Dr. Todd Russ
Tuesday, Jan 24
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Making All Ministry Teams More Effective
Too many church boards, councils, and ministry action teams spend their time talking—but struggle to turn discussions into action. This session is for pastors, council chairmen, board leaders, and ministry team members who want to see real results between meetings. Participants will learn how to design efficient, purpose-driven meetings that end with clear, actionable outcomes. We’ll explore how to set agendas that focus on mission priorities, assign responsibilities with accountability, and follow up between meetings to ensure progress. This session also addresses how to foster a culture of preparation, so members come ready to contribute, and how to develop leadership skills in a way that empowers members to take ownership of their roles.
Whether you’re leading a church council, a school board, a stewardship committee, or a youth ministry team, you’ll leave with practical tools to make your group not just a place for discussion—but a catalyst for ministry impact.
Dr. Todd Russ serves as executive director of Grace in Action. He joined the Grace in Action team full time in 2022 after serving on the board of directors. He has spent 31 years in K-12 school leadership and education with ministry stops in Florida (Ocean Drive, Pompano Beach), Colorado (Shepherd of the Valley, Westminster), Wisconsin (Pilgrim, Menomonee Falls), and most recently, Minnesota, at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. These ministry opportunities have shaped the way that Dr. Russ sees organizations and ministry. The people, leaders, vision, and operational structures impact the ability of a ministry to seize opportunities for gospel proclamation. His experiences at St. Croix Lutheran Academy shaped how he views culture. He is passionate about helping the body of Christ see and value differences within its members. He and his wife, Sara, have two children on earth and one awaiting them in heaven. His specialties include team building, leadership development, and strategic planning.
