The importance of eco-salvation in Pentecostal theological education

Abstract

ABSTRACT It has long been a stereotype that Pentecostals are more concerned with saving souls than saving the planet. While this false dichotomy is no longer recognizable within academic Pentecostal scholarship, it does persevere at a congregational level. I argue that, if we want to see environmental concern within congregations, the connection between environmental care and salvation (eco-salvation) should be taught to pastors and lay-leaders. In this way, the connection between salvation and creation care can become an integral part of evangelism and discipleship within congregations. This paper is based on the content of a compulsory undergraduate module on Environmental Stewardship, which has been developed and delivered for Pentecostal ministers and lay-leaders at Birmingham Christian College (Birmingham, UK).