Russell L. Lackey serves as pastor of Mission Lutheran Church in Laguna Niguel, California. He is the former Campus Pastor at Grand View University and inaugural holder of the Rasmussen-Skow Chair in Pastoral Excellence. Russell has authored the book Power and Purpose: The Book of Revelation for Today. During his time at Grand View, he led two Lilly Endowment initiatives to strengthen pastoral ministry. Russell received his Doctor of Ministry in Christian Leadership from Duke University; Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary; and Bachelor of Arts from Westmont College. He is married to his wife, Jamie; together they have three daughters.
The church's task is neither to baptize the sword nor to pretend the sword has no place in a fallen world. It is to stand beneath the cross, telling the truth.
Date posted: 2026-05-30