For today's episode of the Church Planter 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.

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CPP #532: A Blended Ecology of the Church: with Chris Backert