Rev. George L. Russell II, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, serves as an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He focuses on preaching, teaching, and guiding congregants with love and understanding. He began his ministry at Allen Temple AME under Rev. Dr. Alphonse Allen’s guidance, answering his call to preach the Gospel in 2012. He preached his trial sermon in August 2012. Once Rev. Russell said yes, he jumped feet first into ministry, working as an associate minister in various responsibilities. His philosophy is: “My job is to pour, and God will supply.”
Rev. Russell began his pastoral journey in 2015, leading multiple congregations with a commitment to spiritual growth and community impact. His first appointment was at Ross Chapel AME in Jamestown, Ohio, followed by Christ Our Redeemer AME in Dayton, Ohio. He was ordained as an Itinerant Elder in October 2016. In 2019, he was appointed Pastor of Brown Chapel AME Cincinnati, where he faithfully served for five years, fostering growth and deepening the congregation’s spiritual vitality.
Rev. Russell earned a BA in Communications from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in December 2016. Alongside his pastoral duties, he serves as Assistant Director of IT at the University of Cincinnati, skillfully merging his technical expertise with his ministerial calling.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Anna, since 1995, Rev. Russell is a devoted husband and father to their four children: Darin, Amani, Nia, and Kaia. Inspired by his favorite scripture, Romans 12:11-12 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”—Rev. Russell remains steadfast in his commitment to God, his family, his ministry, and the communities he serves.
