
The Five Gifts Podcast exists for Christian Leaders and Christ-followers to rediscover Christ’s presence and activity in their lives and their churches.
Our Hosts:
Charles Russell has served in Pastoral Ministry for 26 years. He is also a Coach and Consultant with Church Life Resources and Nationally Appointed US Missionary serving local churches as a Consultant, Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. He has a Masters in Organizational Leadership. You can contact Charles at charlesrussellmissions@gmail.com.
Bruce Ritter has been a lead Pastor for 27 years and a Spiritual Life and Leadership Coach since 2005. He is also a consultant with Church Life Resources. He has a Masters in Pastoral Ministry and a Doctorate in Evangelism and Discipleship.
Links

A Discipleship Worth Recovering: The Crucified Jesus VS. The Cultural Jesus – The Five Gifts Podcast
What if the version of Jesus you’re following isn’t the real one? What if it’s a safer, more comfortable, culturally-approved Jesus—one who fits neatly into your ambitions, your lifestyle, and your schedule… but doesn’t call you to the cross, doesn’t ask you to die to yourself? In today’s episode of The Five Gifts Podcast, we’re diving deep into what it means to follow the crucified Jesus—not a culturalized one. And it just might change the way you see discipleship, leadership, and your walk with God.
You’ll discover:
• The traits of the “culturalized Jesus” we often follow unknowingly
• What "cruciform" leadership really looks like
• How brokenness, not performance, marks spiritual maturity
This episode is for every leader hungry to recover authentic, cross-shaped discipleship—and walk in the gifts of Jesus with integrity and power.