A practical, interactive, cross-disciplinary program for clergy and lay leaders discussing Environmental Ministry in terms of the State of Creation, Biblical Foundations, Theological Foundations and Christian Ethics.

In partnership with Faith in Place, McCormick Theological Seminary offers the Certificate in Environmental Leadership and Ministry – an interactive, cross-disciplinary approach to conversation about faith and the environment. Together, we provide a unique partnership for environmental study and practice. Our goal is to equip religious leaders with tools to further sustainable and just practices in their own ministry contexts. All students will be guided in a final project that explores an in-depth issue or practice within their current ministry.

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Designed For:

People of faith who seek a deepened understanding of the earth's ecosystems and our Christian call to shape policy to heal the world
Congregational and Community leaders committed to responding to our ecological challenges from a faith perspective
Directors of mission, outreach, and creation care looking for deeper biblical and theological foundations for practices in stewardship of the earth.

Course Work:

Classes meet in person between July 28 – Aug 21, 2025.

There will be pre-course reading and writing assignments.
All sessions, reading, assignments, and a final project/paper, are required to complete the program successfully.

CELM Courses

Biblical Foundations: Recovering Creation

Instructor: Dr. Theodore Hiebert, Francis A. McGaw Professor of Old Testament, Emeritus

Reexamine nature's place in the Scriptural roots of our faith. Beyond finding green texts, this component cultivates a new way of reading biblical texts to recover the core role of nature in biblical thought. Also included will be resources for using the bible in study, reflection, preaching, and worship.

Theological Foundations: A Down-to-Earth Approach to Eco-Justice

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Anna Case-Winters, Professor of Theology

Explore theological themes and foundations for the work of eco-justice. How do we think about God in relation to the natural world? How may human beings “know our place” with and within nature? Considered responses to these theological questions can transform our relationship with the natural world and deepen our commitment to care for creation.

Practical Approaches: Empowerment Organizing

Instructor: Rev. Brian Sauder, Executive Director, Faith in Place

How can people of faith care for the Earth in ways that are concrete, practical, and effective? Explore creative ideas, resources, and training for education, connection, advocacy, and concrete steps for "greening the church." People of faith can come together and stand together to change things.

Practical Approaches: Come and See

Instructor: Rev. Veronica Johnson, Outreach Director, Faith in Place

Field Trips will help us understand the eco-justice challenges in the Chicago area such as environmental racism. We will also see signs of hope for change in creative initiatives for promoting solidarity, sufficiency, and sustainability in our communities.

Requirements:

An open and inquiring mind and a commitment to collegial learning and practice
Your leadership experiences and challenges in a congregational, institutional, or non-profit place of ministry
A bachelor’s degree (highly recommended), but no advanced degree is required

Tuition: $900.00.
A $100.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of application; the full tuition may be paid in two installments.

Note: Students currently enrolled in an MDiv or DMin program are eligible to receive academic credit in connection as well as the Certificate in Environmental Leadership and Ministry. The normal tuition charges apply for Masters and Doctoral courses.