Press Release provided by Global Ministries | October 17, 2025
Featured photo from Global Ministries
72 new Global Ministries EarthKeepers will launch creation care projects in the U.S.
ATLANTA – Global Ministries will commission 72 new EarthKeepers in an online service Tuesday, November 4, at 8 p.m. ET. This service will affirm the EarthKeepers in their call to the ministry of creation care and bless their work in their communities. The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/GlobalMinistries.
The Global Ministries EarthKeepers training program equips United Methodists in the United States for environmental stewardship. Participants discuss theology, United Methodist resources, community organizing and anti-racism, and then use what they learn to develop an environmental project for their churches and communities. The program supports people looking to turn an idea into action and those who want to deepen an existing ministry. Participants develop plans in conversation with their peers, troubleshooting ideas and sharing strategies.
With 2025 trainings held online and in Des Moines, Washington, this EarthKeepers group represents 24 annual conferences and all five jurisdictions. Participants include clergy, laity, annual conference staff and agency staff.
“The vital leadership of Global Ministries EarthKeepers is an alternative to the political, economic and social forces that undermine the flourishing of God’s creation,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. “Their projects bring positive environmental impact and real hope to communities throughout the United States.”
“At a time when environmental programs in the United States, both secular and religious, are being defunded and closed, Global Ministries EarthKeepers is flourishing with vision and purpose,” said the Rev. Jenny Phillips, director of Environmental Sustainability. “More EarthKeepers have been trained in 2025 than in any other year in the program’s nine year history. Their projects are remarkably bold and ambitious, meeting the challenges of this moment.”
This is the ninth year that the EarthKeepers commissioning service has been held online, allowing EarthKeepers nationwide to participate along with their family, friends and church community. The service will be led by Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth, resident bishop for the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area.
To read more about EarthKeepers projects and to get updates on 2026 trainings, join the Global Ministries
Creation Care Network by downloading the app or visiting https://creationcare.umcmission.org/signup.
TWK Representative EarthKeepers
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