Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes

Dr. Elnes is a minister and biblical scholar with Ph.D. in biblical studies from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is also an author, an Internet television personality, and a leader in the Convergence Christian movement. His church, Countryside Community Church (UCC) in Omaha, NE recently made headlines by becoming the Christian partner in Omaha’s heralded Tri-Faith Initiative where a synagogue, a mosque, and a church are co-locating to a 35 acre campus to be in relationship together as neighbors committed to practicing respect, acceptance, and trust. Dr. Elnes’ internet television program Darkwood Brew, was the first faith-based, weekly, interactive web television program in the world and has produced the world’s largest collection of progressive small group video resources. Dr. Elnes’ books include, The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity (Jossey-Bass, 2006), Igniting Worship: The Seven Deadly Sins (Abingdon, 2004) and Gifts of the Dark Wood: Seven Blessings for Soulful Skeptics (and Other Wanderers) (forthcoming Sept 1, 2015, Abingdon Press). In 2006, Dr. Elnes helped lead a 2,500 walk from Phoenix to Washington, DC, to promote awareness of progressive/emerging Christian faith and practice. His journey is recounted in his book, Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith on the Highways of America (Jossey-Bass, 2007), and is also the subject of a feature-length film, The Asphalt Gospel.