Born in Brooklyn, New York to a single mother and loving family, Russell knew he wanted something different in his life. He moved to Maryland to attend Morgan State University, where he, before finding Christ, was a well-known party promoter. Now his mission and vision is to promote Jesus to everyone he meets.
Russell received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Morgan and his Master’s of Divinity degree from Howard University. He was licensed and ordained in the AME Church under Dr. Jamal Bryant at the Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
While at the Empowerment Temple, Russell was blessed to serve as the Minister to Teens, where he led the teen service “Teen Temple,” which allowed students to worship God in their own way through Step, Rap, Dance, Drama, and other styles of youth focused worship. Over 150 students attended each service.
Russell also served as the Pastor of Students and Young Professionals at The Fountain Ministries, in Florida. There he was able to create a new name, focus, and vision for the ministry. The H2 (HYDRO) ministry is focused on “being a relevant light” for students. While at the Fountain Ministries, Russell started several new ministries and improved/enhanced other ministries so that students became more involved in Church and more importantly more committed and connected to Christ. During Russell’s time at The Fountain hundreds of students connected with the ministry and Jesus Christ.
Russell has been blessed to create a student curriculum & adult curriculum for The Urban Youth Workers Institute’s National Youth Ministry Conference “Reload”. In addition, Russell was contacted by Outreach Magazine to be the “Youth Ministry Expert” for several years and asked to rate the top youth ministry resources of the year for the last several years. Outreach Magazine also highlighted Russell’s Youth ministry experience and leaders with a feature profile in its 2012 issue of the 100 Fastest and Largest Growing Churches in America. Russell was also honored to be interviewed on TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network) as an expert in youth ministry.
Russell desires to assist churches and organizations in being more effective in their industry. As a result, Russell has created several companies, including After The Music Stops, LLC with a focus on inspiring and empowering Churches and leaders as they serve families and students. Russell has also created Ministry Pivot, which is a full-service leadership and coaching company designed to assist CEOs and leaders as they access and achieve new heights. Russell loves leadership and the opportunity to see businesses and employees grow beyond what they expect.
In addition to Russell’s Business Administration Degree and Master Of Divinity Degree, Russell has earned a certificate in non-profit executive management from Georgetown University, and Russell is a Certified Gallup Global Strengths Coach.
Russell currently serves as the Director of Operations for Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, one of the fastest-growing Churches in the Country as labeled by Outreach Magazine.
Russell is the proud husband of Erica St. Bernard and the proud father to Karis Olivia St. Bernard and Caleb Emmanuel St. Bernard, they currently reside in Maryland.