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Habitat: Thinking Theologically About the Environment
Loving God’s good earth is an act of hope.
About this Course
Habitat: Thinking Theologically About the Environment was designed to explore why environmental stewardship is a natural extension of our spiritual lives and address the climate crisis through a lens of hope.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
All around the world, people are experiencing the effects of climate change and ecological disasters right now. Today. At this very moment.
What should Christians do about it?
Far too often, we find ourselves paralyzed by climate anxiety or hushed by the trumpet of polarizing debate. Yet Christians and congregations are called to engage faithfully and hopefully with pressing, emotionally charged issues—even those that are too often relegated to “politics.”
The truth is, both Scripture and theology have much to contribute to the conversation. In Habitat: Thinking Theologically About the Environment, you’ll discover why environmental stewardship is a natural extension of our spiritual lives and address the climate crisis through a lens of hope.
Drawing insights from a broad spectrum of voices—farmers, tech innovators, activists, theologians, biblical scholars, and everyday Christians—the course explores practical ways for individuals and communities to care for creation in productive, nonpartisan ways.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
A Stewardship Ethic
In this module, you will:
- Understand how scripture encourages stewardship.
- Reflect on your assumptions about your relationship with the natural world.
- Develop humility and a willingness to think of yourself as a steward.
An Intrinsic Goodness Ethic
In this module, you will:
- Understand God's affirmations of goodness as found in scripture.
- Develop gratitude for the goodness of God's creation.
- Consider the ways in which your habits and choices affirm or deny creation's goodness.
A Neighbor-Love Ethic
In this module, you will:
- Learn about the communal, political, and economic dimensions of this environmental ethic.
- Build your skill at using ethical and theological lenses.
- Develop a desire to serve and help your neighbors affected by environmental issues.
A Christological Ethic
In this module, you will:
- Learn how the agency of Jesus can be a model for Christians today.
- Develop gratitude for Jesus' renewing power.
- Explore a current environmental practice of your choice.
Eco-justice
In this module, you will:
- Develop a biblical foundation for considering the intersection of environmental issues and justice.
- Develop a compassion and desire to serve those affected by environmental injustice.
- Explore possibilities for taking action in this area.
Taking Action
In this module, you will:
- Imagine how the environmental ethics might connect to action.
- Develop humility and grace to consider change.
- Take an action step toward aligning your lifestyle with your environmental ethics.
Climate Emotions
In this module, you will:
- Learn about the emotional effects of climate change.
- Listen to how God might be speaking to you through your emotions.
- Participate in a regenerative activity.
Hope in a Hot World
In this module, you will:
- Learn to look for signs of hope.
- Rest in God's faithfulness.
- Consider how you might act to share hope with others.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
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$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
10 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Rob Muthiah
Dr. Rob Muthiah’s work specializes in theology, congregational leadership practices, multiculturalism and race, Christian ethics, environmental justice, missional ecclesiology, and empowering the whole people of God.
Dr. Muthiah has taught at Azusa Pacific Graduate School of Theology and Fuller Theological Seminary, where he taught classes such as Foundations for Ministry Life, Ethics and Worship, Transitions in Ministry, Empowering the People of God, Leadership and Diversity, and more.
He has published multiple articles such as “Lament as Antiracism Work” in The Christian Century, and “Surfacing Emotions to Teach Leadership” in the Journal of Religious Leadership.
Dr. Muthiah has earned degrees from Taylor University (B.A.), Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Fuller Theological Seminary (Ph.D.). He is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church and has served as a pastor at Breckenridge Christian Ministries and Pasadena Mennonite Church. As a church and community leader he enjoys serving meals to the homeless, mentoring youth, and participating in local events advocating for peace and justice issues.
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
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