By Dawnesia Johnson-Garland
Eco-preachers are trained to see Creation in Scripture. To understand and acknowledge God as our Creator. To use our voices to advocate for climate justice and recognize the effects of climate trauma on our members.
Eco preachers are invited to use our Holy Imagination to picture how beautiful creation will be in Heaven, the role that we can play in creating a more climate just world and our responsibility to steward the Earth. Training as an Eco-preacher has challenged me to pay closer attention to creation and work harder to demystify the effects of climate change for my community.
As a child, one of my favorite books was the Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I enjoyed reading how the tree provided fruit, a safe space to explore and shade for the younger man. And for the wise man, it became a place of rest. Only a simple stump remained that hugged him and allowed him peace and rest. The tree gave more than I could have dreamed. The tree loved the boy, and the boy loved the tree.
Fast forward to June 2026. I sat on my front porch to pause and enjoy creation. My 8-year-old neighbor jumped up to a gigantic tree with the lofty goal to climb it. He did not know the tree, and he did not realize there was no place to ground his feet. With all his might, he jumped up to take from the tree. The branch snapped and creation moaned. I was reminded that trees provide us so much, yet we do not even take the time to protect them. We do not protect creation.
I ended the Eco-preacher cohort with hope for both mankind and for creation. Even though local Houses of Worship struggle to meet financial obligations and to repair our buildings, we can give resources to the community. We give food, clothing and financial assistance to others. We selfishly give our time and talents. And I am reminded that together (dramatic pause) we can give the future a world that allows them to dream in color and breathe deep, clarifying breaths.
Interested in becoming an EcoPreacher? EcoPreachers help their congregations connect the Christian faith with climate care, environmental justice, and the call to protect God's creation. The EcoPreacher Cohort is a ten-month learning community from Creation Justice Ministries, The BTS Center, and Lexington Theological Seminary that equips preachers with practical tools, theological grounding, and a supportive network for climate-conscious, justice-centered preaching. You can learn more here.