For today's episode of The City Network Podcast, Robert is live with Chris Backert, pastor, author, the senior director of Fresh Expressions NA, and leader in the Ascent movement. The two talk all things mission and evangelical witness. They discuss the decline of traditional denominationalism in the church and the emergence of new forms of church expressions, including microchurches and networks, and explore the challenges and opportunities faced by church planters, the concept of a "blended ecology of church," and the cyclical nature of church growth and decline. They end with a discussion on the importance of engaging with children and youth, the need for better theological education, and the potential of planting churches in less "desirable" areas. 

More on Chris Backert: 

Working with church leaders to develop new expressions of Christian community is the passion of Chris’s life. In addition to his role as Senior Director of Fresh Expressions NA, he serves with the Baptist General Association of Virginia in the area of growth and venture development. He also serves as National Director for both Ecclesia, a US network of missional churches, as well as Missio Alliance. Previously, he served as pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship, a large university congregation in Blacksburg, Virginia and has been involved in the planting of three new congregations. Chris holds a D.Min. in Missional Church Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with wife Rachel, daughter Elliana and son Jase.

Find more from The City Network at thecitynetwork.org, or follow us on Instagram @thecitynetwork, and Facebook at City Network.

Mentioned in this episode:

Soul Care Summit

This year's Soul Care Prayer Summit is happening April 22-24 up at Quaker Hill in McCall. The Summit is for men and women who serve as leaders and missionaries in the Treasure Valley. This is a space created for you as a visionary leader to hear from God and care for your soul–and it's not just for pastors. It's for anyone who has a vision for kingdom transformation in their sphere of influence. We want to create a space for you and your spouse to pray over that, and to pray for our valley together as a unified church trying to reach our communities with the gospel. We're also helping with childcare this year, so let us know on the registration form if that's a need for your family. Go to www.thecitynetwork.org/soulcare to register!

Soul Care Summit