We recently connected with Russell Pointer, Jr. and have shared our conversation below.

Russell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The best ideas come from the most desperate and unfortunate contexts. Many times bright ideas come from seemingly hopeless situations. As I examined my life and the lives of those around me, I realized that there were so many layered systems that made flourishing complex for us. I learned about how the Black church was the vehicle that brought about so many changes during the civil rights era. I realized that many church communities are great at saving souls, but we needed to improve our ability to care for our community holistically. We have to deal with real issues that keep us from living the abundant life that Jesus offers us. We have to deal with issues of mental, physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual health. We need a church that cares about us entirely. We need to be reformed. That’s why our name is also our calling- Reform Nash (Reformation Church Nashville). Reform developed a 5-Fold Ministry Model to address these holistic needs- spiritual development, educational advancement, health & wellness, financial empowerment, and social action. We envision a community that is strengthen by principles such as patronizing local-owned, minority-owned business, community service, advocating for those struggling, and standing in solidarity with those hurting. This vision can helps us overcome issues such as poverty, obesity, racism, depression, classism, grief, sexism, etc. Our vision is broad enough that everyone contributes to how we can carry it out. Since Reform has already changed so many lives, we remain confident that this is God’s vision for our church and our community. We want to live the gospel as representatives of God’s love, healing, joy, hope, and light.
From this initial vision, we launched Reform Nashville, a nonreligious 501(c)3 that we use to do most of our ministry in the community. Reform Nashville has a few initiatives that we developed to help clothing insecurity at partner schools. We helped keep over 100 students from being suspended because of dress code at McKissack Middle School. I also established The Point Media, LLC. where we specialize turning moments into memories. We specialize in event photography, weddings, corporate photography, family portraits, and headshots. We are launching additional initiatives to help churches create social media content from their worship services as well as a service component where we help teach children how to shoot with a camera.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always had two passions: sports and church. I have photos of myself singing, preaching, and playing basketball at a really early age. I had aspirations of being a professional basketball player. Those aspirations changed to becoming a college athletic director when I was in college. I had a lofty goal of bringing God into sports. Once I was part of the college sports system, I realized that was not what I was supposed to do at that time. I began working in church, but I didn’t come with a background that has the typical qualifications. I had not studied religion extensively yet. I had not been to seminary. I had a background in athletics. It was unconventional, but that was all I needed. I discerned that I was called to bring holistic care to church. More than anything, I wanted my personal brand to be care and love in general.

Care is at the core of who I am as a man, a pastor, and a photographer. I am most proud when going above and beyond to show people that I care impacts others and influences them to do the same. I live by the quote “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I take pride in simply identifying as a creative. I spent most of my life believing that I wasn’t creative. I taught myself how to count by 2, create websites, and even tie a bowtie. I excelled at book with in school. One time, I was given a blank paper, and the assignment was to create a traffic sign that doesn’t exist yet. I was stuck. I could not think of anything. I was probably good at following those existing directions, but I couldn’t think of anything new. I have been on a journey to embrace my creativity. I capture important moments in people’s life on a camera. I have established a business from scratch and learned marketing, budgeting, and graphic design along the way. I have to preach to people every week. That requires creativity! Dean Amy Steele told me one time that my inability to own my strengths and my creativity will stifle the ability of those around me too. I love taking ownership of my creativity. I encourage others to do the same!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is realizing that I am making a difference. I want my work and my passions to inspire future generations to dream big and follow their heart. My heart is full when new families are being formed. When people make a decision to change their life and begin living for God. I love seeing other people around me create. I want to inspire others to love boldly, creatively, and authentically.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reformnash.church/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/russellapointerjr?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russellapointerjr?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-pointer-jr-789165112
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ReformationChurchNashville
• Other: https://www.thepointmedia.co/

Image Credits
All images are credited to The Point Media, LLC. www.thepointmedia.co @thepointmedia.co