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EarthKeepers

ACCELERATING AND SUPPORTING CREATION CARE PROJECTS

Shari Ponder, Temekia Powell, Rachel Collins, Marcel Cantu, Cheryl Taylor and Kristi Painter at the Serenity House Garden for the EarthKeepers training in Philadelphia

Photo: John Coleman

Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that guides U.S.-based United Methodists to develop and lead environmental sustainability projects in their communities. Training topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing and project planning. Projects include community gardens, energy initiatives, food security projects, reforestation efforts and more.

As an EarthKeeper, You Will:

Be equipped with United Methodist resources to lead creation care work within your community and congregation.
Learn strategies for community organizing, project planning, anti-racism, and climate justice.
Have the opportunity to apply for a grant to fund a project that will achieve measurable, positive environmental impact in one year or less.
Receive project support and technical guidance through post-training consultation from Global Ministries staff and other EarthKeepers.
Join the Global Ministries Creation Care Network, an online community of practice to support United Methodists engaged in environmental ministries.

Before You Apply

Explore these program requirements before you apply to become an EarthKeeper.

Have a project in mind

A main component of the EarthKeepers training is developing a plan for a project idea. You must have a ready-to-develop project idea when you apply.

Common project types include:

Ecosystem health — encouraging the flourishing of local ecosystems
Efficiency — increasing efficiency of water and energy consumption
Environmental justice and anti-racism — addressing the disproportionate burden that climate change and environmental degradation place on people of color, women, children, and people living in poverty
Food security — increasing access to healthy, locally produced food
Innovation — responding to the needs of creation in new ways
Renewable energy — increasing renewable energy access
Waste reduction, waste management — ensuring sustainable waste management practices in homes, churches and communities
Water — increasing access to clean, safe water and improving wastewater management

Meet the eligibility requirements

Membership or active participation in a United Methodist Church in the United States
Support from a conference-level leader
Age 13+
Interest in or experience with environmental issues
A specific project idea to be developed during the training
Commitment to participate in the entire training
Curiosity about environmental justice and anti-racism
Positive attitude about learning online
Minimum internet bandwidth of 600 kbps
Webcam, microphone and speaker

Apply for the Next EarthKeepers Training

Upcoming EarthKeepers Spring 2026 Online Training

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Global Ministries EarthKeepers program, past participants may apply to participate again. However, applications from new participants will be given priority over past participants.

Training dates: May 1–16, 2026

Application Deadline is March 25

The EarthKeepers Spring Online Training will be offered in limited Spanish (some materials will be available only in English).

Plenary Sessions

Friday, May 1, 2026: Plenary Session 1 — 8:00–9:30pm ET
Friday, May 8, 2026: Plenary Session 2 — 8:00–9:30pm ET
Saturday, May 16, 2026: Plenary Session 3 — 10:00am–1:00pm ET

Additional Training Components

One 45-minute coaching session with a trainer between May 4–15. Participants will book their session after training begins at a mutually convenient time.
Two small group meetings (participants may indicate their preferred group):

Group A: Tuesday, May 5 & 12 — 10:00–11:15am ET*
Group B: Tuesday, May 5 & 12 — 2:00–3:15pm ET
Group C: Wednesday, May 6 & 13 — 1:00–2:15pm ET
Group D: Wednesday, May 6 & 13 — 8:00–9:15pm ET

* Group A available in Spanish.

Participation Requirements

Participants must complete all homework, fully participate in all live online Zoom plenaries, and attend small group sessions in order to be commissioned.

To apply for the Spanish-language training, please complete the Spanish EK Application.

Note: Both the application and the connection form must be submitted before your application will be considered. Please send an email to environment@umcmission.org to be notified of future trainings.

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