FaithSigns LLC
is a Lutheran pastor’s effort to bring more ASL resources to the Church
About me…
Hi! I’m Reverend Russell Rockwell. I am a Lutheran pastor. I’ve been a pastor for about 30 years, but more importantly, I’ve served in Deaf churches for around 25 years.
There are three things that I enjoy about working in a Deaf church. The first is the Deaf people themselves, of course. They have a good heart, a good attitude, and a positive perspective about faith.
The second is the fresh perspective that working in a Deaf church gives me, especially with the Bible. For example: in the Gospel of John, chapter 11, v. 35, most Bible translations show just two words: “Jesus wept.”
“Wept” means “cried.” Think of how many different ways in ASL there are to sign “cry.” Each way shows a slightly different feeling and a tiny difference in emotion. In John 11:35, what’s the best way to sign “Jesus wept?”
That’s one example of what I mean about how working in a Deaf church gives me a fresh perspective. I have other examples, but I won’t get into them now.
The third thing I enjoy about working with a Deaf church is the opportunities I get to use technology in creative ways. Way back when I started working in Deaf churches, technology was limited (compared to now). It really was.
Twenty-five years ago, there weren’t any videophones for the Deaf! Back then, Deaf people still had to make their phone calls through the TTY. Think how much has changed with technology since then! Everything has advanced and improved with technology! Truly, we live today in a Digital Age.
Through the years, I’ve enjoyed working with technology, finding creative ways to use and adapt technology for ministry in the Church.
For Deaf ministry needs, life in the Digital Age means that more ASL resources can be developed and made to help Deaf people grow in their faith, knowledge, & understanding about God!
In the past 25 years, I’ve created a lot of resources for my work in a Deaf church. Now, I’m collecting the resources that I’ve made, and I’m working to add ASL video to them. I plan to video myself, giving clear teaching & explanations in ASL on video just like I’ve done in person at my church.
The idea is this – the Deaf people in my church enjoy receiving clear teaching and instruction in ASL. Now, Deaf people in far-away places can enjoy the same benefit!
Life in the Digital Age makes it possible. Technology makes it happen.
That’s a little bit about me, my work, and what I enjoy doing!