Mission Alive is often asked to assist in finding leaders to serve in missional ministry opportunities in partnership with existing churches and organizations. In early 2025, the Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ in New Orleans, Louisiana, asked our help in finding a new minister. Through God’s guidance, we are happy to share that Russell Mann has answered that call. Russell and his family are now in New Orleans, working with the church which has served its community for over 90 years. Be encouraged by Russell’s account of God’s hand in this process:
“It all began nine years ago in 2017. I had just graduated college and was looking for something to do for the summer before I started seminary. Through a church connection, I was introduced to the pastor of a new church about an hour away in Redland Hills, Alabama. He was looking for some help with his growing congregation. I was looking for an opportunity to gain some real-world ministry experience. During my summer working at Redland Hills Church as an intern, I was introduced to the Mission Alive organization. I was quickly drawn to their values and passion for helping churches be present in serving their community. Fast-forward to 2025, when Tod Vogt randomly reached out to me about joining a Mission Alive DC. I now had three kids and was working at a large traditional church near my hometown. The timing was providential, as I was finding myself somewhat burnt out in ministry and sensing a stirring for something new. Through the Discipleship Cohort, I was able to slow down and re-connect with God. I created space in my life to listen to the leading of the Spirit and discern where God was guiding me to live on mission. As I did, I began to sense God calling me in a very specific direction—to a diverse church in a big city with lots of need. Around that time, I was encouraged to look through the list of ministry opportunities on Mission Alive’s website. One listing jumped off the page immediately—a church in New Orleans was looking for a minister to partner with them in serving their community. Over the ensuing months, God made it clear that this is where He was calling our family. We recently moved to the Big Easy to begin working with the Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ, and we could not be more excited to see what God will do!”
There are more ministry opportunities detailed on our website. Click HERE to read more and see if God is stirring a change in you.