MTSO hosts climate change training for Christian leaders

In the midst of a rapidly changing climate, faith communities are called to discern how they will respond. Churches and faith-based organizations are gifted with unique resources to help communities and individuals move from anger, anxiety or denial to action.

To enhance their efforts, Methodist Theological School in Ohio and Creation Justice Ministries will offer a training retreat, “Pastoral Influence in a Climate Changed World,” Oct. 16 and 18 on the MTSO campus, 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware 43015. Partners include Anabaptist Climate Collaborative and Ohioans for Sustainable Change.

Thanks to grant support from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, the retreat, including meals and lodging, is offered at no cost to pastors and ministry leaders. The cost for lay participants is $350, though each lay participant who brings a pastor or ministry leader may attend for free.

To apply for “Pastoral Influence in a Climate Changed World,” visit www.creationjustice.org/ohworkshop.html. The application deadline is Sept. 27.

“Pastoral Influence in a Climate Changed World” will be led by seven workshop guides, including MTSO Associate Professor of Christian Education and Youth Ministry Tim Van Meter, who serves as the school’s coordinator of ecological initiatives.

The retreat will serve to help church leaders:

• Understand climate as an intersectional justice issue.
• Learn how projects and ministries related to food justice are empowering local communities to incarnate joyful and transformative alternatives.
• Begin to approach these efforts with pastoral wisdom that acknowledges and seeks to heal the trauma that marks our communities, our ecosystems and our own spirits.

Participants will meet on the 80-acre hillside campus of MTSO, which also serves as home to the 10-acre Seminary Hill Farm. The campus features an abundance of natural open space for outdoor reflection and fully accessible campus buildings.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio provides theological education and leadership in pursuit of a just, sustainable and generative world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in practical theology, social justice and theological studies, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree.

CONTACT:

Danny Russell, communications director
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322