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Mark Russell

Christian Theology Expert

Mark Russell is a Christian Theology Expert based in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He is a Senior High School Youth Pastor at Gathering Point Church of the Nazarene, and has held this post for over nine years. He is the director of the Next Gen programs at the church, managing all youth education programs. Through this role, he also leads a team of adult youth leaders and completes preaching duties. Prior to working at Gathering Point, he worked as Assistant Principal at Grove City Christian School and was a Youth Pastor at Grove City Church of the Nazarene.

Education

  • BA, Elementary Education, Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Professional Achievements

  • Over 20 years experience as a youth pastor
  • Served as the Church of the Nazarene Virginia District Nazarene Youth Internation President
  • Served as Church of the Nazarene Chicago Central District Nazarene Youth International Vice-President
  • Served on the Chicago Central District Board of Ministry

Certifications & Organizations

  • Ordained Minister, Church of the Nazarene, 2012

Favorite Piece of Advice

Be more concerned about doing the right thing than being right.

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Q&A Comments (7)

How can I effectively share a gospel with someone that's not Christian?
When presenting a gospel to someone, it is always important to have an intimate conversation and establish a good rapport. This means not trying to preach but actually taking the time to get to know such a person on a personal note. Being genuinely interested in their life and really listening to what they have to say or to think. This approach shows your interest in them and that you do not try to sell them any kind of agenda. Remember, people are a lot more open to spiritual conversations if they feel properly cared for and understood.
What are the benefits of writing a prayer letter?
Writing or journaling a prayer letter can bring about many positive results. Having to write down your thoughts will help to keep you relevant and focused with no time for distractions that would take your mind away from your prayer time. In addition, by writing down your thoughts, it will give you a better organization of your feelings and how to phrase them. This will aid you if you are one of those people who find it difficult to phrase words when saying them. When writing a prayer letter, be straightforward with God in telling Him whatever is on your heart. Share your thoughts, feelings, and requests with openness and honesty. 
Are there any other ways of looking up a bible verse?
Along with traditional printed Bibles and online websites, there are many tools that can be used digitally for studying scriptures. The Bible app is one such convenient smartphone platform that offers a great variety of translations and plans for Bible study. Other excellent online resources include Bible Gateway and Blue Letter Bible, which provide access to different translations, commentaries, and Bible passages. These digital tools and apps indeed make access to and understanding of the Bible easier than ever.
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Co-authored Articles (38)

Best Religious Birthday Wishes to Celebrate Friends & Family

Send the perfect Christian birthday message with this guide Wondering how to show the religious loved one in your life how much they mean to you on their birthday? We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to say “happy...

How to

Get to Heaven (Christianity)

People have a lot of ideas about how to get to heaven. You might think that all you have to do is be a good person, go to church, or help others. However, the Bible teaches that the only way to get to heaven is to become...

What the Bible Says About Demonic Oppression & Its Causes

Learn how demons attack Christians & how to protect yourself According to the Bible, the devil often uses demons to try to tempt Christians to turn to sin and away from God. This is called demonic oppression, and it ofte...

How to Ask God to Forgive Your Sins & Be at Peace Again

Confess your sins to the Lord and receive forgivenessGod calls His followers to repent their sins in order to receive His mercy and love. Asking God and anyone you may have wronged for forgiveness can help lift the weigh...

How to Fast and Pray for a Spiritual Breakthrough

Bring clarity, hope, healing, and blessings into your life through fasting and prayer Do you want to open your heart up to God and ask for a breakthrough? Faith and devotion are the best ways to communicate with the Lord...

How to

Address a Pastor and His Wife

The time may come when you want to contact a pastor and their spouse. Since pastors hold places of esteem in the Christian church, you’ll want to address them using the right title to show respect. By properly addressi...

How to

Write a Prayer Letter to God

Praying is a way to access or talk to God. It is a ritual practiced by many people and various religions. Whether you are Christian or Muslim, you may like to thank God for being there for you, ask him for enlightenment ...

How to Make Other People Jealous of You

Make your friends and your enemies want what you've gotThere is always that one girl or guy that everyone wants to be. They come out of nowhere and take everyone by storm, always looking effortlessly perfect, having ever...

How to

Study the Bible

It is important to thoroughly read the Bible, but simply reading the Bible is not the same as studying. The Divine Word of God deserves respect and ought to be understood and practiced. The Bible is one of the most misin...

How Much Time Does It Take to Read the Entire Bible?

A breakdown of reading times for the Bible and its 66 booksThe Bible is full of beautiful messages and passages for you to explore, but just how long will it take you to absorb all of the Word from cover to cover? Don’...

How to Become a Born-Again Christian & Strengthen Your Faith

Deepen your faith and devote your life to GodChristians who have been reborn through God are those who fully accept Jesus as their Savior and place all of their faith in God. Whether you’re seeking a deeper and more pr...

How to

Look up a Bible Verse

People quote the Bible in a variety of contexts. If you want to be able to look those quotes up, you’ll need to understand the way the Bible is organized. It’s also possible to look up quotes without knowing their lo...

How to

Be a Christian

Have you felt the tug of the Spirit and Love on your life? If you believe in Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior, you begin to live in Christ by "grace through faith, saved unto good works". If you have chosen to beco...

How to

Serve God

Perhaps you grew up with God and a spiritual faith in your life, or you’re new to the experience. Regardless of where you are on your path of faith, there are plenty of ways you can serve God every day. From actively g...

How to Read the Bible in a Year: Sample Reading Plans & Strategies

Find the Bible reading plan that fits your lifestyle and goalsWith 66 books, 1,189 chapters, and over 750,000 words, reading the Bible in a year can seem like a daunting goal—but with the right attitude and study plan ...

How to

Evangelize

Sharing your faith with nonbelievers can be intimidating and difficult, but also incredibly rewarding. Evangelism is a cornerstone of the Christian faith and can be a great way to connect with people and share your passi...

Sharing the Christian Gospel: What to Say & Do

Learn when and how to share God's love with others If you’re a Christian, you know God has called you to share the good news of Jesus’s actions, also known as the Gospel. If you’ve never done it before, sharing the...

How to Become Closer to God through Scripture, Faith & More

If you belong to a faith, getting to know God through a personal relationship with him is the most rewarding thing one can do. God offers his friendship freely to all, but many people reject it because they think it mean...

How to

Organize a Marathon

A successfully planned and executed marathon can raise public awareness, and money, for a worthy cause. The specific logistics of planning a marathon vary depending on the type of event. However, many of the details invo...

How to

Read the Bible

To make reading the Bible feel doable, choose a plan that guides which sections to read and in what order. For instance, you could choose a plan that guides you to read the books of the Bible in historical order, or a pl...
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