Russ is a Pastor and the Operations Director at Reliance. He grew up outside Knoxville, TN in a Christian home but had no personal relationship with Christ. Despite his best efforts to evade the call of God on his life, he surrendered his life and experienced the love of Christ in 2012 at U-turn for Christ, a faith-based recovery program.
The Lord continued his transforming work through Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, California, and Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Russ is passionate about applicable teaching and helping people discover the power of mental, physical, and spiritual health in Jesus.
The Lord brought him, his wife, Sara, and their daughter, Malia, to Reliance in 2018. Sara is the Worship Director and serves on the women’s ministry board. Russ spends most of his time with his family and sprinkles in some surfing, Tennessee football, bow hunting, and whatever other outdoor shenanigans his friends are getting into.
Get to know Pastor Russ!
What is your role at Reliance Church?
Lead Assistant Pastor — I oversee the operations of the church
Describe your job in five words?
That’ll do pig, that’ll do
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
NFL Football Player
Coffee, Tea, or Soda?
That’s up to the moment, never let ‘em know your next move.
Go-to worship song?
Refiner by Maverick City Music
Who has had the most influence in your spiritual life?
Jesus, the Christ, and my dad, John Holliday
Food you can’t live without?
Avocado Egg Rolls
Which Bible character would you most likely to be best friends with?
Balam’s donkey
Favorite Quote of all time?
“O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.” — St. Augustine
What is your hope for Reliance Church?
That the rhythm’s of grace would carry each person through their journey of faith. I hope that every person — knows by experience — the real deal power of the gospel to transform life and preserve the soul.