Pastor Richard Russell is a native of Troy, Alabama.  He is a graduate of Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Alabama, where he was an All-Metro Linebacker.

After graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps where he traveled around the world.  It was during his tour of duty in 1994 that Pastor Russell received the Divine call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pastor Russell’s initial sermon was aboard the USS Wasp docked in Haiti.  Pastor Russell received his license to preach in January 1995. 

Upon his honorable discharge from the Marines, Pastor Russell returned to Montgomery and was ordained under Pastor J.D. McFarland at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Later Pastor Russell was called to pastor Rockdale Baptist Church in Lapine, Alabama.

At the age of 28, the Lord elevated Pastor Richard Russell to Lake Elam Missionary Baptist Church.  Under his leadership, Lake Elam has seen its membership increase and ministries flourish.  We have now begun an extensive expansion project.

Pastor Russell has attended Coastal Carolina and Auburn University in Montgomery and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in History at Troy University in Montgomery.  After graduation, Pastor Russell plans to pursue a Master of Divinity degree.  Pastor Russell  travels around the nation as an evangelist and annual day speaker.  His spare time is spent reading, working with inner-city youth, watching football, basketball, and pro wrestling.  His motto is "with God, all things are possible".

To contact Pastor Richard Russell, please email him at  richard.russell@lakeelam.com.