Ecclesia Staff

Dr. Chris Backert

National Director

Working with church leaders to develop new expressions of Christian community and connecting those congregations together is the passion of Chris’s life. He has served as National Director of Ecclesia since it's beginning and has been part of several congregations within the network both in Virginia and Maryland. In addition to his role with Ecclesia, he also helps spearhead Fresh Expressions US and The Ascent Movement. Chris holds a D.Min. in Missional Church Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary where his focus was on the importance of church networks for the future of mission in North America. He currently lives just north of Harrisburg, PA  with his wife Rachel, daughter Elliana and son Jase.

Dr. J.R. Briggs

Director of Leadership and Congregational Formation

Dr. J.R. Briggs lives with a clear and focused calling: to serve, guide, and equip hungry leaders who want to grow healthier and thrive.

In 2011, he started Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to serving hungry kingdom leaders through leadership coaching, consulting, speaking, and teaching. He loves investing in the KP team of equippers so Kairos Partnerships can invest in all leaders who desire care and equipping.

For more than 15 years, J.R. served in pastoral roles in mega-churches, church plants, and house church networks.

In addition to coaching leaders and consulting with businesses, organizations, universities, and non-profits, he also speaks and teaches.

He has written or co-written thirteen books on a wide variety of topics and served as one of the contributors to the Abide Bible. He has written over 50 published articles, both online and in print, with Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Preaching Today, American Bible Society, N.T. Wright Online, Missio Alliance, Boundless.org and Relevant Magazine, and several others.

Dr. Bob Hyatt

Director of Equipping and Spiritual Formation

Bob has felt drawn to pastoral ministry since the 5th grade- he’s always known: this is what he wanted to do- helping people find relationship with God. This has worked itself out most clearly in planting the Evergreen Community in Portland, OR in 2004. This has now expanded to also include coaching church planters and other pastors. He is a graduate of Western Seminary and earned a D.Min from Portland Seminary. He’s also the co-author of Eldership & the Mission of God and Ministry Mantras from InterVarsity Press.

Jane Linton

Administrator

Jane is an Administrator for Fresh Expressions. She holds a BA in Political Science and History from Virginia Tech. Her passion is around organization and supporting leaders with their ministry. She also enjoys serving at her local church, The Chapel in Richmond, Virginia. Jane and her husband Brandon have been married for 15 years and have three children.

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