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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.

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
  • 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

Fall 2026 In-Person EarthKeepers Training!

Applications are now open! Deadline August 1.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Global Ministries EarthKeepers program, we’re excited to share that commissioned EarthKeepers are welcome to apply again for the 2026 In-Person Fall training taking place in Atlanta, GA from October 1-4, 2026.

Training will begin at 4:00 PM ET on Thursday, October 1, and conclude on Sunday, October 4, at 1:00 PM, with lunch provided.

The program will include a field trip on Saturday, October 3, to the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design. 

Required pre-training homework will take up to 8 hours. The online classroom containing assignments will open September 3.

The in-person portion of the training begins October 1 at 4pm Eastern Time and ends October 4 at 1pm Eastern Time.

Participants are required to complete all homework and fully participate in all sessions of the in-person training in order to be commissioned.

The training will be held at Decatur First UMC, Decatur, GA, a train ride from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Lodging will be provided October 1-4 at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory.

If you need additional nights, you may request and pay for them at the rate of $179/night + taxes and fees.

Please note: while alumni are encouraged to apply, applications from new participants will be given priority as we continue to grow and expand the EarthKeepers community.

Apply Here. 

Have questions? please email 

environment@umcmission.org. 

 

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