Dr. Russ Rainey practiced as a Licensed Professional Christian Counselor for over 30 years. He has served five churches as Director of Counseling, Support, and Recovery, and he has taught graduate courses in Christian Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. He served as Regional Outpatient Director for Rapha (a Christian Psychiatric Hospital Corporation), and was the Vice President of Coaching Services at Matthew 28 Global Ministries.
Russ received an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Texas in Arlington. He then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, and earned a Master’s degree and a Doctor’s degree in Psychology and Counseling, graduating in 1988. Russ currently works as a Board-Certified Coach, providing marriage coaching, and a Pastoral Counselor for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, CO.
Russ is married to the love of his life, Janet, and they have two married, adult sons. As a couple, they enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking in Colorado, and both are voracious readers. Russ and Janet are Certified Christian Life Coaches, and their private practice website is: www.NewDirectionChristianCoaching.com. Their mission statement reads: New Direction Christian Coaching serves ordinary people who want a new direction in life – those who are willing to set new goals and take new actions to be transformed. We offer faith-based, biblical coaching which enables practical solutions, lasting significance, and success through God’s eyes.
Dr. Rainey has coached a wide variety of believers over the last 15 years including ministers, missionaries, and Christian leaders. He is also a coach trainer for discipleship coaching. Russ believes that coaching and pastoral counseling are effective forms of one-on-one, deep discipleship. His favorite ministry-related scripture is, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)