Dr. Eric Elnes
Dr. Eric Elnes is a biblical scholar with a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is also a leading articulator of Convergence Christianity and Senior Minister of Countryside Community Church (UCC) in Omaha, NE. Eric has written several books on faith, theology and culture including, The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity (Jossey-Bass, 2006) and a book on experiential worship called Igniting Worship: The Seven Deadly Sins (Abingdon, 2004). In 2006, Eric also helped lead a 2,500 mile walk from Phoenix to Washington, DC, to promote awareness of progressive/emerging Christian faith and practice and meet with Christians at a grassroots to hear their hopes and dreams for the future of faith in America. His journey, which is the subject of a feature-length film, The Asphalt Gospel, is recounted in his book, Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith on the Highways of America (Jossey-Bass, 2007). Elnes lives as an “empty nester” in Omaha with his wife, Melanie, dog Roe, and cat Tamar. They have two college-age daughters, Arianna and Maren.
Rev. Chris Alexander
Rev. Chris Alexander is the Associate Pastor of Countryside Community Church in Omaha, NE. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Chris has been serving at Countryside (a congregation of the United Church of Christ) since 2010. Believing strongly about following the activity of God in the world, Chris is an active participant in Darkwood Brew, serving as the social media commentator, and sometimes host. The great joy of being in continual conversation about the love of God in our lives and what that means in the discernment of our callings within that love, is what excites Chris most about participating in Darkwood Brew. Chris lives in Omaha with her husband, Rev. Dr. Scott Frederickson, and (sometimes) their grown daughters, Rachel and Maddy.
