Stonecroft
Eliza Bast
Eliza is curious about people. She is a consultant, speaker, and mentor. Most importantly, she is a passionate follower of Jesus. She served as a denominational executive and pastor in the RCA, focusing on local mission, and strategic ministry innovation. She currently serves as the VP of Outreach for Stonecroft Ministries. Her work is featured in various national leadership and ministry conferences, publications, podcasts, research projects and more. She is finishing her doctorate in Organizational Leadership, emphasizing learning environments that shape extraordinary ministry leaders. She lives in Portage with her husband EJ, two sons, and their doodle Rocky.
What is the ministry challenge keeping you up at night?
The aging of influential evangelists. Also, framing the goodness of the gospel and the church without it being corrupted by nationalism or scandal…keeping the pure Good News as really good news!
What is the greatest hope for God’s work in 2023 you’re dreaming about?
The recognition of the need for human connection behind screens.
What is a non-ministry activity that brings you joy and energy?
Baking clay jewelry and fancy cakes.
What are the top 1-3 essentials for the Church in America to address to reach those who are spiritually open, but not yet following Jesus?
1. Being clear about what the gospel is, and isn’t (biblical literacy).
2. That you don’t have to favor digital spaces OR physical spaces. We have the opportunity for both to work together.
3. Critical thinking around crucial questions the open are asking. Have we asked those questions of ourselves? Have we done some good wrestling?