Shows
The WizeGuysThe Phoenix Rises: Next Generation ChristianityJoin Mac and Stu on this episode of The Wise Guys Duo Podcast as they dive into 'The Phoenix Affirmations' – a book offering a new vision for the future of Christianity by Eric Elnes. Due to summer travel schedules, the hosts revisit a lively discussion from their archives, reflecting on the broader spiritual insights that resonate across different beliefs and traditions. They emphasize the importance of questioning and evolving one's faith, exploring how ancient testimonies and contemporary wisdom can coexist.
Mac and Stu explore three affirmations from the book and discuss their personal experiences with faith and sp...2025-07-1734 minThe WizeGuysThe Phoenix Rises: Next Generation ChristianityJoin Mac and Stu on this episode of The Wise Guys Duo Podcast as they dive into 'The Phoenix Affirmations' – a book offering a new vision for the future of Christianity by Eric Elnes. Due to summer travel schedules, the hosts revisit a lively discussion from their archives, reflecting on the broader spiritual insights that resonate across different beliefs and traditions. They emphasize the importance of questioning and evolving one's faith, exploring how ancient testimonies and contemporary wisdom can coexist.
Mac and Stu explore three affirmations from the book and discuss their personal experiences with faith and sp...2025-07-1734 min
Wild Heart RevivalE4 | Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes | The Wild Wisdom of Jesus: Illuminating Gifts in the Darkwood...“If God truly loves the world, why wouldn’t God create as many paths as there are people?”— Eric ElnesIn this episode, we meander our way around substantial aspects of spirituality and personal growth. Through discussions on the significance of identifying life's 'sweet spots' and 'un-carving our blocks', listeners are encouraged to contemplate the essence of being as compared to doing. Drawing parallels between the teachings of Tao and Christ, we uncover Jesus as a wild and provocative figure challenging societal...2024-04-231h 29
First Christian Church El Reno03-26-23 Fifth Sunday in Lent: Gifts of the Dark Wood (6/8)Senior Pastor Colton Lott continues our worship series "Gifts of the Dark Wood" with his sermon "The Gift of Temptation".
"Saying no especially to good ideas is the hardest part. But it's important because sometimes we as a church or you as an individual follower of Jesus have to say no so that we can say yes to what God was actually calling us towards, to the path where God especially needs our gifts and graces. In other words, just because you can doesn't always mean that you should. However God has called your p...2023-03-2822 minFirst Christian Church El Reno03-19-23 Fourth Sunday in Lent: Gifts of the Dark Wood (5/8)Senior Pastor Colton Lott continues our worship series "Gifts of the Dark Wood" with his sermon "The Gift of Getting Lost".
"My friends as you figure out your way through the dark wood moments of life and you find yourself getting a little lost, my best word of wisdom is don't worry. Wait, cause God is going to come creeping by in a beat up pickup truck, and if you don't see a pickup truck don't worry just wait. We'll come along and we'll hang out with you until you figure out what's next, that's what a c...2023-03-2125 minFirst Christian Church El Reno03-12-23 Third Sunday in Lent: Gifts of the Dark Wood (4/8)Senior Pastor Colton Lott continues our worship series "Gifts of the Dark Wood" with his sermon "The Gift of Being Thunderstruck".
"I say this to remind you that you've been called too, and I do believe that. Just like the strange case of orchid bees where the bees and the flowers become interdependent and in their little dance all of this beauty is born. Because each species of orchid bee relates to one species of orchid flower, they even look alike. I suspect that there's some part of your life were you have been uniquely and wonderfully m...2023-03-1423 minFirst Christian Church El Reno03-05-23 Second Sunday in Lent: Gifts of the Dark Wood (3/8)Senior Pastor Colton Lott continues our worship series "Gifts of the Dark Wood" with his sermon "The Gift of Emptiness".
"Despite his isolation in the crucifixion we have the hope that comes with the God who keeps God promises that the son will rise on the third day that Jesus's emptiness and feelings of abandonment still betray his faith and the God who hears his cry. In emptiness God works. My friends, at one point or another you to, if you have not already, will have this emptiness. Those moments when we seem inadequate like we have l...2023-03-0823 minFirst Christian Church El Reno02-26-23 First Sunday of Lent: Gifts of the Dark Wood (2/8)Guest speaker Travis Wilson continues our new series Gifts of the Dark Wood with his sermon "The Gift of Uncertainty".
Scripture: Corinthians 13:11-12
Contemporary Reading from "Gifts of the Dark Wood" by Eric Elnes
Click here to donate: https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/fccelreno2023-02-2818 min
Snarky FaithLearning from Experience"When you say to yourself. 'I don't care what happens,' it just gives you a broader perspective." - George Carlin There are times when we must wrestle with baggage from the road traveled as we progress in our faith. Questions begin to arise, and easy spiritual answers no longer soothe as a salve to the itching reality of balancing the trauma of living with the vastness of the divine. Either we give in to the itch, or we learn to ignore it. One path results in transformation, whereas the o...2022-07-0858 min
Snarky FaithRoad Trip"Based on this historical example, if our passion is to end abortion in our nation, the best way to do so is to circumvent political processes (which, to date, have not proven very effective), and to love our neighbor as Jesus commanded." Keith Giles ~ Jesus Untangled Today's show is a mixed bag of talk about reproductive rights, and I'll also take you on a road trip discussion of our continuing series on spiritual formation. Note: I apologize in advance for the poor sound quality of the road trip portion of the recording. The r...2022-05-191h 04
Snarky FaithLeaving WellTo go somewhere, you have to leave. There will be times in our journeys in faith when we're called to leave, either by choice or circumstance. Sometimes we pull away for a moment; other times, maybe forever. The keys to navigating these times are discernment, detachment, and humility. We encounter moments where leaving is healthy and gives us perspective. Other times, we just need to get the hell out of bad or toxic situations. Regardless of the reason, what we learn in these times of separation can be formative if we lean into th...2022-04-301h 04
Snarky FaithThe Art of Being Lost"As you start to walk on the way, the way appears." ~ Rumi No one likes to be lost. It strikes us with fear and disorientation because we like to be in control. When we're lost, things feel out of control. Yet being lost is part of the spiritual journey. In many ways, it is an essential ingredient for change and growth. As humans, we're creatures of habit and depend on certain things for stability as we make our way in the world every day. Remove some of the...2022-04-151h 00
Snarky FaithNitty Gritty Faith"We must realize that leaps of faith are the junk food of the spiritual realm... An authentic leap of faith may become the first step of a new beginning, but taking that step feels more like the culmination of a long and engaging journey." Eric Elnes ~ Gifts of the Dark Wood Continuing on our series about the tangible ways of faith, today we'll discuss different motivations for seeking after God. Thus far, we'd discussed conversion and moments of experiencing the divine. Too often, we assume that the journey of fai...2022-04-081h 00
Snarky FaithTouching the Stove"I tell you solemnly, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglect to do it to me." -Jesus The pursuit of experiencing the divine is the age-old goal of religious and spiritual seekers. For those that believe or want to believe, such an encounter can be transformative and confirming to one's faith. Yet, organized religion has manipulated this desire and used it to control the masses through fear, guilt, and shame masked as theology, dogma, and practice. They've taught us to ignore our humanity because t...2022-04-011h 04
Snarky FaithUncertainty"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12 Uncertainty is something that usually makes us feel uncomfortable. We like to be in control and have a hand in the outcome of things in life. It's a natural inclination, but it's also counter-productive when we seek to change and grow. In regards to religion, certainty is typically a recipe for disaster. Or, as Eric Elnes puts it, "have you ever noticed ho...2022-03-021h 03
Snarky FaithAbstract Faith"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ, we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God." 2 Corinthians 2:15-17 I've been lately contemplating this idea of Christianity and the idea of embodying a...2022-02-1858 min
The WizeGuysAlternative AffirmationsIn this episode we’re going to apply Wize wisdom to evaluating some of our sacred cow Christian religious beliefs. Into the fire we go, Stu…
Stu: “Namaste, all of you beautifully, exotic cocktails…
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https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Affirmations-Vision-Future-Christianity/dp/0787985783/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FN5SNA4PDXVN&dchild=1&keywords=the+phoenix+affirmations&qid=1629302972&sprefix=the+phoenix+aff%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1 (“The Phoenix Affirmations”,) A New Vision for the Future of Christianity, by Eric Elnes
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Wins-Enhanced-Heaven-Person-ebook/dp/B005ZF27XS/ref=sr_1_1?c...2021-08-1933 min
All Around GrowthEp. 105 - The Gift of the Dark WoodsWhen you can’t see the road ahead, do you feel lost and alone? Do you wish you had a group of companions willing to wander with you? This quote makes me think back to the very first episode of the show. I told you: You were going to be a part of a community that you've been seeking.Find a strong and supporting network We are the community that we've been seekingYou don't have to go it aloneThe objective of this podcast was to share my own personal experiences within th...2021-02-2418 min
Podcasts – KRFC 88.9 FMRev Eric Elnes2020-12-0830 min
Lives Radio Show & Podcast with Stuart ChittendenEric ElnesReverend Dr. Eric Elnes, currently senior Minister for Countryside Community Church in Omaha, NE talks about his faith journey, his “Asphalt Jesus” walk as an affirmation of his beliefs, the intersections of social justice and theology, innovations in worship, and his new calling as he prepares to depart the Midwest for a new position at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Portland, OR, returning to his native Pacific Northwest. 2020-11-0449 min
SparkDialogEp 81: Staying Connected During COVID-19 (with Technology!) – with guest Eric ElnesIf the COVID-19 pandemic had hit even ten years ago, we would be in a very different situation than today. We wouldn’t be able to video conference over Zoom. We wouldn’t have Facebook Portals to feel like we’re in the room with one another. Technology that sometimes seems to drive us apart (what’s so social about social media?) is allowing us to connect in new ways, so that we can be socially close while still being physically isolated, and allowing us to stay connected during COVID-19.
Today, I welcome Eric Elnes on the podcast. ...2020-05-0530 min
SparkDialog PodcastsEp 81: Staying Connected During COVID-19 (with Technology!)How can we stay connected during this era of COVID-19? I talk to Eric Elnes, who was diagnosed positive with COVID-19 at the start of this outbreak. It is partially due to him that we learned that people can be asymptomatic. We discuss how he keeps his church together through technology during this era of social distancing, how technology can help us all during this time, and why we need each other.2020-05-0530 min
Pieces of FaithSC 32 The Convergence Lectionary Part 2: A Conversation with Dr. Eric Elnes and Rev. Floyd TompkinsI hope you had a chance to catch Part 1 of my conversation with these Biblical scholars. In this episode Eric and Floyd get deeper into the details of the Convergence Lectionary. In Eric’s words, here’s what the curriculum with cover: For those of you unfamiliar with the Lectionary, it’s a group of Bible texts […]2016-07-0100 minPieces of FaithSC 31 The Convergence Lectionary Part 1: A Conversation with Dr. Eric Elnes, Rev. Floyd Tompkins, and Dr. Jim McDonaldJustice. Peace. Love. The lessons of Jesus lead to these three things. The ways of our world? Not so much. I sat down with Dr. Jim McDonald, President of San Francisco Theological Seminary, Rev. Floyd Thompkins, Director of the Center for Innovation in Ministry, and Dr. Eric Elnes, author and leader of Convergence Christianity and Senior […]2016-06-2400 min
Pieces of FaithSC 31 Convergence Lectionary Part 1Justice. Peace. Love. The lessons of Jesus lead to these three things. The ways of our world? Not so much. I sat down with Dr. Jim McDonald, President of San Francisco Theological Seminary, Rev. Floyd Thompkins, Director of the Center for Innovation in Ministry, and Dr. Eric Elnes, author and leader of Convergence Christianity and Senior Minister at Omaha's Countryside Community Church. Our conversation starts with the need for conversation among our communities in order to pursue justice, peace, love AND friendship. Listen to the first half of our conversation this week. Comment below...2016-06-2431 min
Pulpit Fiction PodcastTNS 3.4: Eric ElnesEric Elnes!We sat down with Eric over a warm cup of Skype to talk about Communion in space and time, dumb Christian platitudes, Convergence Christianity and his latest book Gifts of the Dark Wood: Seven Gifts for Soulful Skeptics (and other wanderers).Gifts of the Dark Wood: Seven Gifts for Soulful Skeptics (and other wanderers) is available now!
Darkwood Brew
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Twitter: @ericelnes
Countryside Community Church
2015-12-041h 06
Freedom Loves CompanyEric Elnes, Gifts of the Dark WoodEric Elnes is a minister in the United Church of Christ at Countryside Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska and author of Gifts of the Dark Wood: Seven Blessings for Soulful Skeptics (and Other Wanderers). He is also the author of The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity. He hosts a webcast called Darkwood Brew. He spoke with me about seven gifts we find in the Dark Wood of our lives.2015-11-0829 min
Homebrewed Culture CastReligious Haters, Stunned Red-Staters and Pop Culture RatersIt took a few weeks for her to feel ready, but Amy finally opened up about the group of protesters that showed up outside our church a while back. They brought all the requisite “burn in hell” signs, disrupted worship, and even prayed for God to kill her and to send our kids to hell. And I gotta tell you, Amy’s a better Christian than I by a long shot; you’ve got to hear how she responded and what happened after that. Pretty amazing.
Probably just as well that I was down the street, because once the...2015-10-2357 min
Rose City Forum with Timothy MooreRose City Forum Eric Elnes/Marcy Cottrell Houle2015-10-1400 minHomebrewed Culture CastEric Elnes, Spiritual Wellness and Free Stuff…Hell Yes!!!We welcomed a good friend and colleague to Portland for a recent live CultureCast. Eric Elnes came to the Lucky Lab for a pint and to talk with us about his new book, “Gifts of the Dark Wood.” It’s a spiritual guidebook for what he calls “Soulful Skeptics.” I’m not sure, but I think it’s named after that little known son of Christopher Hitchens who used to be a dancer on Solid Gold. No? Well, anyhoo…
One of the best things about live shows is that we usually get to have more than one guest. This time...2015-10-111h 14Homebrewed Culture CastChristian Panders, Fundies for Sanders, Bible Slanders (cultureCast)Click to check out Christian Piatt’s new book, “Not THAT Kind of Christian”
The CultureCast crew took a few minutes away from enjoying their waning days of Portland sunlight to drop some tracks this week, straight from their mouth-parts to your ear-pieces.
Why did that sound gross?
As if Christian doesn’t get enough time on the show, this week he took over the interview slot as well. Actually, Slim Moon has said for a long time that people don’t really know as much about Amy and Christian as they learn about the people Chr...2015-09-301h 07Homebrewed Culture CastRomal Tune, Kim Davis Swoons and Slim MoonsTo be clear, cohost Slim Moon totally didn’t take his pants off and show his butt on air; it just worked for the title. But since it’s a podcast we could also be lying.
On the anniversary of 9/11 the CultureCastaways reflect on fourteen years since the attack on the Twin Towers and what it’s like raising kids who only know it as an abstract moment in history. And Amy lightens the mood with a rather unexpected interjection that would make Howard Stern proud. We’re professionals!
We welcomed author and youth activist Romal Tu...2015-09-1858 minRose City Forum with Timothy MooreRose City Forum - Eric Elnes "Gifts of the Dark Wood"Eric Elnes, author of Gifts of the Dark Wood: Seven Blessings for Soulful Skeptics (and Other Wanderers). Life is full of ups and downs - but what if we looked at the "downs" as a gift? We say we don't want uncertainty, but doesn't that shape us into who we are? Eric shares insights all of you will want to hear. I can't wait to learn how this interview speaks to you!2015-08-2800 min
Life Coach Radio NetworkSpiritually Speaking with Rev JenJoin Rev. Jen as she welcomes Rev. Eric Elnes creator and host of Darkwood Brew. Darkwood Brew is a Sunday evening podcast that reaches thousands of viewers worldwide each week. They will be discussing the evolution of Darkwood Brew and it's reach to those who attend traditional Christian worship services and those who do not.
Rev. Jennifer Hope Kottler is your host. An ordained minister, spiritual life coach, and all around fun person, Rev. Jen loves to share her experiences and hear yours! Join us for a fun and interactive live broadcast, or an engaging archive listen.
Want to learn...2013-08-271h 01Homebrewed Culture CastConvergence Christianity, Dental Phobias and Gay Cakes (CultureCast)Okay, who spiked the CultureCast punch with Aderall? These guys are all over the map today…hey look, shiny!
This week we dig around in the gray matter of Eric Elnes, pastor of the online faith community Darkwood Brew, author of the Phoenix Affirmations (and many other books), and most recently, prophet and advocate for what he calls “Convergence Christianity.” If’n you ain’t yet in the know about what exactly that is, read the twelve-point manifesto here.
Then we dive into Amy’s latest Fear of the Week: Dentists. Not the most original fear, but ce...2013-06-051h 01
CrossWalk America's podcastEric Elnes on "The God Show" with Pat McMahonThis is a recording of a 9/16 radio interview on "The God Show" where host Pat McMahon talks with Eric Elnes, CWA Co-Founder, about the emerging Christian faith at the grassroots. Elnes contends that, based on CrossWalk America's experience of walking across the country and meeting with thousands of Christians at the grassroots, the Christian faith looks very different (and hopeful) than media reports suggest.2007-09-1651 min
Whosoever PodcastsWhosoever Godcast #16The sixteenth podcast, or "Godcast" from Whosoever: An Online Magazine for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Christians, features an interview with Eric Elnes about his new book Asphalt Jesus which chronicles the 2500 mile trek he and several others took across the country in an effort to put action to progressive Christian principles. God had some surprises for them along the way - Eric will tell us more. We'll also take a meditation moment. And, we'll wrap it up with some holy humor. Whosoever Godcast #162007-09-1500 min
WhosoeverEpisode 16: “Asphalt Jesus” Author Eric ElnesRead the related article The sixteenth podcast, or “Godcast” from Whosoever: An Online Magazine for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Christians, features an interview with Eric Elnes about his new book Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith Along the Highways of America, which chronicles2007-09-1500 min
CrossWalk America's podcastEric Elnes reads from his new book Asphalt JesusThis week Eric reads from his new book, Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith Along the Highways of America. The book chronicles the surprising and inspiring encounters CrossWalk America walkers had last year as they walked across the U.S. meeting with Christians and the "spiritually homeless" at the grassroots. It offers a VERY different view of Christianity in the U.S. than is typically portrayed in the media and gives those with yearnings for a more inclusive, compassionate Christian faith solid reasons for hope.
Bishop John Shelby Spong writes of Elnes' book, "Asphalt Jesus is as exciting as...2007-08-1002 min
CrossWalk America's podcastCWA film and book release!Hear public response to CrossWalk America's new film, The Asphalt Gospel film, which is being released in a number of major cities and learn about the release of Dr. Eric Elnes' book, Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith Along the Highways of America, available in bookstores now.2007-08-0306 min
CrossWalk America's podcastCrossWalk America - Special 1 Year Anniversary PodcastListen to CrossWalk America's special 1-yr anniversary interview marking the April 16, 2006 commencement of CWA's cross-country walk from Phoenix to Washington, DC! Core walkers give personal updates, share their favorite (and least favorite) experiences, reflect on the ongoing significance of the walk, and fill listeners in on CrossWalk America's exciting present activities and future plans.2007-04-171h 07
CrossWalk America's podcastFaith and Evolution: Stanford evolutionary biologist Joan RoughgardenCrossWalk America's Dr. Eric Elnes interviews Prof. Joan Roughgarden, evolutionary biologiest from Standford University and author of Faith and Evolution: Reflections of an Evolutionary Biologist. In this interview, Prof. Roughgarden offers a unique perspective on the Creation vs. Evolution debate, pointing to how the biblical faith itself is essentially compatible with modern scientific understandings of evolution.2007-02-0515 min
CrossWalk America's podcastCreation and Evolution: An Interview with Biologist Michael ZimmermanWhen it comes to a Christian understanding of Creation, can faith and science coexist? Despite protests by fundamentalists over the Bible being read in light of modern science, the vast majority of the Christian tradition has answered this question with an overwhelming, "Yes!" The biblical worldview itself saw the realms of head and heart as seamlessly integrated.
One significant recent attempt to reclaim this affirmative Christian understanding in the public square is the Clergy Letter Project, headed by Michael Zimmerman - a biology professor and Dean of Students at Butler University in Indianpolis (www.clergyletterproject.org). A couple years ago...2007-02-0528 min
CrossWalk America's podcastChristmas Message from CrossWalk America Co-PresidentsIn this episode CrossWalk America co-presidents Eric Elnes and Rebecca Glenn offer reflections on gratitude, The Walk, and their hopes and dreams for 2007.2006-12-2314 min
CrossWalk America's podcastBrian McLaren, the Emergent Church, and the Phoenix AffirmationsEric Elnes interviews Brian McLaren, author of numberous books included A Generous Orthodoxy and The Secret Message of Jesus. Brian gives his views of what the emergent church movement is for those who may be unfamiliar with it. He also discusses a basic paradigm shift taking place in our culture that may very well influence the course of Christian faith for the next five hundred years, including the role of the Phoenix Affirmations in what's taking shape.
Recording note: Brian's voice levels are a little low. I'm learning to hold the microphone closer to people!2006-12-1615 min
CrossWalk America's podcastThe Rapture Exposed: Author and scholar Barbara Rossing talks with CrossWalk America about the Left Behind Books and Video GameIn this episode, CrossWalk America co-president Eric Elnes talks with Barbara Rossing, author of The Rapture Exposed, about the basic beliefs forming the foundation of the popular Left Behind books and recently released video game. She exposes these beliefs as unbiblical, straying substantially from the main stream of Christian tradition, yet notes these are exerting dangerous influence on American foreign policy in the Middle East and on Christian views of the earth and care for the environment.
For more resources, along with CrossWalk America's press release on the Left Behind video game, go to www.crosswalkamerica.org.2006-11-2818 min
CrossWalk America's podcastLeft Behind? A Very Different Perspective on the Book of RevelationCrossWalk America co-president Eric Elnes interviews Rev. Bruce Van Blair (pictured left), who has made a special study of the Book of Revelation for the past 30 years. Recently Bruce published a 40-page "Paper for My Friends" distilling the essence of what he has learned of the book, its distinctive meaning and purpose, and its message for today. We asked Bruce to distill the essence of that paper for us in a 14-minute interview in which he voices a provocative and compelling understanding of Revelation that stands in stark contrast to that represented in the popular Left Behind book series, and...2006-11-1316 min
CrossWalk America's podcastInterview with Rev. Thomas Ott on making faith and worship realThis is my first-ever podcast interview! Here I interview Rev. Thomas Ott or the United Church of Christ in Webster, NY in the Papago Brewing Company on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Tom is just completing a 3-month sabbatical which has taken him all over the world to find ways he can equip his congregation to practice their faith in the midst of their everyday lives. His quest is to make faith more real, tangible, and concrete not only on Sunday mornings but throughout the week. This is an unedited interview in which Tom speaks frankly about reasons for both hope...2006-10-2326 min
CrossWalk America's podcastCrossWalk America interview with Barry Lynn, director of Americans United for Separation of Church and StateCrossWalk America interview with Barry Lynn, director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. This 24 min. interview was taken for possible inclusion in an upcoming film by Creatista Productions commissioned by CrossWalk America (www.CrossWalkAmerica.org). This is raw audio in which Barry speaks frankly about contemporary issues impacting the separation of church and state including so-called Faith Based Initiatives, the historical context of the First Amendment, and biblical/theological rationale for keeping a solid wall between church and state.
This piece is a timely one in light of David Kuo's new book, Tempting Faith, in which the...2006-10-1523 min