Pastor Russell Heider grew up in a loving home in Barnwell, South Carolina. He graduated from Barnwell High School in 1991 and The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 1995. Upon graduation from college, he married Tonya Kissiah Heider and moved to the Charleston area. 

Saved at the age of four while watching a Billy Graham television show, Pastor Russell recognized the call of God on his life from a young age. Shortly after moving to the Charleston area, he and wife Tonya began attending Christian Fellowship Church (now known as The Answer Place Ministries) in 1997. He served faithfully as a greeter and an usher for many years. However, he knew that God had a different plan for his life. Like most, he ran from God’s plan. Instead, he set out to become a businessman, moving to the Columbia area to work alongside his family in his uncle’s barbecue business. The goal was to eventually take over the business and live comfortably in the Columbia area.

As most of you know, you can’t outrun the call of God on your life. He finally surrendered to God’s will and in 2004, he answered the call. In 2005, he started seminary at Christian Life School of Theology (CLST) in Augusta, GA. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology in 2006. He became the Campus Director of Life Christian University’s Bonneau campus in 2007, where he went on to earn his Master’s degree in Theology.

Pastor Russell and Mrs. Tonya took over as Pastors of The Answer Place Ministries (now Arise Church SC) in February of 2013 where they continue to serve today. They are the proud parents of three children: Austin, Kristin, and Emily Grace.