Creation care and the gospel focus for IBTS 

The International Baptist Theological Study Centre (IBTS) has organised a programme that highlights the connections between creation care and the gospel

Part of the IBTS Learning Network, the free webinars and online paid course are for Baptists interested in developing their understanding of the issues. The programme is co-led by Laura Lovering, Creation Stewardship Co-ordinator for BMS World Mission.  

The next free webinar takes place on 15 June at 12pm UK time (1pm CEST), and highlights the practical ethics of fashion. 

It will explore how our everyday wardrobe choices can become small but meaningful acts of care for people and the planet. The webinar is led by Kat Halliday from Baptist World Aid Australia, who will share practical steps to rethink how we buy, wear and value our clothes.

Kat is lead researcher for the Ethical Fashion Report, an industry-recognised sustainable fashion resource. Click here to sign up.

The programme also includes The Creation Care and the Gospel course, which begins on 23 September, and runs on Wednesdays throughout October.

The course explores how everyday Christian faith connects with caring for God’s world, and incorporates Scripture, theology, and real-world insights that reshape how we understand discipleship. Participants will learn simple practices that reflect the good news of Jesus and help align our lives with God’s loving care for all creation. 

Another webinar takes place on 11 November, and is entitled How to Survive in a World of Crisis (and not grow weary of doing good). Dr. Ruth Valerio will share practical survival tips and reflections from her brand-new book of the same name. 

The first free webinar, How can you help your church engage with creation? took place on 20 April, with participation from A Rocha Netherlands and members of the UK's Baptist Union Environment Network (BUEN). 

Laura said, 'Who is the Gospel for? At the centre of the Christian faith, we have a Saviour who is also the Creator, who promises the renewal of all things. 

'Yet we have all seen the dire reports of the state of Creation, the triple crises of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change, all primarily caused by poor human stewardship and a source of pervasive human and creaturely suffering. 

'This programme aims to help Christians embrace the Good News of Christ for all Creation, grounded in theological reflection and the sharing of concrete practices suitable for everyone, every church, everywhere.'

For more information visit the IBTS website here.  

To sign up for the 15 June webinar, visit: ibts.eu/programmes/practical-ethics-of-fashion-webinar

Other Learning Network events by IBTS can be found here