Content by Reverend Dr. Eric Elnes

Reverend Dr. Eric Elnes is a biblical scholar, with a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is currently Lead Pator at the First Congregational UCC in Eugene, OR. Previously, he was the Senior Minister of Countryside Community Church (UCC), Omaha, the Christian partner in Omaha’s unique Tri-Faith Initiative, where a synagogue, a church, and a mosque have co-located to a shared, 38-acres Commons to move beyond interfaith dialog into interfaith community. In 2019, he and his congregation received Reform Judaism’s highest award (the Maurice N. Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award) for their Tri-Faith work. Dr. Elnes is also an active videocaster at www.darkwoodbrew.org and podcaster. Elnes is the author of several books, including Gifts of the Dark Wood: Seven Blessings for Soulful Skeptics (and Other Wanderers), and The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity. In 2006, Elnes co-led a walk across the U.S. to raise awareness of the diversity that exists within Christian faith and practice. His journey was documented in the film The Asphalt Gospel. He and his wife, Melanie, have two daughters who live in Denver and Juneau.