Rev. Dr. Jeri Wright

Assistant Director of Programs

In January 2026, The Oikos Institute for Social Impact announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Jeri L. Wright as the Assistant Director of Programs. This strategic appointment marks a new chapter for the Institute’s newly established Programs division, which houses the landmark “Hidden Congregations: Inspiring Stories of Discipleship” initiative. The project is supported by a multimillion-dollar grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., awarded to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in partnership with the Oikos Institute.

While many recognize Dr. Wright for her exceptional leadership as the Institute’s National Conference Director, her new role marks a strategic shift in how Oikos will execute its mission. A prophetic problem solver with over 30 years of experience in strategic planning, media production, and community organizing, Dr. Wright earned her Doctor of Ministry in Human Centered Design (HCD) from the Interdenominational Theological Center. This specialized discipline, which prioritizes the lived experiences and specific needs of people to create more effective solutions, will serve as the heartbeat of the Hidden Congregations Program.

Under Dr. Wright’s assistant leadership, the Hidden Congregations Program will implement empathy-based storytelling to ensure the narratives of 20 selected congregations are told through the lens of those who live and serve in those communities, moving away from traditional top-down reporting. Drawing from her doctoral research, she will guide congregations beyond traditional services toward restorative, “walking with” ministries that foster communal transformation. Furthermore, Dr. Wright will leverage her decades of community organizing experience to help small, under-resourced churches design sustainable partnerships with civic and non-profit institutions to expand their efficacy.