Russell was born and brought up in Putney, South West London before studying history at  Edinburgh University. He trained for the ministry in Manchester and has served churches in Billericay, Essex, West Wickham and Elmers End in South London before becoming minister of Purley URC in January 2005. 

Russell is also the Synod Clerk for the Southern Provence of the United Reformed Church.

Russell is married to Nicola and they have two sons, Cameron and Ross.

You can contact Russell via [email protected]