As director of missions, Tim Russell has assisted the 31 churches of Grady Association for the last four years.
“We have pastors who care for each other and the churches that make up the association,” Russell said. “We care for those outside our association. We have been part of Disaster Relief around our state. We send teams to Panama on short-term mission trips, and recently, we created partnerships with three churches in Portland and Seattle.”
Russell said he enjoys preaching and getting to know the churches’ leaders, adding that he enjoys supporting and encouraging his pastors.
“Pastors live under a constant pressure,” Russell said. “They’re not even aware of until they are no longer under it. Burn out and marriage difficulties can be realities among pastors. I want to be a friend they can trust with the challenges of life and ministry.”
In March 2021, Tim celebrated his 40th year in ministry.
“I have been privileged to pastor several churches in Oklahoma and previously to serve as director of missions of Capital Association,” Russell said. “It has been a great experience. I have really enjoyed each of the ministry opportunities the Lord has given me. Recently, I was reading in Gal. 1:24, ‘And they glorified God because of me.’ It is my desire that my God is glorified because of me; not that I receive glory because of Him.”
Russell hones his relationship with God through Bible study, prayer, encouraging people and engaging in ministry.
“If we walk across the street and help someone else out, that will lift our spirits and invigorate our walk,” Russell said. While he enjoys preaching, “I need to spend time in the churches when I’m not preaching to them, so there’s a balance.”
Tim and Glenette Russell, married 39 years, have two grown children and six grandchildren. They enjoy doing ministry together, fishing and traveling.
Because of the generous giving of Oklahoma Baptists through the Cooperative Program, an amazing array of ministries are supported. This unified giving encourages fellowship with other believers all over the world. Collectively, Oklahoma Baptists are advancing the Gospel together.
Tim Russell was featured in the 2021 Missionary Prayer Guide for Oklahoma Baptists. To see DOM Russell’s prayer requests, visit www.oklahomabaptists.org/cp
