Asbury Seminary joins event exploring biblical vision for environmental stewardship

Asbury Theological Seminary has partnered with the nonprofit organization Blessed Earth to present “Hope for Creation,” a simulcast event that will explore the biblical vision for care of the planet.

“Hope for Creation” will be broadcast Wednesday, April 21, live from Orlando, Fla., to more than 100 simulcast locations around the country, including Asbury Seminary’s Kentucky campus in Wilmore. Taking place on the eve of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, “Hope for Creation” is expected to be the largest faith-based Earth Day event.

The public is invited to attend the free program at 7:00 p.m. at Asbury Seminary’s McKenna Chapel in Wilmore. To be broadcast from Orlando’s Northland Church, “Hope for Creation” will include biblical teaching on caring for God’s creation, interactive audience participation and live musical performances.

The “Hope for Creation” hosts will be Dr. Matthew and Nancy Sleeth, founders of Blessed Earth, an educational organization based in Wilmore with a mission to inspire and equip faith communities to become better stewards of the earth. Through outreach to churches, academic institutions and others, Blessed Earth seeks to build bridges that promote measurable environmental change and meaningful spiritual growth.

Also part of the April 21 program will be Asbury Seminary Senior Professor of Homiletics Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas, who will read the creation account in Scripture.

Matthew Sleeth said that, by participating in “Hope for Creation,” churches can learn more about how to unite their efforts in environmental stewardship.

“The church has reawakened to the call to tend and protect the garden,” he said, referencing the Garden of Eden. “This is a night to spend together in the garden—worshiping God, dedicating ourselves to be good stewards, humbling ourselves in awe of what we have been given, and understanding our role in caring for the earth.”

“This is not a political issue. It has nothing to do with national boundaries or church denominations,” Nancy Sleeth said. “When we’re not using resources responsibly or being good stewards of the resources God has given us, we’re harming our neighbors and we’re not showing love and respect for God the Creator.”

To register for the simulcast event, visit www.blessedearth.org, or, for information about the presentation on the Asbury Seminary campus, call Ginny Proctor at 859-858-2301.