Though I grew up in a military family, I claim Shreveport to be my home. First United Methodist Church is my home church and my church home! After graduating Loyola College Prep in 2013, I attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee where I majored in Psychology and minored in Religious Studies. I was looking to go into the therapy field, but a summer internship at The Hub:Urban Ministries changed everything! I felt the call to ministry and to our community. After graduating college in 2017, I went immediately to seminary at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Whilst there, I also began my candidacy process as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. After obtaining my Master of Divinity in 2020, I applied and was accepted into a program of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church called Global Mission Fellows. This is a two year missionary program that bridges church, mission, and justice work. Thus, I was sent to St. Petersburg, Florida and worked as the Director of Evangelism and Community Engagement. 

I really enjoyed my time and ministry there, but Louisiana has been calling my name! After being away for about nine years, I felt God calling me back to the city and state that I love. Therefore, I moved back here in July 2022 to begin a new ministry at the Church that I am very excited about! I feel called to pastor and build a strong Christian community of college and young adults in the Shreveport- Bossier City area. I am incredibly thankful this Church wants to be intentional with this important group of people; and I look forward to seeing what God is going to do in our city and among our young adult folks!

Let’s get to know each other! I am always happy to make new friends :)

email: mrusso@fumcshreveport.org

phone: 318.424.7771