Raised in the church, Russ began working in the corporate world before feeling a call to full-time ministry. He received his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and founded Finding Purpose, a ministry to reach men with the truth of the Gospel so they may glorify God and find purpose for their life. After 13 years in the ministry, Russ received his Doctor of Ministry from SEBTS after completing his dissertation on expositional sermons in Joshua, taught at The Mens Study. Russ lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, teaching The Mens Study every Tuesday evening and providing other resources for men on their faith journey.