Podcasts about creation care

Caring for God's Creation: How Evangelical Christians Are Reframing Climate ActionAcross the United States, evangelical Christians are increasingly forging a connection between faith and climate action by redefining environmental work as a sacred duty to care for God's creation. By understanding sustainability through the lens of biblically mandated stewardship, more and more Christians are discovering renewed hope and purpose in addressing climate change.What Is Creation Care?To many evangelical environmentalists, caring for the Earth is not a political act. Rather, it is a spiritual duty. They believe that how we treat the planet should reflect how God treats us: with compassion, responsibility, and reverence. That means resisting the exploitation of natural resources and instead treating the Earth as a divine gift entrusted to humanity. Historically, however, environmentalism and climate science have been viewed as controversial in conservative Christian circles, seen as secular or partisan issues. But that perception is beginning to shift, thanks in part to young leaders and faith-based environmental advocates who are reframing climate action as a moral and theological imperative.Faith in ActionOne of those young leaders is Becca Boyd, a student at Indiana Wesleyan University studying Environmental Science. Raised in a Christian home, Becca often felt her environmental concerns were dismissed and even challenged. Feeling unhead, she began to experience a crisis of faith, questioning both her faith and her place in the church. Everything changed when she was introduced to the concept of creation care in college by her professors. For the first time, she saw how her love for the environment and desire to protect it could be an act of faith rather than in conflict with it.A Theology of HopeLike many young people in the climate action space, Becca has felt overwhelmed by the constant sense of “doom and gloom.” The narrative that it's too late to fix the damage can leave people in despair and feeling helpless. But creation care offers her a more hopeful, spiritually grounded mindset. Rather than dwelling on what's broken, Becca focuses her energy on healing what's still possible. For Becca, environmental stewardship is now a form of worship: small acts like conserving energy, recycling, or planting a pollinator garden at her school are ways of honoring God.  And by inviting others to do the same, she's helping grow a climate movement rooted not in fear but in faith and hope for the future.Choosing Words That Open DoorsThrough her advocacy, Becca has learned that the language you use to talk about climate issues matters, especially in Christian spaces. The word “climate” itself can be politically charged and can trigger defensiveness, while terms like “creation care” and “eco-theology” feel more rooted in faith and shared values. She is also intentional about her tone, making a point to avoid “you” statements. Rather than telling people what they should do, Becca shares what she does and why. This approach opens the door to conversation rather than closing it. According to Becca, it's about meeting people where they are and establishing a common ground — inviting them in, not calling them out. The Challenges AheadCreation care is still a growing movement, and while it's gained traction in places like Indiana, there's still a long way to go. Climate science skepticism and misinformation continue to circulate in many conservative communities. But Becca and other young Christians are starting vital conversations in churches and on campuses, emphasizing climate change as a humanitarian issue: one that affects food security, public health, and the lives of future generations.  She also shares resources like Cowboy & Preacher, a documentary tracing the history of Christian environmentalism, to show that this movement isn't new, and that faith and climate action have long been intertwined. About Our GuestBecca Boyd is a rising senior at Indiana Wesleyan University studying Environmental Science. She is a Climate Advocate for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (YECA) and previously served as a College Fellow. On campus, she launched a student sustainability club and helped lead campus-wide conversations about the intersection of faith and environmental responsibility. She was recently featured in The New York Times for her work advancing Indiana's growing creation care movement.ResourcesYECA, Young Evangelicals for Climate ActionCowboy & Preacher, Cowboy & PreacherFurther ReadingThe New York Times, In Indiana, Putting Up Solar Panels Is Doing God's WorkNBC News, Evangelical environmentalists push for climate votes as election nears: 'Care for God's creation'American Conservation Coalition, An Environmental Education: What a Christian Environmental Ethic Looks LikeFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/creation-care-with-becca-boyd/.

In this replay from Summer 2024, BibleWorm continues our summer series on creation care with Psalm 104, a profound text celebrating the magnificence of creation, which brings joy not only to the human heart but also to all creatures, from the birds in the trees to Leviathan in the deeps of the sea. We even see the celebratory nature of God, who whisks about on the clouds, wearing a fabulous cloak made of light and rejoicing in all that God has created. The psalm also reminds us of the harmonious relationship God intends for humans and animals, with humans working during the day and animals prowling at night so we can each live our lives fully, without being a danger to one another. All of this, the psalmist reminds us, should make us sing throughout our lives at the incomparable glory of creation. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

As we are all aware, so many of the issues that seem to dominate the headlines these days have to do with either racism or the climate crisis. On the face of it, these two major areas of strife and struggle don't always seem to have a lot to do with one another, but in fact, they are fundamentally connected, sharing the very same root causes that drive them. In his book Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice, David Swanson makes the case that we really can't fully understand these two seemingly disparate issues apart from one another, and that both are inextricably linked by issues of culture, geography, history, and even theology. In this conversation, David and Forrest discuss the book, as well as his experiences living in a predominantly African American neighborhood in Chicago and how his journey has shaped his understanding of racial and environmental justice. He emphasizes the importance of community, belonging, and the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. Swanson also explores the role of Jesus in creation and redemption, advocating for a broader understanding of hope that transcends wishful thinking and engages with the realities of the world.TakeawaysDavid Swanson emphasizes the importance of staying in one place to truly understand and connect with the community.The interconnectedness of racial and environmental justice is a central theme in Swanson's work.Swanson's experience as a white pastor in a predominantly Black neighborhood highlights the complexities of racial dynamics in church leadership.The concept of belonging to a place is essential for addressing systemic issues.Swanson argues that the church must engage with both individual transformation and systemic change.Hope should be rooted in reality and not just wishful thinking, according to Swanson.The role of Jesus in creation is pivotal to understanding redemption and hope.Communities of caretakers are essential for nurturing relationships with the land and each other.Swanson advocates for a vision of hope that is active and engaged with the present world.The importance of storytelling and sharing experiences within communities is highlighted as a means of fostering connection. Keywords: David Swanson, racial justice, environmental justice, community, belonging, church leadership, hope, creation care, indigenous, social justiceFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Conservationist and environmental advocate Ben Lowe discusses our ecological crisis, the role of Christian faith and spirituality, and how churches can respond with hope, action, and theological depth. He joins Mark Labberton for a grounded conversation on the intersection of faith, climate change, and the church's role in ecological justice. As Executive Director of A Rocha USA, Lowe brings over two decades of experience in environmental biology, ethics, and faith-based conservation to explore how Christians can engage meaningfully with environmental crises. They moves from scientific clarity about climate urgency to the theological blind spots that have hindered the Christian response. Together, they explore how churches across the U.S. and beyond are reclaiming creation care—not as a political issue, but as a form of discipleship and worship. With stories ranging from urban stream cleanups to coral reef restoration, Lowe emphasizes small, local, relational efforts that respond to God's ongoing work in the world. At the heart of the conversation lies a call to moral will, theological clarity, and faithfulness in the face of ecological grief. Episode Highlights “The world is good—but it's groaning.” “Small does not mean insignificant… We have the solutions. The problem is not our technical ability—it's our moral and political will.” Learn More about A Rocha Visit arocha.us for more information. About Ben Lowe Rev. Dr. Ben Lowe is Executive Director of A Rocha USA, a Christian conservation organization engaged in ecological discipleship, community-based restoration, and climate advocacy across the U.S. and globally. He holds a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary ecology from the University of Florida and a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Wheaton College. Ben has spent over two decades working at the intersection of faith, science, and environmental justice, and is passionate about equipping churches to participate in God's restoration of creation. Since his first encounter with A Rocha as a Wheaton student in 2003, Ben has served on A Rocha staff teams and boards, nationally and internationally, most recently as Deputy Executive Director of A Rocha International. Ben's training as a scientist and a minister inform his leadership and development of A Rocha USA's national strategy and team. Originally from Singapore, Ben was the founding national organizer of Young Evangelicals for Climate Action and has served on the boards of A Rocha USA, A Rocha International, the Au Sable Institute, and Christians for Social Action. He is the author of multiple books and his work has been featured in media outlets including Audubon Magazine, Christianity Today, and The New York Times. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Wheaton and a PhD from the University of Florida focused on the human, religious, and ethical dimensions of environmental change and conservation. Ben is based in the warm and watery state of Florida, USA, where he can often be found kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon. Show Notes Earth Day began in 1970, a pivotal moment for environmental awareness—“That means that I was a junior in high school when the world embraced this name as a way of trying to bring attention to the whole world about environmental issues.” Mark Labberton opens with concern for “the political moment that we're in… in the United States and in other places around the world.” Ben Lowe introduces the biblical framing: “This world is good, but it's also groaning.” Why Climate Action Still Matters “We don't know where we would be, were it not for Earth Day 50 years ago.” “The question is not whether we know what to do, but whether we're doing the right thing and we're doing enough of it.” “It's never too late to take action and to get engaged.” Scientific Consensus and Urgency “The science has gotten a lot more sophisticated and a lot clearer.” “We're not talking about hypothetical issues anymore. We're talking about issues that many, if not all of us, are tangibly experiencing now.” “Things are moving faster, further and at a greater scale and magnitude than we were hoping to be experiencing right now.” Oceans, Heat, and the Limits of Natural Buffers “The oceans are a huge gift to human society and they have been buffering and absorbing a lot of the heat and the carbon that we've been emitting.” “The oceans are not limitless… We are seeing signs that the oceans are warming more than they can sustain.” “Every year now we have these hurricanes that are huge in terms of their scale and the amount of water that they can suck up from these overheated oceans.” Practical Impact of Climate Change “My homeowner's insurance rates more than doubled in the last few years.” “We're just getting all these signs coming from all of our systems that are warning us that we are on a completely unsustainable path.” “The silver lining to us being the driver of so many of these problems is that we can also choose to be part of the solution.” Role of the Church in Ecological Transformation “The church can really shine a light of hope, of love of the good news that God promises for this world in the midst of all that.” “Small does not mean insignificant.” “We have the solutions we need… The problem is not our technical ability, it's our moral and political will that has been lacking.” Global Clean Energy Transition “We are in a great transition, but that transition is happening and it's sort of unstoppable.” “The question is how quickly will it happen and will we be able to move it forward quickly enough?” “Christians have a particular contribution… we can bring the moral will to help shape the decisions.” A Rocha's Global and Local Work “A Rocha is a network of Christian conservation organizations in about 25 countries around the world.” In Florida, “we're helping to work with local partners, universities, high schools, churches, to conserve the lagoon.” “In Austin, Texas… we have a lot of Spanish language programming… to help connect recent immigrants with the communities that they're living in.” Partnering with Churches for Creation Care “The cutting edge of what we're moving into now though is our work with churches.” “Research… are showing that there is a shift happening with more and more Christians in churches becoming aware of the problems in God's world.” “Now we have more and more people coming to us, so much that we're growing, but we're not growing fast enough and we have to turn some people away.” Localized Action and Practical Partnerships “We launched a cohort of Vineyard USA churches… to support Vineyard congregations that want to get more involved.” “We walk them through a process of discerning… the ways that God might be inviting them to participate in what God's already doing.” “We're working with a church on Oahu in Hawaii that bought a defunct golf course… we're working together to help restore the native habitat.” Creation Care as Worship and Witness “We see this as being in God's hands… and us as playing a faithful role in responding to what God is doing.” “What would a follower of Jesus do in this situation?” “Everything that we do to care for creation… the offering itself is one that we direct to God as the creator.” Theological Reformation, Not Innovation “It's not theological change so much as it's theological reformation. This is orthodoxy.” “We don't see this work as of our own initiative. What we see ourselves doing is responding to what God is already doing.” End Times Theology and Ecological Responsibility “We don't treat anything else in life that way. We don't treat our bodies that way. We don't treat our children that way.” “It has been biblically Orthodox from the very beginning to care for God's world.” “It's not because we're Christian, it's because we've not been Christian enough.” Political Identity vs. Christian Witness “We see these issues first and foremost through our political lenses instead of through our theological biblical Christian lenses.” “These issues transcend any particular political ideology or party.” “They're moral issues, they're faith issues, they're spiritual issues, and for us, they're an integral matter of our Christian discipleship and witness.” How A Rocha Helps Churches Avoid Partisan Pitfalls “We try to say, all right, what does God call us to do as people, as his image bearers in the world today?” “Let's do a stream cleanup together.” “You kind of learn as you go… and before you know it, you look back and you realize, oh gosh, how far I have come.” Discipleship and Environmental Stewardship “The longer I'm in this work, the more I'm learning how to care for creation and help others do the same.” “The closer I grow to Christ too, and the more I find myself being conformed into what the Bible calls us to be.” “It's not always an easy journey, but it's a really good and life-giving and sanctifying journey.” Mark's Personal Reflection: Replanting His Garden “It has utterly changed the way that I now look out the kitchen window.” “Just that small change has given me a better sense of life, a better sense of creation… a better sense of the importance of having a world that you can meditate on.” Ben Lowe's Formative Experiences in Singapore and the Black Hills “We'd sort through the catch with them and they'd give us the things that they couldn't sell.” “Being able to step out into a national forest and breathe the air… reminds me that… there is still so much good in this world worth protecting.” Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.

In this replay from Summer 2024, BibleWorm continues our summer series on Creation Care with Psalm 65 and special attention to the water. This psalm brings together scenes of prayer and silence, of humans and of nature, and of a God who is the orientation point for all of it. It made us wonder: What if we could see ourselves, for a moment, as almost like a sibling to the water? Both of us oriented toward God, both of us in relationship to God, both calmed by God when we inevitably become a source of chaos? And it made us wonder: if we could quiet ourselves enough to offer silence as praise – if we could quiet our minds, and the voices of scarcity and acquisitiveness around us – what else in creation could be heard? What would it say – to us, and to our Maker? 

In this replay from Summer 2024, BibleWorm continues on in our summer series on creation care with Job 38:1-38 in which God speaks to Job from the whirlwind, reminding Job of the beauty, grandeur, and complexity of nature that is beyond human understanding. Where humans were said to have “dominion” over the world in Genesis 1, in Job 38 humans seem almost irrelevant—God guides the constellations; God nurtures the sea; God sends the lightning bolts on their courses, and they respond, “Here I am.” This text invites us to lean into our not-knowing, to relinquish our supposed mastery of the universe to revel in its complex beauty. More than that, it reminds us that, in a world often marked by suffering, we are not alone. There is a whole world before us and around us, alive with responsiveness to God. Truly a balm for the soul.

God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.” ~Genesis 1:26 This week, we begin our second summer worship series, Created to Care. We begin at the beginning with the first account of how God created the world in Genesis 1:1-2:4. The first chapter of Genesis presents an orderly account of creation. Beginning on Sunday morning, God speaks something new into existence. However, it isn't until Friday afternoon that God creates human beings who reflect God's nature. Why wait until then? Perhaps it is because human beings will be responsible for caring for everything else that God created. On Sunday, we will explore what it means to be “created to care.”

In this replay from Summer 2024, BibleWorm begins our summer series on Creation Care with “the” Creation text, Genesis 1. For such a familiar text, it sure did open up a lot of questions for us. How should we think about our place so late in the proverbial line-up – what does it mean to us that God has already issued a commandment directly to the animals before we are here; that we are created on Friday afternoon as everyone is closing up shop for the Sabbath, instead of a busy Monday morning? And as we try to inhabit what it is to be created “in the image” of God, how might God's disposition toward the created in the 5 ½ days before we arrived help us find our way?

Rev Jacynthia Murphy is of Māori descent and serves in a Pākehā parish. In this conversation with Rev Silvia Purdie and the Field Notes hosts she discusses her indigenous perspective on faith and her passionate environmentalism. She is one of the women featured in “Awhi Mai Awhi Atu: Women in Creation Care,” edited by Silvia (Philip Garside Publishing, 2022). Silvia is a counsellor and pastoral theologian who offers training for environmental sustainability and is communicates extensively about the mental health impacts of the climate crisis.

There is little in life with more direct environmental impact than food - how and what we produce, where we source it and how it gets there, how we prepare it and what we do with the waste. How do we balance sometimes competing factors and make food choices that honour God and the world he loves and has tasked us to look after?Food is a passion for Jasmine Kwong. As a creation care advocate for OMF International and a Catalyst for Creation Care for the Lausanne Movement, she also cares deeply about creation. In this engaging and grace-filled conversation she shares from the wisdom she has gleaned and encourages all of us to consider our daily bread (and fish ceviche, mango and so on!) in light of our relationship with God and the wider creation.

Jesus left a legacy of stories, and as Luke ends and we reread Acts and the Epistles, we remember his disciples spread his teachings and established the church by telling his and their stories over and over. During worship this Eastertide season, we have the gift of hearing members of the congregation reflect on the practices that flow from our congregational covenant. Those 11 practices, along with the covenant, were affirmed by the congregation 10 years ago. We invite you to listen deeply to these reflections, and to engage with what you both read and hear. Are these practices still a good fit for SMC in 2025? Do these practices ground our collective sense of mission in the world? Today we hear from Morlin Elias on Creation Care, and Laura Schlabach on Justice for Oppressed Peoples.Stories begin at minute marker 6:55​​​Acts 15.1-18ResourcesSMC Congregational Covenant and Practices, written and affirmed by the congregation in 2015, and re-affirmed in our annual covenanting service every Pentecost.Poem read:   https://www.thefreelibrary.com/My+Son+Throws+a+Blanket+Over+My+Daughter.-a0776923256Mennonite Action: https://www.mennoniteaction.org/"Letter to my newborn son" - https://www.counterpunch.org/2025/05/15/letter-to-my-newborn-son/Image by Matheus Bertelli on pexels

Altogether Amazed all age service, Leader: Revd Juliet Dellow, Preacher: Revd Ian Tomkins

The new Pope, Leo XIV, has worked with interfaith environmental networks and there's hope around the world that he may follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Pope Francis and bring issues of the environment and climate change to the forefront of his agenda. Also, autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in about 1 in 31 children in the United States, a rise of 70 percent in just four years according to the CDC. In addition to better awareness and changing diagnostic tools, growing scientific evidence also points to the role of exposure to toxic chemicals especially during early development in the rising prevalence of autism. And the American oystercatcher is a conservation success story thanks in part to efforts to educate the public and protect their ground nests from unaware beachgoers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, we welcome fan favorite, Byron Borger, back to the podcast. Along with host Daniel Johnson, they discuss the importance of reading as an embodied experience, the significance of seasonal reading aligned with the liturgical calendar, and the recent resurgence of work and faith materials. He emphasizes the challenges college graduates face transitioning into the workforce and the importance of integrating faith into their work lives. The podcast also highlights various books that can aid in this transition and the necessity of community support for maintaining faith post-college. In this conversation, Byron discusses the importance of balancing vocation and rest, the beauty of nature as explored through literature, and the need for community engagement in environmental care. They highlight books that inspire readers to appreciate creation, engage in ecological restoration, and reflect on personal narratives through memoirs. The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of faith, nature, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to explore these themes in their own lives.We encourage you to purchase your books at Heartsandminds Bookstore. Learn more about them here = https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/ List of books:After College by Erica Young Reitz (2025, InterVarsity Press)Serious Dreams: Bold Ideas for the Rest of Your Life edited by Byron Borger (2015, Square Halo Books)The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God's Purpose for Your Life by Os Guinness (2003, Thomas Nelson)Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good by Steven Garber (2014, IVP Books)Why Your Work Matters: How God Uses Our Everyday Vocations to Transform Us, Our Neighbors, and the World by Tom Nelson (2025, Made to Flourish)Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Timothy Keller and Katherine Leary Alsdorf (2012, Dutton)The Sacredness of Secular Work: Four Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity by Jordan Raynor (2025, WaterBrook)Go Forth: God's Purpose for Your Work by Redeemer City to City (2025, Redeemer City to City)Birds in the Sky and Fish in the Sea by Matthew Dickerson (2025, Square Halo Books)Refugee of Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth by Deborah Rienstra (2025, Fortress Press)Backpacking with the Saints: Wilderness Hiking as a Spiritual Practice by Belden Lane (2015, Oxford University Press)Reconciliation in a Michigan Watershed: Restoring Kenoshae by Gail Hefner and David Warners (2025, Michigan State University Press)Beyond Stewardship: New Approaches to Creation Care edited by David Warners (2025, Calvin College Press)The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found by Frank Bruni (2022, Avid Reader Press)Mr. Oweita's Guide to Gardening: How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart by Carol Wall (2014, G.P. Putnam's Sons)God Struck: Seven Women and Their Religious Conversions by Kelsey Osgood (2025, HarperOne)Chapters:00:00 The Embodied Experience of Reading04:29 Seasonal Reading and the Church Calendar09:54 Navigating Work and Faith16:50 Books for Transitioning Graduates24:13 The Importance of Community in Transition27:04 The Balance of Work and Rest28:01 Exploring Nature Through Literature30:16 Creating Habitats and Healing the Earth31:42 Wilderness as a Spiritual Practice36:09 Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship42:23 Reconciliation Ecology and Creation Care43:30 Memoirs and Personal Stories52:25 Summer Reading Recommendations

In this episode, speaker Rev. Caleb Cray Haynes shares a message at Grace Capital City's Annual Creation Care Sunday. Rev Haynes is a speaker, writer, and advocate on issues of environmental justice for the church at large. For more information on Rev. Haynes' many wonderful contributions, please visit www. calebcrayhaynes.com . For more information on how to get involved with our Creation Care Justice Ministry at GCC, please visit gracecapitalcity.com/justice. 

This Sunday, we're celebrating Earth Day by reflecting on and reimagining our relationship with the land. After their escape from slavery and bondage, the Israelites are given the opportunity to build new economies that run counter to the Imperial Domination System they had seen within the Egyptian Kingdom. Against this social background, the wilderness narrative reveals the struggle of a people charged with cultivating a radically different way of living in community on the land. www.TheLoftLA.org

UPDATED:Now... 'all shall be well' sounds great, but it is sometimes truly hard to believe! In this series, we're looking at some anxiety-producing topics through Julian of Norwich's lens of faith, hope, and love.Today, Julia interviews Ron Schmidt, whose passion for creation care (especially about achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions) is filled with conviction, curiosity, and hope. Listen in as one of our sages talks about his passion for the earth, his concern about climate change, and why he believes that working towards an impossible and an important goal is both life-giving and the best use of who God made him to be.Ron grew up in a working-class family in Milwaukee and graduated with his MBA and BBA with an accounting major from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. While beginning his career in public accounting, during which time he obtained his CPA, Ron eventually moved into banking. In 1983, Ron relocated to Columbus to join Bank One, which, ultimately, became JPMorgan Chase. After retirement in 2009, Ron joined Vineyard Columbus, graduating from Vineyard Institute in 2014. Only recently (2024) did he become actively involved in creation care. Ron is married and has four adult children and four grandchildren. You can contact Ron at: ron.creationcare@gmail.com.Julian of Norwich lived in the Middle Ages through the Black Plague and is one of the church's most recognized mystics.  She wrote the earliest surviving book in the English language written by a woman, Revelations of Divine Love, in which we find her well known reflection: Here I was taught by the grace of God that I should steadfastly hold me in the Faith ... and that ... I should take my stand on and earnestly believe in ... that ‘all manner of thing shall be well'. Interested in getting involved in Creation Care at Vineyard Columbus?Contact: jenney.rice@vineyardcoluumbus.orgPraxis / Redemptive Quest: https://journal.praxis.co/redemptive-quests-652259149ed8Following Jesus in a Warming World: https://bookstore.vineyardcolumbus.org/reads/p/following-jesus-in-a-warming-world-a-christian-call-to-climate-action?rq=following%20jesus%20in%20a%20warming%20world

Now... 'all shall be well' sounds great, but it is sometimes truly hard to believe! In this series, we're looking at some anxiety-producing topics through Julian of Norwich's lens of faith, hope, and love.Today, Julia interviews Ron Schmidt, whose passion for creation care (especially about achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions) is filled with conviction, curiosity, and hope. Listen in as one of our sages talks about his passion for the earth, his concern about climate change, and why he believes that working towards an impossible and an important goal is both life-giving and the best use of who God made him to be.Ron grew up in a working-class family in Milwaukee and graduated with his MBA and BBA with an accounting major from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. While beginning his career in public accounting, during which time he obtained his CPA, Ron eventually moved into banking. In 1983, Ron relocated to Columbus to join Bank One, which, ultimately, became JPMorgan Chase. After retirement in 2009, Ron joined Vineyard Columbus, graduating from Vineyard Institute in 2014. Only recently (2024) did he become actively involved in creation care. Ron is married and has four adult children and four grandchildren. You can contact Ron at: ron.creationcare@gmail.com.Julian of Norwich lived in the Middle Ages through the Black Plague and is one of the church's most recognized mystics.  She wrote the earliest surviving book in the English language written by a woman, Revelations of Divine Love, in which we find her well known reflection: Here I was taught by the grace of God that I should steadfastly hold me in the Faith ... and that ... I should take my stand on and earnestly believe in ... that ‘all manner of thing shall be well'. Interested in getting involved in Creation Care at Vineyard Columbus?Contact: jenney.rice@vineyardcoluumbus.orgPraxis / Redemptive Quest: https://journal.praxis.co/redemptive-quests-652259149ed8Following Jesus in a Warming World: https://bookstore.vineyardcolumbus.org/reads/p/following-jesus-in-a-warming-world-a-christian-call-to-climate-action?rq=following%20jesus%20in%20a%20warming%20world

In this final episode of the Lent Podcast, youth leader Cole Jones and Youth Ministry Director C.J. Lord discuss the recent OG Youth Mission Trip to Costa Rica in partnership with Asociación Ministerial Maná (Manna Ministerial Association). They discuss the trip, the Christian faith of the people in Costa Rica, and where they are finding Hope

In this episode, youth leader Vivian Mus and Youth Ministry Director C.J. Lord discuss where they are finding Hope

In this episode, youth leader Ashley DeLange and Youth Ministry Assistant Hanna Cain discuss where they are finding Hope

In this episode Forrest, along with Christine Sine, talk with Ruth Valerio—a British author, speaker, and activist who is passionate about both social justice and environmental justice. In this conversation, Ruth shares her journey of faith and environmental awareness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. She discusses the importance of earth care as an important element of faith practice, advocating for simplicity and sustainable living as essential responses to the climate crisis. Ruth encourages faith communities to mobilize for environmental action, highlighting the potential for collective impact. Importantly, she also exhorts us not to try to do more than is ours to do when it comes to making a difference in the world. Ruth Valerio's website, including list of publications and resourcesChristine Sine's website, including publications and resourcesLiturgical Rebels podcastKeywords: Earth care, social justice, simplicity, community activism, earth advocacy, creation care, church mobilization, climate crisis, sustainability, Embrace the Middle East, A Rocha, Tear Fund Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

http://www.asbury.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025.03.26.chapel.mix_.mp3 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400 00:

Should Christians care about the ecological crises that we face? Should climate change be a concern for believers? Many Christians still view their faith as primarily a “spiritual” matter that has little to do with the “physical” world in which they live. Our guest is Steven Bouma-Prediger, who contends that protecting and restoring our planet is an essential practice for Christians. Steve has studied the Bible and understands what it teaches about this earthly life. He has written extensively about how humans are called, in the words of Genesis 2:15, to “work and take care of” the world in which we live. He is troubled by how too few Christians see this as a crucial part of Christian discipleship.Scroll down to learn more about Dr. Steven Bouma-Prediger. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app!Thanks for listening!Please share this podcast with your friends. Your hosts are Dr. Bob Robinson and David Loughney. Go to re-integrate.org for further resources on reintegrating all of life with God's mission. Steven Bouma-Prediger, Ph.D.Dr. Steven Bouma-Prediger is Professor of Religion at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where he has also served as the chairperson of the Department of Religion and as the associate dean for teaching and learning. He also oversees the Environmental Studies minor. In addition, Steve teaches in Belize and New Zealand for the Creation Care Study Program. His latest book is Creation Care Discipleship: Why Earthkeeping Is an Essential Christian Practice (from Baker Academic).Among his previous books are Earthkeeping and Character: Exploring a Christian Ecological Virtue Ethic and For the Beauty of the Earth: A Christian Vision for Creation Care, and (co-authored with Brian J. Walsh) Beyond Homelessness: Christian Faith in a Culture of Displacement.His books can be purchased from independent bookseller Byron Borger at Hearts & Minds Bookstore. Get full access to Bob Robinson's Substack at bobrobinsonre.substack.com/subscribe

Creation Care & the ChristianTri Robinson, a man who's traveled the world and worn many hats over the years, graciously joined us to talk about his latest book, “A Journey of Gratitude: Traversing Four Seasons of Life.” We covered a lot of topics in this podcast, including his experience teaching in a gifted-and-talented program, reviving a family homestead, starting a church, and fulfilling his and his wife, Nancy's, dream of creating a beautiful Idaho ranch where they enjoy and example stewardship of the land.https://timberbuttehomestead.com/https://cowboyandpreacher.com/(Podcast sound effects source: ⁠⁠http://www.freesfx.co.uk⁠⁠)

LENT Podcast X the OG Youth 2025 // Episode 1In this episode, Youth Director C.J. Lord and Youth Ministry Assistant Hanna Cain discuss where they are finding Hope

LENT Podcast X the OG Youth 2025 // PREVIEW EpisodeIn what may be one of the best mashups of all [OGUMC Podcast] time, the Oak Grove Youth are leading the Podcast this Lent as we look at where they are finding Hope

Follow Podcast Episode 20 This is a special one-shot episode with a unique guest: Steve Joneslee talking about the environment. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged as we discuss the overlap between faith and creation. At the same time, we're going to learn how each of us can make a difference. It's hard to find sensible voices that aim to balance a high view of the Christian faith with "ruffling some feathers" at work to champion environmentally positive choices. We found one of those voices in Steve, and it's a privilege to have him on the podcast! *Stuff We Mentioned* [or wished we did] - Stevesjlee.com - Steve's website, which includes some of the work he's a part of - The Green Bible - originally published by HarperOne - this edition is no longer in print, although you can find it through some resellers - The Green Team - OneChurch.to is taking steps toward creation care and you can be a part of it by signing up to the green team here: https://form.jotform.com/250335180715249 ----- The Follow Podcast is an honest and open conversation for anyone actively learning to live like Jesus. For a related weekend teaching, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC6MpxORLbQ Submit your own question here: https://onechurch.to/followpodcast

As always, Earthkeepers is on the lookout for stories of faith communities who are creating new, imaginative ways to integrate creation care into the values and practices of faith life. In episode 121 for example, we spoke with folks at the Rainier Avenue Church about their urban community garden and their creation care study group. In this episode, Forrest talks with Matt and Mary Anne Ryan about their church's efforts to engage in social justice by growing fresh produce for their community's foodbank. Their faith community—called Vineyard Christian Fellowship, located just north of Chicago—has converted a large part of their property into what they call the Vineyard Farm. In that context, Matt and Mary Anne are pioneering some great new ideas in community-based earth care.  Evanston GrowsEvanston Vineyard Christian FellowshipVineyard FarmVineyard Farm Photos and VidsKeywords: Evanston Grows, Vineyard Church, food insecurity, community farming, environmental justice, volunteer opportunities, creation care, sustainable practices, church initiatives, local produce, nature, environmental stewardship, church, community, creation care, theology, sustainability, future generations, partnership, small beginningsFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

This episode features the Rev. Dr. Nancy Wright, Pastor of Creation Care with the Evangelical Lutheran church in America. We discuss many facets of her life and work, from personal experiences with faith, interpretations of ancient scripture, the theology of Martin Luther, process theology, and much more, including attention to water stewardship, interreligious perspectives, and forest therapy. This episode is full of information and inspiration that provides a beacon of hope during our complicated times.  

As you might know, this podcast is committed to helping communities think creatively and boldly about ways they might care for the places where they live. In this episode, Forrest chats with three people—Rachel, Logan, and Celize—about the ways in which Rainier Avenue Church—an urban faith community in Seattle—is trying to actively integrate earth care and faith practice. Among other things, these folks have been seeking to learn and grow in their understanding of earthkeeping through a multi-week group discussion. Notably, all of their themed sessions are oriented both around readings, but also on episodes of this podcast. We love that idea, of course—and appreciate the creative, community building experimentation that it represents. Here then are Rachel, Logan, and Celize discussing how they have been promoting creation care thinking—and action—in their urban Seattle neighborhood.Rainier Avenue ChurchTakeawaysCommunity living fosters deeper connections and support.Eco-theology bridges the gap between faith and environmental care.Oral storytelling enhances understanding of scripture.Sustainability is a journey that evolves over time.Gardening connects individuals to their heritage and community.Church communities can be catalysts for environmental awareness.Diverse experiences enrich discussions on earth care.Scripture reveals a strong connection to creation care.Healthy soil is fundamental to human health.Community engagement is essential for fostering relationships. The use of different lenses impacts our understanding of scripture.Creation care is often overlooked in church discussions.The gospel should encompass restoration of all creation, not just souls.Awareness of environmental degradation can lead to a sense of hopelessness.Churches need to take ownership of their impact on the environment.Social justice and environmental justice are interconnected.Community engagement is essential for meaningful impact.Love of place fosters deeper connections within communities.Younger generations seek tangible connections between faith and real-world issues.Hope exists in grassroots movements and indigenous teachings.Keywords:community, eco-theology, environmental justice, earth care, communal living, sustainability, social justice, gardening, faith, scripture, creation care, environmental justice, church responsibility, social justice, community engagement, faith praxis, ecological theology, hope, interconnection, love of placeFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Send us a textClimatologist David Legates challenges mainstream narratives on the climate, offering an important Christian perspective on the intersection of science, politics, and economics. Drawing insights from his book Climate and Energy: The Case for Realism, co-authored with leading scientists and economists, Legates builds upon our previous episode examining how climate science has shifted from objective inquiry to politicized advocacy.We consider:Misleading claims in climate activism and how to respond critically.The implications of climate policy on global poverty, energy costs, and environmental stewardship.The rise of postmodern science and its impact on climate researchDo climate change policies serve hidden agendas or impact broader societal transformations?From the reliability of carbon dating to the role of the church in restoring scientific integrity, this episode invites you to question prevailing narratives and engage in practical, truth-centered environmental action.Rediscover the essence of balanced climate science—and the hope for reclaiming stewardship that honors both creation and the Creator.View the transcript, leave comments, and check out recommended resources on the Episode Landing Page!Listen to our last episode with David Legates here: Climate & Energy: The Case for Realism with E. Calvin Beisner & David R. Legates

What can Jesus' encounter with Peter teach us about dealing with doubts about creation? Discover how a personal and intentional approach, rooted in Christ's example, can help strengthen belief even in the face of skepticism. 

Veronica, a native Argentinian, is the Central Texas Conservation Project Director for A Rocha, the international creation care ministry. She is passionate about connecting people with God's creation, caring for His creation, and growing awareness of creation care in the church. In this interview, you'll hear about A Rocha's work on 6 continents, Veronica's projects in the Central Texas area, and how we can be involved personally in caring for God's good creation.

Happy Holidays! Today I am joined by Katie Zakrzewski, who labels herself as a devout Catholic from a Polish family. Originally a self- described climate denier from a low-income and rural area,  she has gone on quite the journey and now works for Catholic Climate Covenant. This season of Advent seemed the perfect time to release a conversation with her. Over 80% of the people on this planet adhere to a religious or spiritual tradition which often also includes belief in the importance of caring for the world around them. Many people of faith find no conflict between their embrace of the scientific method to learn more about our world and health, but there are many who are either indifferent to the latest scientific studies or skeptical of members of the scientific establishment and even such labels as “environmentalist.”  The need for climate action is urgent, and at the same time these divisions can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the faith traditions of our world provide a rich opportunity for people to come together across national and political divides to work toward the care of our common home.  1- If you are a member of a particular faith or religious tradition, there are likely organizations within it advocating for clean air and climate action. If you have not already, learn about those resources at the post for this page at airhealthourhealth.org/faith. 2- Work together - maybe you can help organize renewable energy for your sanctuary or a community environmental event.  3- Raise your voices together- maybe there is an important local action your town, county or state can take to make your environment healthier. Consider organizing a group from your faith community to testify or write a letter to the editor on why action on this issue is important.  4- Be open- there are many different religious traditions and many who belong to no religious tradition or who have left their religious tradition for very good reasons. I believe most people share a common faith that the Earth is a sacred trust for which we have a responsibility to care. If we keep ourselves open to others, we will find places for shared action.  5- Consider a donation to a faith-based organization working for climate action, such as Catholic Climate Covenant, included in this podcast.  Please consider leaving this podcast a 5 star review to help other people find it! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit blog post for more information, or go to airhealthourhealth.org. Follow and comment on Facebook page and Instagram.  Record a question or comment on the podcast site or send an e-mail via the website. 

Toward the end of the year Earthkeepers podcast always releases a special holiday episode that breaks from the usual interview mode. In this episode, we're gifting a passage from our friend Christine Sine's book called Celtic Advent: Following an Unfamiliar Path Through Advent. Earthkeepers recommends this book because in it, Christine brings fresh, life-giving perspective on the conventional Western practices of advent. According to those Western practices, the advent season this year begins on Sunday, December 1—so why offer an advent reflection in November? In her book, Christine explains: “for Celtic and Orthodox Christians, advent begins the evening of November 15th – forty days before Christmas Day. Celtic Christians always prayed and fasted for 40 days in preparation for any major life event, whether it be the planting of a new monastic center, the beginning of a new adventure, as well as for preparation for Christmas and Easter.” Given the Celtic theme of the passage, it is read by Brother Seán Aherne, an Irish monk who is very familiar with the St. Kevin story that is featured in this episode.Christine's website, GodspacelightBook: Celtic Advent: Following an Unfamiliar PathBrother Seán Aherne ( born 1946 ) is a Celtic Christian monk living in a small monastery on outskirts of Dublin. He is Director &  founding member of the John Moriarty institute for Ecology & Spirituality in Dingle, County Kerry. Together with Míchael W.Higgins he edited : Introducing John Moriarty In His Own Words. He is a passionate supporter of John Moriarty's vision for a Christian Monastic Hedge School for Adults called Slí na Fírinne. Over the years he animated & directed many retreats on Celtic Spirituality & the Native Irish Wisdom Tradition.Keywords: Advent, Celtic Advent, creation care, Saint Kevin, spirituality, environmentalism, community, nature, God, reflection, Glendalough, John Scotus Eriugena, John Philip Newell, Christ of the Celts, Carmina Gadelica, Alexander CarmichaelTakeaways ·      Celtic Advent begins 40 days before Christmas for preparation.·      Creation is an expression of God, not a void of nothingness.·      Our view of creation reflects our attitude towards God.·      Saint Kevin exemplifies a deep connection with nature.·      The incarnation of Christ emphasizes God's care for creation.·      Recognizing God's concern for all creation is vital.·      Engaging with nature can enhance our spiritual lives.·      Reflection on creation can deepen our understanding of God.·      Welcoming creation into our lives can be an Advent practice. Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

John Davis, Wildlife Biologist, worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife for 30 years and currently serves as the new Conservation Program Manager with the Kyle Parks and Rec Department, working to improve the native wildlife and plant conservation efforts in Kyle. Larry and John discuss environmental stewardship, creation care, and the spectrum of things individual residents can do to improve the health and sustainability of their local environment.

Dr. Marvin Ruffner speaks to the students at Asbury University.

Dr. Marvin Ruffner speaks to the students at Asbury University.

Ben Lowe is the executive director for A Roche, a Christian organization dedicated to the practice of creation care. Part of its mission is to help people rejoice in the beauty, diversity, and complexity of the natural world, and (get this!) commit to delighting in and treasuring God's good creation.Delighting in creation. What a wonderful, important, energizing idea. So often we encounter news headlines about climate change that are steeped in terror or cynicism. The world is ending, they say, and we are to blame. Lowe believes there is another way to approach conservation: one that is rooted in God's call to steward the earth and the ultimate hope of the Gospel.It's that and his organization's grassroots efforts with communities and churches to make ecosystems healthier one, small step at a time that made this interview so rich.“It's easier to despair when you're not involved on the ground,” he told me. “Just getting your hands dirty is a great antidote to despair.”Don't miss this special episode of The Thing with Feathers as we dive deep on what it means to work together to restore right relationships with creation—including our neighbors.And don't forget to check out the work Ben and A Rocha are doing, both within the US and around the world. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:17-31 Today we Welcome Rev. Dr. Nancy Wright as our Guest Preacher.  Rev. Dr. Wright is the Pastor for Creation Care for the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Today's episode of Means of Grace discusses environmental stewardship through a faith-based lens, emphasizing the theological foundations and practical applications of creation care. Hosts Jesse Enniss, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager explore the distinction between stewardship and dominion over creation, the importance of humility in environmental actions, and the role of faith communities in promoting sustainable practices. Examples of churches integrating creation care, such as First United Methodist Church in Stanley, North Carolina, and Maple Springs United Methodist in Winston-Salem, are highlighted. The conversation also touches on the broader theological implications, the need for theological shifts, and resources for churches to engage in creation care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:47 Theological Foundations of Environmental Stewardship 09:37 Acting with Humility in Creation Care 12:06 Challenges and Opportunities 15:41 Examples of Environmental Sustainability Initiatives 25:37 Theological Shifts and Resources 42:48 Practical Steps and Future Dreams 43:25 Conclusion and Call to Action  

Are Christians neglecting their God-given duty to care for nature? Discover how the Bible calls for stewardship of the environment, and why respecting creation is a vital part of faith. 

Leah Kostamo, a counselor and spiritual director, discusses the ways in which her helping practices integrate and collaborate with nature. She emphasizes the shared meaning of caring for creation as a way of joining in God's work and finding hope thereby. In her musings about self-care and creation care, she emphasizes the ways that nature can heal us. She also highlights the growing recognition in psychology of the role of nature in the healing process. Connecting with nature is, she points out, also a way for pushing back against climate despair.Also, just a quick heads up: If you'd rather, you can actually WATCH this episode with Leah Kostamo on YouTube! Go to YouTube and search: "Earthkeepers podcast" or click the link HERE.Leah Kostamo's website and counseling serviceLeah's work at A RochaMentionsA Rocha CanadaYour Brain on Nature (book and website)Bill Plotkin, Animas Valley InstituteHuman-Nature Counselling SocietyTakeaways·      Caring for creation is a shared meaning among Christians and a way of joining in with God's work.·      Nature has a healing power and can reduce stress and anxiety.·      There is a growing recognition in psychology of the importance of nature in healing and well-being.·      Guides are needed to help people reconnect with nature and learn to listen, receive, and connect again. Connecting with nature can provide a container for processing deep emotions and wounds.·      Parents can support their children who are struggling with climate despair by listening and learning from them.·      Being present in nature and practicing mindfulness can help cultivate a deeper connection with creation.·      The church can play a role in mediating nature and providing opportunities for people to connect with creation.Keywords: Leah Kostamo, counselor, spiritual director, A Rocha, Christian environmental organization, conservation, creation care, shared meaning, hope, encouragement, healing power of nature, self-care, psychology, guides, reconnect with nature, nature, climate despair, hope, parenting, listening, learning, presence, church, creation careFind us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

As image-bearers of God, what responsibility do we have to care for his good creation? Is the physical creation ours to exploit, manipulate, and use however we desire? Or do we have a unique calling to care for, cultivate, and steward this beautiful and very good planet we've been given?   Xandra Grieme received her bachelor's degree from Colorado State University and later studied at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. She continued her studies at Victoria University of Wellington, where she completed a master's degree in Conservation Biology. Her scientific research includes work in parasitology, flow cytometry, and ecological restoration. Xandra is passionate about educating youth on our role as stewards of the natural world as image-bearers of God. Listen to every episode of the Dr. Jeff Show wherever you listen to podcasts. For more from Dr. Jeff on YouTube visit http://bit.ly/3flbj2j For more resources from Summit Ministries visit their Resource Library at www.summit.org/resources/