniques for Turning Fear, Indecision, and Anger into Power, Action, and Love https://amzn.to/3Opubje Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this episode, Brian Russell shares his key insights from 2023 including his top books from 2023. Listen in to his discussion of DONE, spontaneous bursts of pure joy, best books, transformational teaching, how to walk the path, and owning one's personal health. Brian's Website: www.Brianrussellphd.com Books Recommended by Brian: Scott Galloway, The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google https://amzn.to/3RTt5Nx Mike Isaac, Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber https://amzn.to/3NX4er6 George Leonard, Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment https://amzn.to/3tPw9lU Matthew Lynch, Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God https://amzn.to/47tLuGv J.R. Woodward, The Scandal of Leadership https://amzn.to/3HfYrJo NT Wright, Into the Heart of Romans https://amzn.to/48upLPW Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's episode, Teresa Yerkes of the Christian Meditation Center shares about the practice of Christian Meditation and its role in the spiritual life. Teresa Yerkes is the Founder of Christian Meditation Center, has been a Christian since 1983 and has practiced Christian meditation since 2000. She is the author of three books, Come Closer: The Practice of Christian Meditation, God Within You: The Case for Christian Meditation, and Making Love: The Spiritual Act of Love. She teaches and leads Christian meditation training and facilitates sessions. She is a public speaker, facilitates book clubs, and leads retreats. Teresa is a Certified Lay Speaker and Lay Counselor. She brings nearly forty years of her own personal discovery, along with highly specialized spiritual direction training provided by the Shalem Institute. www.Christianmeditationcenter.org   Teresa's books: Come Closer: The Practice of Christian Meditation https://amzn.to/4aazrRa God Within You: The Case for Christian Meditation https://amzn.to/3NdwN2U Making Love: The Spiritual Act of Love https://amzn.to/3RxagAE Books Recommended by Teresa: Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart https://amzn.to/41d3fZc ——Invitation to Love: The Way of Christian Contemplation https://amzn.to/3R9SKB9 Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle https://amzn.to/46Mzkbl Schucman, A Course in Miracles, https://amzn.to/3Td9Kck Brian's Website: www.Brianrussellphd.com Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Dr Ken Schenck takes us on a deep dive into the holiness message for the 21st century, the present/future of Christian Education (and the role technology plays in making it even better), and how AI can enhance our work. Connect with Ken: Blog: http://kenschenck.blogspot.com/ Campus https://www.campusedu.com/ See Ken's books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Mjg2TQ Books Recommend by Ken: Joel Green, Recovering the Scandal of the Cross https://amzn.to/3FTUU2V ––, Seized by Truth: Reading the Bible as Scripture https://amzn.to/3Mlv3UV Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion https://amzn.to/45X6a9i NT Wright, Surprised by Hope https://amzn.to/495FHZX Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Brian Russell talks about how to read Scripture for conversion to the heart of God. Every reading of the text offers each us us an opportunity to align or realign with God's heart. We must always be the first converts to our interpretation. Read more in my books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (2023) https://amzn.to/402BlOP and (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (2016, Kindle only $2.99) https://amzn.to/3Mu1gtx Here are some questions for reflection: Where do I struggle to align or realign my life with the message of Jesus? What are the blindspots in which I'm not the first convert to the texts that I study? Where do I need to be reminded to put into action the clear teaching of Scripture? What is really holding me back from living out the Word? Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this week's deep dive, Brian Russell shares tactics and tools for living moment by moment out of our true identity as men and women loved by God. He describes a triad of values that create a container for our life. Interested in more? Check out this video on creating a rule of life: How a Rule of Life Helps You to Grow in Love for God, Neighbor, and Self https://youtu.be/r98dPPZARH0 Brian Russell's Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

In this episode, Brian Russell unpacks Jesus' initial proclamation: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Listen in and discover what Jesus' call for a radical change in life and perspective means for us as 21st century Christ followers. To learn even more check out Brian's book (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3PU5RqE  (I recommend buying the much cheaper Kindle version). Brian Russell's Other Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3OKecg8 Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/oneboo... Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.