God has blessed Bob Russell with a life much different than one he could have ever imagined. As a young man growing up in northern Pennsylvania, Bob had intended on becoming a high school basketball coach in his hometown. During his senior year of high school, however, Bob realized a desire in his heart to enter the ministry. Soon thereafter, he enrolled in Cincinnati Bible Seminary where he graduated in 1965.

At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. Today that small congregation of 120 members has become one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006.  Bob retired from Southeast in June 2006.

Bob and his wife Judy have been married for forty-four years. They have two married sons who live in Louisville and are active at Southeast, and seven grandchildren with whom they enjoy spending their time. 

An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books. He also has a weekly column in The Lookout, a magazine printed by Standard Publishing.  In his leisure time he enjoys playing golf and is an avid University of Louisville football and basketball fan.