Digging deep to overcome isolation

Chris Bolinger

Digging deep to overcome isolation



If you glance at the homepage for the ministry he co-founded, you may think it's just another men's study.

You'd be wrong.

When the COVID pandemic isolated men in the heart of Pittsburgh, Donnie Gray co-founded Digging Deep Ministries to provide a place where men could meet, be open, and be vulnerable to discuss real-life issues such as pain, hurt, and rejection. Four years later, DDM is a vibrant community of men – young and old, black and white – who meet together regularly to worship, eat, pray, talk, and learn how to walk with Christ on a daily basis.

Hear Donnie's story, and the story of DDM, in this inspiring interview.

A Pittsburgh native, Donald (Donnie) Gray III emerged from a 2012 prison stint with a determination to transform his own life and the lives of others in the heart of his hometown. Today, Donnie relies on his faith in Christ to balance his ministry work, his passion for being a good husband and father, and his pursuit of a new business venture, RnD Strategies, a personal concierge/consulting company that seeks to "love and serve our customers/neighbors like Jesus Christ."

This episode originally appeared as Digging Deep to Overcome Isolation — guest: Donnie Gray on Throwing Mountains.


Chris Bolinger is the author of three men’s devotionals – 52 Weeks of Strength for Men, Daily Strength for Men, and Fuerzas para Cada Día para el Hombre – and the co-host of the Throwing Mountains podcast. He splits his time between northeast Ohio and southwest Florida. Against the advice of medical professionals, he remains a die-hard fan of Cleveland pro sports teams. Find him at mensdevotionals.com.

Learn More »

More on Servant Leadership


Don't miss any of this great content! Sign up for our twice-weekly emails:

Free eBook

Success Unlocked: The Transformative Power of Questions

This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.

Download Now


Our Writers

James Bruyn is a bi-vocational visionary leader, writer and speaker who enjoys helping individuals integrate …
Scott Couchenour has a combined 30 years of experience in ministry, business and entrepreneurship. He …

Chris Bolinger is the author of three men’s devotionals – 52 Weeks of Strength for Men, Daily Strength …

Already a member? Sign in below.

  or register now

Forgot your password?

b'S2-NEW'