Rev. Russ Fairbanks is a visionary leader, biblical preacher, and a man seeking after God’s heart. He and his wife Kelly have one son and have been married for nine years. Russ has been in full-time ministry for thirteen years, serving as a youth pastor for seven years and a lead pastor for nearly six years in Ohio. God started leading Russ to plant a church in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area since the time he accepted the call to preach while in college. Russ and Kelly have spent much time in preparation for this critical time in their lives. God made it clear to them in the summer of 2009 that now would be the time to take this huge step of faith. Russ ended his tenure at a strong congregation in Ohio on February 28th, 2010 and moved south on March 19th and finally to Ooltewah August 1st to begin this ministry.
Russ is a 1993 graduate of Hixson High School in Hixson, Tennessee. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 1997. Russ is currently in his final semester to receive his second master’s degree as he will be holding a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary and a Master of Ministry from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He was ordained as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 2004. Kelly is a nurse with her B.S.N. and also has an associates degree in Biblical Studies.
Russ’ main passion is building a church that is reaching those who are not Christians. He loves people and enjoys spending time building relationships with those in the community. Russ can be very competitive and loves sports a great deal. He is an avid golfer, weekend warrior basketball and softball player, and loves The University of Tennessee Volunteers (However, he is friends with Bama fans and Georgia fans, too!).