Fresh Water Ministries is an endeavor by many Christians who have benefited from strong Bible teaching and rich discussions. We want to share what we have experienced: an amazing fellowship through the chapter-by-chaper study of Scripture, and the joys of meaningful conversations, inspiring inquiry, and sincere prayers.
Our aim is to:
draw people, especially those who are thirsting for Bible teaching or who have faith questions, into an in-depth study of the Bible. Fresh Water’s studies are not sermons–they are teachings that go sequentially through the biblical text. We read and discuss the passages and look for personal applications to our lives.
Our sincere hope is:
that you will find these teachings to be as current and lively as we have. These teachings were recorded with an audience of women with varying backgrounds. Following the talks we met in small discussion groups to discuss and understand what we had learned.
Our prayer is:
that as the Lord opens His Word for you, He will powerfully encourage your heart as you listen, and will help you to grow in your understanding of His love as seen in Jesus. Some of you may start your own discussion groups. Others may want to listen for more personal encouragement. Whichever route you choose, we pray your love for Jesus will grow.
Our Beliefs:
We believe in:
The only true God,
the almighty Creator of all things, existing eternally in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – full of love and glory.
Jesus Christ: fully human and fully divine;
who lived as a perfect example, who assumed the judgment due all sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord.
The unique divine inspiration,
entire trustworthiness and authority of the Bible.
The spiritual unity
of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The value and dignity of all people;
created in God’s image to live in love and holiness, but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt, and justly subject to God’s wrath.
Justification by God’s grace
to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ,
who will raise all people from the dead, judge them with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.
Our Teacher:
Meet: Kathy Russell
Our main teacher is Kathy Russell. She loves teaching the Bible and has done so for most of her adult life. Her passion is to see others growing in truth and in their understanding of God’s great love for all of us.
Kathy grew up in a large family, the daughter of a college football coach in Miami. In 1971 she married Randy Russell, a pastor for over 40 years in Chapel Hill, NC. They have five grown children and ten grandchildren.
How did you become a teacher?
I never sought to be a teacher; I was a singer. In my 20’s I was in a bible study with
women who were somewhat older. The teacher got sick and we all took turns
substituting; I was last. When I spoke, surprisingly, it was with authority. I couldn’t
believe what the Lord had been storing up that He could put to use later (that’s true for
all of us, of course!). Clearly, it was the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What type of teacher are you?
I often describe myself as a “casserole” teacher. I chop, chop, chop in preparation for the
lecture but the casserole is not assembled until the lecture begins! In other words,
scripture is living and active and it is applied when those who show up are thirsty and
hungry.
What is the emphasis of Fresh Water?
While we come from many denominations, the emphasis of our studies is agreement
around the Apostles Creed. Our desire and experience has been in building communities
of women who come together to hear and study the Word of God.
Most of the studies are a sequential reading of a book of the Bible. We also have some
topical studies where passages are read but not in sequential order. Before the Scriptures
are read aloud, I pray for you to have the ears to hear and to apply what is being read.
The Holy Spirit is invited to be with us and He really comes.
What do you mean when you say “communities of women”?
Women used to gather around the clothesline to talk about the dirty things that needed
washing in their lives. Today, we have nowhere to go to talk. Our lives are busy with
work, children, and their activities. We are so over-organized even in our play.
Freshwater establishes an environment where women can come together to discuss real
Truth as it relates to their issues. This listening to each other, through the filter of
Scriptural teaching, is one of the main things we emphasize in our studies. We encourage
those who are inquiring about the Christian faith to participate as well as experienced
students of the Bible.
How does Bible Study work with that?
The Lord Jesus welcomes us to listen and be a part of what He is doing. We allow for
sharing with one another in a group, straight after listening to a teaching. This was the
old rabbinic method for learning; Scripture and discussion. It is in itself a good method
for having our thoughts and intentions made clear. We also encourage using a Study
Guide or a method called Listening Study, that accompanies the Scripture for the week.
This is a good way to look more deeply into what the Lord may be saying to us. We
encourage sharing observations, applications and our need for growth with one another.
What is the format of a Fresh Water study?
Fresh Water begins with teaching. You are encouraged to take notes. After the
teaching, we pause for a few minutes of silent reflection. We then meet as small groups
and you are strongly encouraged to participate in discussions that involve applying
Scripture to our lives. This listening and interacting is the backbone of our studies. We
also pray for one another confidentially as needs arise.
You can listen online alone or in a group focusing on the Scripture that is being read. It
is best to read along with the Scriptures. You can also look at the faces of those around
you. You can see their nods and meet their eyes on things that you need to think about.
We are so thirsty for Real conversation around Real Truth. When we express ourselves
after hearing the Bible read aloud, it is a rich and rewarding experience. We need the
power of the Holy Spirit expressed through Scripture and through the lives of other
believers to strengthen our relationships with Jesus.