Preaching Good News into the Climate Crisis

“When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16:2-3, NRSV)

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now” (Romans 8:22, NRSV)

 

What Previous Participants have Said

“The course was very good … I found Richard a very good tutor, easy listen to, giving us invaluable resources.”

“it has given me more confidence to preach on climate change with greater depth.”

“it was excellent and really informative. Even though the topic is one of great concern the course was enjoyable and interesting.”

Who is the Course For?

The course is for lay and ordained preachers and worship leaders who wish to develop greater confidence when preaching about the climate crisis. Sometimes preaching about climate change can feel daunting in the face of claims that it’s too political, not the church’s business, or that one doesn’t understand the science. This course will help you to preach with confidence the Christian gospel into the climate crisis. The course is open to anyone of any denomination and none.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students should be able to:

• State the preaching task and the pros and cons of preaching about topical issues in public life
• Identify reliable sources of climate science and how this information bears on preaching on this subject
• Select texts (in the lectionary and beyond) for climate change preaching and show how God’s good news bears on the climate crisis
• Produce a sermon or sermon outline on the climate crisis

Registration

Please book your place here, when it is next running.

Timing

The first offering of this course was held online in February 2022. It ran again in March/April 2023

This course could also be taught in-person as a one day intensive for groups. Please email the office for availability,

Cost

Registration costs £100/£120. The cost of a day-long block course for organisations is by negotiation.

If you are recognised preacher in your denomination, we suggest approaching them for a scholarship or assistance with course fees.

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be issued to those who complete the course.

Instructor

The instructor for this short course is Dr Richard A. Davis, Director of Contextual Theology and Director of the Centre for Faith in Public Life at Wesley House, Cambridge. Originally from New Zealand, Richard earned a PhD in public theology from the University of Edinburgh and then taught at the Pacific Theological College for 6 years. He has published several papers on ecotheology and climate change and has been a regular contributor to lectionary-based The Politics of Scripture blog. He has been a regular preacher in New Zealand, Fiji, Cambridge, and in the Wesley House chapel.