Russell Mckinney's Blog

My name is Russell McKinney. I am 43 years old and have served as an ordained pastor for the past sixteen years. I’ve been married to my wife, Tonya, for fifteen years. We have two great kids – our sons Ryan (12) and Royce (9).

What do I do? As a husband, I love my wife, empty the dishwasher, take the clothes out of the dryer, and remember our anniversary. As a father, I love my boys, help coach their ball teams, enforce the house rules, and splurge for a night at the movies every now and then. As a pastor, I love my church members, preach, counsel, and visit.

When I was a young man, I believed in Christ as my Savior and was “born again” (John 3:1-16). But I didn’t fully sell out to Him with all of my heart, mind, and body until I was in my early twenties. Since then I’ve sought to do His will in every area of my life. Sometimes I’ve failed Him, but He’s never let me stay down long.

I try to be ”salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16) whatever the situation I’m in, and I try to do whatever I do “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17) and “to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). I don’t have all the answers, but I am willing to learn. I’m far from perfect, but I’m always striving to improve.