Russell Gumm - Senior Pastor
russgumm@xenianaz.org - Read my Blog

Life Passage - 
Matthew 6:33 - "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." - The Message

Short Bio - 
I graduated (barely) from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in religion.  My minor was biblical studies. (Don't ask me, it's all Greek to me.)  I started pastoring in November of 1982 and have pastored churches in Johnstown, Covington, Cooperdale, Ashtabula and Fostoria prior to coming to Xenia.  I also served two years as a youth pastor in Mattoon, Illinois. 

Family Life - 
I am married to a great wife and mom.  Kelly and I were married in July 1982.  After a short 4 year dating relationship, we spent the first 16 years of our marriage getting to know one another.   In January 1999, the first of our two greatest blessings was born, Zack!!!!  In June of 2003 our second little blessing was born, Julianne!!!

Fun Fact -  
In college my nickname was Gumby.  I used to have a huge collection of Gumby memorabilia.  My favorite was a pizza box from Gumby’s pizza in Gainesville, Florida.

Hobbies -
I enjoy golfing and anything that I get to do with my family.  I really like fishing with my son Zack.  I just wish he would take his own fish off the hook.  He is a much better fisherman than I am.

Faith Testimony -
I grew up in the church and always was a little odd.  I knew, since I was 5 years old, that God wanted me to be a preacher.  Most of my life choices were based on that reality, especially as a teenager.  The most vivid spiritual experience for me came on May 7, 1974 when I really completely understood what it meant to give my heart to God.   I knelt at an altar at a city wide crusade in Lima, Ohio and committed my life to serving Him.