Climate Crisis & Christian Discipleship with Kyle Meyaard-Schaap
Join us as we explore one man's journey from skeptic to environmental advocate through the lens of his faith. But just as he begins to offer solutions, a looming threat interrupts, leaving him and the audience with a question: will the church wake up and stand up to protect God's creation?
My special guest is Kyle Meyaard-Schaap
Introducing Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, a devoted advocate for Christian climate action and environmental care.
Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap (MY-yurd SKOP) serves as the Vice President of the Evangelical Environmental Network. For the last ten years, he has educated and mobilized Christians around the world to address the climate crisis as an act of discipleship and neighbor-love.
Kyle has been named to Midwest Energy Group's 40 Under 40, the American Conservation Coalition’s 30 Under 30, and the Grist 50 Fixers cohorts for his work on climate change education and advocacy. In 2020, he was named a Yale Public Voices on the Climate Crisis Fellow. His work has been featured in national and international news outlets such as PBS, NPR, CNN, NBC News, New York Times, Reuters, and U.S. News and World Report. His book, Following Jesus in a Warming World: A Christian Call to Climate Action, was released by InterVarsity Press in February 2023.
Kyle is married to Allison and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with their two sons.
Visit his website at kylemeyaardschaap.com (https://kylemeyaardschaap.com/) .
Follow him on Twitter: @kmeyaardschaap (https://twitter.com/kmeyaardschaap) .
Caring for creation is a fundamental part of every human being's vocation because that's how God made us. - Kyle MeyaardSchaap
In this episode, you will be able to:
Grasp Christian obligations towards environmental stewardship and climate action.
Find out the significance of incorporating native plants in the battle against climate change.
Expose the hidden causes driving climate change skepticism in political and religious spheres.
Discover the potential of generational dialogue in forging Christian action against climate change.
Engage in a hopeful pursuit of creative solutions and resolute action for a sustainable future.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Read Kyle's book, Following Jesus in a Warming World: A Christian Call to Climate Action. (https://www.ivpress.com/following-jesus-in-a-warming-world)
Promo code: AWORLD23
Listeners can get 30 percent off the ebook and physical book (free shipping) at ivpress.com (http://ivpress.com/) through 5/19
Find unique ways to care for creation and protect the environment, based on your own vocation and interests.
Implement practices that bring joy and enhance your experience of creation.
Participate in events and initiatives that promote environmental care and protection, such as Indie Creation Fest.
Support organizations like the Evangelical Environmental Network that are working towards climate change education
and advocacy.
Make sustainable choices in your daily life, such as using reusable bags and water bottles, reducing meat consumption,
and conserving energy.
Advocate for policies and actions that prioritize the environment and address climate change.
Worship as Awe and Wonder
Worship can be far more than a formalized gathering or ritual. It can be experienced as a profound sense of awe and wonder in
everyday life, especially when we open our hearts and minds to the beauty and intricate connections of the natural world.
Immersing ourselves in creation and marveling at the marvels of our planet gives us an even greater appreciation for the
Creator of all things. In the interview, Kyle Meyaard-Schaap shares his experiences of finding awe in God's creation. He talks
about attending the Indie Creation Fest, an event that celebrates God's creation and promotes efforts to protect it. Through
embracing beauty in nature, Kyle highlights the importance of cultivating a worshipful approach towards environment and
reveals how his faith has been enriched by his journey into creation care.
The Importance of Listening to the Younger Generation
The youth of today have a unique and valuable perspective on environmental issues, and their voices must be heard. As the
generation that will inherit the consequences of climate change, they are more keenly aware of its dangers and are passionately
advocating for collective action. By acknowledging their concerns and supporting their efforts, society encourages a more
inclusive and effective response to environmental challenges. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap emphasizes the need to listen to and learn
from the younger generation. He discusses how young Christians are beginning to question the narratives they were raised on
and are challenging the status quo in their communities. By offering support and encouragement to the next generation, we join
forces in ensuring a brighter and healthier fut...
