
The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Sep 8, 2023 • 29min
Episode 142 Brian Russell on Missional Leaders as Sculptors of a Kingdom Ethos
In this week's episode, Brian Russell reflects on how mission minded leaders can create a kingdom ethos within their communities of faith through language, cultivating the right environments for worship and growth, and modeling mission through their own actions.
10 Minute Video on Teaching the Biblical Narrative https://youtu.be/iK2ba3R9wm0?si=2rUGx9zqdGuEJqT5
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 Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9
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.

Sep 2, 2023 • 54min
Episode 141 JR Woodward on the Scandal of Leadership
In this episode, JR Woodward takes us on a deep dive into the nature of authentic Christlike servant leadership and how missional leaders can practice a self-emptying spirituality that reshapes us into the types of persons who model Christ before a watching world.
Pick up a copy of JR’s latest book: The Scandal of Leadership: Unmasking the Powers of Domination in the Church https://amzn.to/3YWYgLc
Check out JR’s earlier conversation with me on Episode 32 https://youtu.be/58De8PsisLg
JR’s website: www.JRwoodward.com
Books by JR Woodward
Creating a Missional Culture (IVP, 2012) https://amzn.to/35UJcSS
The Church as Movement: Starting and Sustaining Missional-Incarnational Communities (with Dan White; IVP, 2016) https://amzn.to/320P0t6
ViralHope: Good News from the Urbs to the Burbs (and Everything in Between) (2010) https://amzn.to/321yedl
Books Recommended by JR
Rene Girard Deceit, Desire, & the Novel: Self and Other in Literary Structure https://amzn.to/3oJToGG
Peter Scazzero The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World https://amzn.to/3oURAuC
James K. A. Smith Desiring the Kingdom (Cultural Liturgies) https://amzn.to/3kMtijX
William Stringfellow An Ethic for Christians and Other Aliens in a Strange Land https://amzn.to/35P2Vn6
Walter Wink Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination https://amzn.to/3ectI0q
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 Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9
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.

Aug 26, 2023 • 13min
Episode 140 Brian Russell on How Centering Prayer Can Help You Read Scripture for Deep Transformation
In this episode, I explore the relationship between centering prayer and reading Scripture for deep transformation. I believe this short reflection will serve you in your journey of grace in the growth of love for God and neighbor.
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 Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9
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.

Aug 22, 2023 • 1h 9min
Episode 139 Derek Vreeland on How the Lamb of God Transforms Our Communities, Ethics & Spiritual Lives
In this week's episode, author and pastor Derek Vreeland takes us on a deep dive into what it means to hold Jesus as the center of our spiritual formation, our moral lives, and our corporate life as God's people. We also talk about the rhythms of writing.
Check out Derek's latest book: Centering Jesus: How the Lamb of God Transforms Our Communities, Ethics, and Spiritual Lives https://amzn.to/45E7z4y
Other books by Derek: https://amzn.to/3OLq2W1
Connect with Derek:
https://derekvreeland.com/
Books recommended by Derek:
Collier, Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson https://amzn.to/3P4jbsh
Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart https://amzn.to/45yhDMz
NT Wright, Surprised by Hope https://amzn.to/3qxM9aG
Brian Russell’s Information Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: 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 Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9
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.

Aug 14, 2023 • 39min
Episode 138 Brian Russell on Learning to Speak Human for Missional Living
Dr. Brian Russell talks about the critical importance of learning to speak human for missional living. You'll learn key principles for connecting with both church and world. You'll also gain critical insights into Scripture and missional living.
Brian Russell’s Information Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: 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 Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9
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.

Aug 5, 2023 • 43min
Episode 137 Michael Beck on The Five Congregational Types and What They Mean for Renewal and Mission
In this week's episode, Dr. Michael Beck talks about writing, mission and his latest book The Five Congregational Personality Types: An Ancient Pathway for Congregational Renewal in the 21st Century.
Pick up a copy of The Five Congregational Personality types: https://amzn.to/3DHyEbc
Connect with Michael Beck:
www.Michaeladambeck.com
Twitter and Instagram: @reverendwild1
Brian Russell’s Information Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: 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 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.

Jul 28, 2023 • 15min
Episode 136 Brian Russell: Five Mindsets for Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation
In this week's episode, Brian Russell (Professor of Biblical Studies) takes us on a deep dive into five key mindsets that open us up for deep transformation while reading Scripture.
Interested in updates on Brian's latest book Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (August 15, 2023 release)? Sign up today: www.drbrianrussell.org
Brian Russell’s Information Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.com
Brian Russell’s Books
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/
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.

4 snips
Jul 17, 2023 • 1h 4min
Episode 135 Casey Tygrett on the Gift of Restlessness
Casey Tygrett takes us on a rich and deep dive into the sense of restlessness that many of us confront in our spiritual lives. Casey is an outstanding observer of the human experience of grace as well as the challenges of living moment by moment with the God who loves us. I found Casey's thinking and reflections on the inner life to be profound and moving. You'll also hear tips on writing as well as on spiritual direction.
Casey Tygrett (DMin, Lincoln Christian Seminary) is a theologian in residence at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, Illinois. He previously served as teaching pastor at Heartland Community Church and has taught at Lincoln Christian University and Seminary and Emmanuel Christian Seminary. Casey now oversees the spiritual direction practice for Soul Care, hosts the Restlessness Is a Gift Podcast, and is the author of Becoming Curious and The Gift of Restlessness.
Get a copy of Casey's latest book The Gift of Restlessness: A Spiritualty for Unsettled Seasons https://amzn.to/46TOoW8
Books Recommended by Casey:
Nouwen, Life of the Beloved https://amzn.to/3XTvY3o
James Bryan Smith, Rich Mullins: A Devotional Biography: An Arrow Pointed to Heaven https://amzn.to/3OhaeLD
Wendell Barry, Hannah Coulter https://amzn.to/44Pw3ra
Connecting with Casey:
www.caseytygrett.com
IG: @caseytygrett
Interested in updates on Brian's latest book Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (August 2023 release): www.drbrianrussell.org
Brian Russell’s Information Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.com
Brian Russell’s Books 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/
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.

Jun 23, 2023 • 51min
Episode 134 John Walton on Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation
Dr. John Walton, a retired professor from Wheaton University and prolific author, delves into Old Testament interpretation in this fascinating conversation. He shares insights from his latest book, emphasizing the concept of 'faithful reading' and the importance of context. Walton critiques the tendency to see the Old Testament solely through Jesus' lens, advocating for original intentions and careful exegesis. He also discusses his prolific writing journey, the transformative power of prayer, and the influence of family on his academic pursuits.

Jun 16, 2023 • 48min
Episode 133 Mark Danzey on Creating a Culture of Disciple Making
Mark Danzey takes us on a deep dive into the process of creating a culture of disciple making disciples. Mark is executive director of Narrow Gate, a ministry that empowers pastors and laity to fulfill Jesus’ kingdom mandate of making disciples. Listen in for immediately actionable content.
Interested in Narrow Gate? Www.narrowgateefl.com
Previous Conversations with Mark on Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations:
Episode 28 Coaching the Ministry of Making Disciples https://youtu.be/NamlnY6nEDM
Episode 105: On Making Disciple Making Disciples https://youtu.be/scms4xeom00
Books Recommended by Mark Danzey on Disciple Making:
Robert Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism https://amzn.to/3P8xsVj
Greg Ogden, Transforming Discipleship https://amzn.to/3qJh0ke
Allan Coppedge, Biblical Principles of Discipleship https://amzn.to/43Hywno
Brandon Guindon, Disciple Making Culture https://amzn.to/3Jewbbt
Robert Gallaty, Replicate: How to Create a Culture of Disciple-Making Right Where You Are
https://amzn.to/3NbEYfy
Interested in updates on Brian's latest book Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (August 2023 release): www.drbrianrussell.org
Brian Russell’s Information Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.com
Brian Russell’s Books
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/
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.
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