The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast

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.