The primary aim of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary’s Midwest Bioregional Hub is to catalyze and amplify the inherent capacities of congregations in our region to respond to the environmental crises of our time. Through their wealth of theological, spiritual, moral, social, and organizational resources, congregations are uniquely poised to contribute for the just healing of the land and the flourishing of their communities. The Midwest Bioregional Hub supports a racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse group of congregations throughout our bioregion in order to 1) understand the realities, causes, and implications of climate change and environmental degradation, both globally and locally, especially in relation to those in their communities who are most negatively impacted, 2) deepen their knowledge of and ability to draw on the theological, spiritual, and ecclesial resources of their traditions in response to these challenges, and 3) discern, plan, and enact a set of Christian practices informed by ecological design thinking and aimed at the regeneration of both congregational and ecological thriving. Over a five-year period, the Hub will first design the learning process in relation to existing and new curricular offerings, finalize partnerships with missionally-aligned organizations and initiatives, and identify 12 diverse participating congregations across the Midwest. Then the Hub will guide the 5-member teams from each of the 12 congregations through a structured process of education, formation, and activation. And finally, the Hub will celebrate, document, and learn from the implementation of the regenerative congregational projects, while revising the 3-year learning process for a new round of congregational cohorts.
Midwest Bioregional Hub: For the Thriving of the Church and the Healing of the Land
Evanston, IL
Regional
Geran Lorraine