In this week’s episode, Dr. Joel Pérez shares with us how to become exceptional leaders who embraces cultural humility and build bridges to create a truly inclusive organizations and churches.

Purchase a copy of Dear White Leader: How to Achieve Organizational Excellence through Cultural Humility https://amzn.to/4rpmBa6 

Connect with Joel: Website: https://apoyocoaching.com   

Courses: https://apoyocoaching.com/courses 

Resource Recommended by Joel: 

Mai Moua, Culturally Intelligent Leadership https://amzn.to/3JZhVT5 

Brian Russell’s Books 

Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/48fey8l 

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:

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: [email protected] 

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   #culturalhumility #culturalcompetency

Brian Russell shares ideas and practices to help you cultivate gratitude. Gratitude is the fuel for a deep dive spirituality.

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: [email protected] 

Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer gathering:

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: [email protected] 

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. Brian Russell shares his renewal protocol to help you thrive and flourish in your mission and ministry in 2025 and beyond. If you are feeling tired, burned out or desire simply tools to help you maintain your passion for mission, this episode will serve you powerfully.

Brian will talk about the importance of sabbath, values work, learning your saboteurs, adjusting/building a rule of life, journaling and a 5 question check-in.

How are Rule of Life Can Help you Grow in Love for God and Neigbor https://youtu.be/r98dPPZARH0 

Saboteur test:

Chamine, Positive Intelligence https://amzn.to/4hVRf6F 

Interested in working with me in a coaching relationship. Email me today: [email protected]  

Brian’s Books

Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/4q8Z2BT  

(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/   

Work with Brian:

Brian is available for personal coaching in the areas of spiritual growth, missional leadership and biblical/theological training.

Brian is also available for virtual or in person speaking/teaching. He offers workshops and stand alone talks on contemplative spirituality as well as on a variety of books and topics relating to engaging Scripture for a life of mission, community and holiness.

Amazon links are affiliate links. Without affecting the cost on your end, Amazon shares a small percentage of the profit with me if you purchase any product after following these links to Amazon. In other words, if you shop regularly on Amazon, you can support my work by clicking on any of the books I linked and then searching for whatever you want to purchase. Thanks for your support.

In this week’s episode, I interview J.D. Walt, Sower-in-Chief at Seedbed and pastor of Gillette Methodist Church in Gillett, Arkansas. We do a deep dive into his latest book Romans: From Sin Management to Love Unleashed. We also talk about his long standing exegetical/devotional series Wakeup Call, holiness of heart and life, and how serving in a local church has affected how he writes.

Buy a copy of Romans: From Sin Management to Love Unleashed https://amzn.to/46Qlok1  

Sign up for JD’s daily wake up call emails: www.seedbed.com/wakeupcall  

Books Recommend by JD:

E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web https://amzn.to/4n6yz5k  

J. Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest https://amzn.to/4q4ocBv  

Thomas Kelly, Testament of Devotion https://amzn.to/3KI3APz   

Chuck Colson, The Body: Being Light in Darkness https://amzn.to/3KNlrVb  

Brian’s Books

Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/4q8Z2BT  

(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/   

Work with Brian:

Brian is available for personal coaching in the areas of spiritual growth, missional leadership and biblical/theological training.

Brian is also available for virtual or in person speaking/teaching. He offers workshops and stand alone talks on contemplative spirituality as well as on a variety of books and topics relating to engaging Scripture for a life of mission, community and holiness.

Email me: [email protected] or www.brianrussellphd.com 

Amazon links are affiliate links. Without affecting the cost on your end, Amazon shares a small percentage of the profit with me if you purchase any product after following these links to Amazon. In other words, if you shop regularly on Amazon, you can support my work by clicking on any of the books I linked and then searching for whatever you want to purchase. Thanks for your support.

In this week's episode, I interview Dr. J.R. Briggs on his latest book The Art of Asking Better Questions. We do a deep dive into how to formulate and ask questions that help us to be better leaders and deepen our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. 

Buy The Art of Asking Better Questions: https://amzn.to/4nMwY5S 

Sign up for my monthly Newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  

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/  

Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: [email protected] 

Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  

Connecting with Brian: 

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.

September 21 2025 marks the 4th year anniversary of the release of Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (Paraclete Press, 2021). In this episode, I unpack key lessons that I’ve gained through my practice of centering prayer including some unexpected blessings. 

If you haven’t read Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life, you can buy it here: https://amzn.to/42u4PYo .

Contact Brian: [email protected] or www.brianrussellphd.com 

Brian’s Favorite Centering Prayer Resources:

Murchadh O’Madagáin, Centering Prayer and the Healing of the Unconscious https://amzn.to/46odtsE 

Carl Arico, A Taste of Silence: Centering Prayer and the Contemplative Journey https://amzn.to/3VY1flC  

Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation https://amzn.to/4ptQ7L1  

Rich Lewis, Sitting with God: A Journey to Your True Self through Centering Prayer https://amzn.to/4niMZjK 

Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening https://amzn.to/4nzs2Av 

Other books that Brian mentioned:

Cloud of Unknowing  https://amzn.to/47PjfGg 

Pseudo-Dionysius, The Complete Works. https://amzn.to/3Itp69M 

Bessel van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, Body in the Healing of Trauma https://amzn.to/3W1Acpu  

Chuck DeGroat, Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself—and to God—When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering https://amzn.to/4mnZ7P8  

Brian’s Other Books

(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/  

Work with Brian:

Brian is available for personal coaching in the areas of spiritual growth, missional leadership and biblical/theological training.

Brian is also available for virtual or in person speaking/teaching. He offers workshops and stand alone talks on contemplative spirituality as well as on a variety of books and topics relating to engaging Scripture for a life of mission, community and holiness.

Amazon links are affiliate links. Without affecting the cost on your end, Amazon shares a small percentage of the profit with me if you purchase any product after following these links to Amazon. In other words, if you shop regularly on Amazon, you can support my work by clicking on any of the books I linked and then searching for whatever you want to purchase. Thanks for your support.

In this episode, I give an update to my recent health problems. I also share a testimony of an unexpected healing of a soul wound that dates back 54 years. I am grateful to God for his ongoing grace and deep work in my life. Listen in and perhaps you'll find some encouragement and inspiration for your life.

Sign up for my monthly Newsletter: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  

If you ever need a fantastic urologist, check out: Dr. Parekattil at his practice Avant Concierge Urology in Winter Garden, FL. https://www.avanturol.com/ 

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/  

Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: [email protected] 

Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  

Connecting with Brian: 

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.

#soulwound #healing #spiritualgrowth 

In this episode, Brian interviews Casey Taylor, Pastor of New Life in Christ Church in Punta Gorda FL, about how he uses AI effectively in ministry. Also we discuss his recent move from serving in the UMC in Illinois to an independent Methodist church on the Gulf coast of southwest Florida and his experience as a member of the Sanctification Network.

Casey’s Recommended Books:

NT Wright, The Challenge of Jesus https://amzn.to/4mD7TcO 

Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy https://amzn.to/3UXXUmo  

Edwin Friedman, Failure of Nerve https://amzn.to/4nbDZwc  

The Cloud of Unknowing https://amzn.to/3I3L7M7  

Connecting with Casey:

New Life in Christ Church in Punta Gorda, FL

www.Newlifeforall.church  

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/  

Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: [email protected] 

Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  

Connecting with Brian: 

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.

#methodist #AI #ministry 

In this episode, Brian takes us into a deep dive into the power of mentoring. He shares openly about the people who have made the most impact in his life. He also talks about how each of us can pour into others in order to advance the Christ following movement in our day.

Let me know what you think.

Interested in a coaching or mentoring relationship with me? I can help you deepen your spiritual life, think critically about your leadership and missional vision, and thrive in ministry and life. Email me today: [email protected] 

Select Books Written by Those Who Mentored Brian:

David Bauer, Inductive Bible Study https://amzn.to/3JgGui5

– The Book of Acts as Story https://amzn.to/4oJXFJk

– Matthew: The Gospel of the Son of God https://amzn.to/46ZyCLH 

Joel Green, The Gospel of Luke, https://amzn.to/45AzaoR

John Oswalt, Called to Be Holy, https://amzn.to/3V4lTA8  

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/ 

Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com 

Connecting with Brian: 

Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? 

Email: [email protected] 

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 episode, Brian takes us into a deep dive into the true significance of God’s victory at the Red Sea. It is a transformational event that frees Israel from two primordial fears: uncreation and death so that God’s people can embody missional holiness for the sake of the world.

Let me know what you think.

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/ 

Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer update and gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com 

Connecting with Brian: 

Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? 

Email: [email protected] 

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.