The Role of Christian Education in Strengthening Ecotheological Character for Environmental Stewardship

Abstract

The global ecological crisis demands a systematic theological and pedagogical response from religious institutions, including the church. This article explores how church education can be systematically designed to integrate ecotheological values into the formation of the church’s character for nature stewardship, and how well such approaches can address contemporary ecological challenges. Through a qualitative approach that combines literature reviews and field studies, this study examines the Christian paradigm, grounded in biblical narratives (Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation/CFRC), as a transformative learning framework. The study’s findings indicate that church education can transform the anthropocentric paradigm that leads to environmental destruction by fostering spiritual understanding. Integrating ecotheological values into church education through liturgy, sermons, Sunday school, training, and concrete action can shape the congregation's character to be ecologically responsible and actively engaged in the mission of restoring God’s creation. Thus, ecotheology-based church education not only fosters spiritual faith but also serves as a strategy for forming relevant and sustainable ecological character.