Choosing to Church Plant - Russel Rader

What if you could transform your faith journey through mentorship and community? Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Russell Rader, a committed church planter at Reunion Church in Union Square, who takes us through his incredible path of faith and discipleship. Russell's spiritual adventure began at the tender age of 12 when his family moved near a megachurch in Phoenix, Arizona. Initially reluctant, he found guidance in a mentor named Dustin, whose dedicated support played a pivotal role in nurturing his early spiritual growth. Russell's story highlights the power of mentorship and community in paving his way into ministry. Russell pulls back the curtain on his own journey of healing and growth, sharing candidly about the impact of father figures and mentors throughout his life, from college experiences to his first pastoral role. We hear about his challenges with fatherhood and marriage, and the importance of learning from personal experiences to be present for his children. With a touching narrative of meeting his wife at a wedding in Kansas City and the foundational years pastoring his first church, Russell illustrates the profound significance of balance in family life and career. This episode emphasizes the necessity of intentional learning and personal growth. Church planting is no easy feat, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Russell shares his insights on navigating the ups and downs of building a church community, detailing the trials and triumphs that accompanied this endeavor. From a memorable Christmas gathering to the challenges of nurturing a dedicated team, Russell discusses the realities of church planting and the critical role of integrity and accountability within church leadership. His reflections on aligning social justice with evangelism and his vision for the future of Reunion Church offer a rich perspective on remaining steadfast in one's faith mission. Join us for a profound exploration of faith, humility, and the unyielding commitment to serving one's community. (00:01) Finding Faith Through Discipleship (08:34) Journey of Healing and Growth (15:45) Church Planting Insights and Challenges (25:06) Navigating Church Planting Challenges During COVID (30:35) Building a Strong Church Community Website - https://faithly.co Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co Russel Rader https://faithly.co/profiles/russelrader Reunion Church NYC https://www.reunionnyc.com