Central Baptist Theological Seminary - Science for Seminaries

Central Baptist Theological Seminary

https://www.cbts.edu/

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This project enables Central Seminary to build greater capacity to address climate change. A virtual event is planned with a climate scientist speaking about climate change and impactful solutions, with a follow-up faculty development session engaging faculty in discussing the theological education and ministerial preparation implications. Follow-up meetings with seminary employees explore ways to reduce emissions in seminary and personal life.

Through conversations and surveys, the project will determine what is currently being taught regarding climate change in courses within the Master of Divinity program and how knowledgeable and prepared graduates are for leadership in serving creation. This information will be used during a comprehensive review of the Master of Divinity curriculum.

The project will also involve offering an online continuing education course aimed at equipping faith leaders for the emerging crisis of climate change. Topics for these eight sessions include climate science and solutions, theological perspectives, communication, pastoral care, worship leadership, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in buildings, organizing for climate action, climate justice, and mercy ministries for those suffering from climate change.

In the fall of 2025, an in-person one-day ministry conference “Faithful Responses to Climate Change” will be offered. Keynote speakers from both scientific and theological perspectives will address how to respond to climate change in effective and faithful ways that will have an impact. There will also be breakout sessions on relevant topics of practical importance.

Contact information

Rev. Dr. Ruth Rosell
Director of the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence/ Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Emerita
rrosell@cbts.edu
Rev. Dr. Tarris Rosell
Professor of Pastoral Theology - Ethics and Ministry Praxis
trosell@cbts.edu
Learn about the other Participant Schools

In furtherance of the AAAS mission of advancing science in service to society, AAAS|DoSER’s role in the Science for Seminaries project is to support efforts to integrate science into seminary education. AAAS|DoSER does not advise on or endorse the theological content of the participating seminaries.