Revd Dr Russell Herbert, BTh, MA, PhD
About Me
Following several experiences of the Holy Spirit in my teens, I felt a call to ministry at the age of seventeen. This led me to study theology at Westminster College, Oxford, where I became deeply involved with the Christian Union and student missions. After graduating I became a youth worker in South Essex and then a lay pastor in South Devon. Ordination training followed at Wesley College, Bristol, during which time I undertook an MA in Pastoral Studies (Birmingham) and started a PhD in Practical Theology (Cardiff).
I completed my doctorate while serving as a Methodist minister in Mid Devon. I’ve lived in Clevedon since 2007, where I’m minister of Kenn Methodist Church and on the team at Christchurch, a Methodist-Anglican Ecumenical Partnership. I’m also Superintendent of the Gordano Valley Methodist Circuit.
I’ve always had a heart for children and young people, and spend a lot of time in schools leading assemblies and lessons. I use a lot of gospel magic in these settings as well as in all-age worship and various community outreach events. I also have a particular interest in engaging mental health issues, drawing especially on the insights of CBT.
I’m married to Tamara, have three children, and love anything related to guitars.
My Research Interests
My PhD explored the meaning of hope and the practical question of how it might be nurtured in pastoral care, drawing from the insights of eschatology and nursing science. This ignited my fascination with the correlation between theology and psychology, especially in relation to human development and questions around how worship, preaching and evangelism might engage us at different ages and stages. I am currently exploring the engagement of faith with mental health.
How to Get in Touch with Me
You can email me at Russell.Herbert@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk
Some Highlights of my Work
Living Hope: A practical theology of hope for the dying (American edition) (Fortress Press, 2020).
Halfway Home? Finding faith in mid-life (Kevin Mayhew, 2019).
Three Funerals and a Wedding: The Message of Ruth Today (co-authored with John Haley) (Methodist Evangelicals Together, 2020).
Staying Close (Kevin Mayhew, 2015).
Living Hope: A practical theology of hope for the dying (revised edition) (Kevin Mayhew, 2014).
Growing Through the Church: A practical and theological vision for all-age worship (Kevin Mayhew, 2012).
Living Hope: A practical theology of hope for the dying (Epworth Press, 2006).
Latest blog posts
Open Evening for Part-Time Study
About Me Following several experiences of the Holy Spirit in my teens, I felt a call to ministry at the age of seventeen. This led me to study theology at Westminster College, Oxford, where I became deeply involved with the Christian Union and student missions. After graduating I became a youth worker in South Essex […]
New Vice Principal for Formation
About Me Following several experiences of the Holy Spirit in my teens, I felt a call to ministry at the age of seventeen. This led me to study theology at Westminster College, Oxford, where I became deeply involved with the Christian Union and student missions. After graduating I became a youth worker in South Essex […]
Academic Awards celebration
About Me Following several experiences of the Holy Spirit in my teens, I felt a call to ministry at the age of seventeen. This led me to study theology at Westminster College, Oxford, where I became deeply involved with the Christian Union and student missions. After graduating I became a youth worker in South Essex […]
Jubilee Scholarship launched
About Me Following several experiences of the Holy Spirit in my teens, I felt a call to ministry at the age of seventeen. This led me to study theology at Westminster College, Oxford, where I became deeply involved with the Christian Union and student missions. After graduating I became a youth worker in South Essex […]