Russell E. Gehrlein

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 45 years, father of 3 adult children, grandfather of 7, blogger, and author of the book, "Immanuel Labor - God's Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work", which was published by WestBow Press in February 2018. This book was selected as a winner of the International Impact Book Award in 2025 and received the 2024 Christlit Book Award. He is passionate about helping Christians with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day.

Russ received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Colorado State University and a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. God has given him a unique career journey as a junior/high school math teacher, youth pastor, and in the military. In 2006, he retired as a Master Sergeant with over 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Army. Since 2008, Russ has worked as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Leonard Wood.

Although this is his first book, he has been a published author for many years. Russ has written a dozen articles on a variety of military topics that were published in the NCO Journal, Army Chemical Review, and for the Center for Army Lessons Learned. Since 2015, Russ has maintained an active blog, “Reflections on Theological Topics of Interest”, where he has written and posted 400 articles. 250 of these have been published or posted on Christian organization’s blogs or websites nearly 500 times, including: The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, Christian Grandfather Magazine, and Kingdom Winds.

Russ has also been a featured guest on several podcasts and radio interviews: The Author Inside You (July 2019), The Author’s Show (August 2019), Making it Work (January 2021), Family Radio (January 2021), Moody Radio (September 2022 and August 2023), the Kirby Laing Centre (March 2023), The Plumb Line (March and June 2024), and Embrace Our Calling (January 2026).