

The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast
deepdivespirituality
Interested in taking a deep dive into your spiritual and missional formation? Hosted by Dr. Brian Russell (Professor of Biblical Studies and Spiritual Coach), the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast will explore the contours of spiritual formation, leadership, and missional practice in our present reality through solo episodes and interviews with leading practitioners and thinkers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 178 Dr Joe Dongell on The Most Excellent Way: John Wesley's Theology of Love
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

Nov 26, 2024 • 32min
Episode 177: The Critical Role of Gratitude for Cultivating Spiritual Growth in 2024
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

Nov 19, 2024 • 45min
Episode 176 Kevin Watson on Methodism: Past, Present and Future
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.

Nov 11, 2024 • 31min
What is It that You Really want Jesus to Do for You? Ep. 175
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

Nov 4, 2024 • 42min
Russell West on Building Culturally Conscious Teams that Advance the Mission (Episode 174)
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

Oct 28, 2024 • 23min
How to Navigate Seasons of Spiritual Dryness (Ep 173)
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

Oct 21, 2024 • 23min
The Wesleyan Quadrilateral, Blindspots and Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Ep. 172)
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

Aug 10, 2024 • 28min
Episode 171 Brian Russell on Implementing a Missional Vision for the Local Church in 2024
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.

Aug 2, 2024 • 33min
Episode 170 How to Become a Holy, Missional Community
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.

Jul 25, 2024 • 52min
Episode 169 Marcum Davis (Part three): Gratitude, Abundance International, and a Deep Dive Spirituality
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