What To Consider When Exploring Christian Environmental Jobs?
So you’ve decided that you’re looking for a career that helps the environment. What are the next steps now? How do you incorporate faith into the equation? How can you choose environmental jobs as a Christian?
This piece explores the connection between Christianity and environmentalism, looking at our duty to care for creation and act as stewards of the Earth.
We’ll go over 3 main environmental challenges facing the world today and discuss how God calls us to protect His creation.
Besides, you’ll get insight into Christian environmental ethics and practical guidance for Christian students who wish to make a difference in environmental careers or through volunteer opportunities.
We’ll be answering questions like:
Can Christians be environmentalists?
What does the Bible say about environmental issues?
What is environmental ethics in Christianity?
What are the top 3 environmental issues?
What to consider when exploring Christian environmental jobs?
What can Christians do today to help the environment?
Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Can Christians Be Environmentalists?
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 2:15)
Our mission as Christians has always been to take care of His creation. But over time, humanity has drifted away and many have lost their way. We’ve polluted our waters, cut down entire forests, and burned fossil fuels. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Look at the Pacific Islands. Rising sea levels are swallowing entire communities. Farmers in India are losing their lives over the drought. When the environment suffers, people suffer, especially the poor. That’s why this is a justice issue, not just an environmental one.
As followers of Jesus, we’re now called to protect creation and the most vulnerable who are more likely to be negatively impacted by environmental issues like climate change.
In fact, Christians everywhere are at the forefront of emerging climate solutions, leveraging powerful renewable energy technologies, and advocating for clean water for the helpless.
You, too, can use your career to make an impact and follow the path God has set for you.
What does the Bible say about environmental issues?
Many passages emphasize that creation is a reflection of God's wisdom and power and that humanity has a God-given duty to care for it.
God is the Creator of the universe and everything in existence, both visible and invisible, was created by Him and for His purpose:
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” (Genesis 1:26)
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
We are made in God's image and have been entrusted with the responsibility of caring for creation:
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” (Genesis 1:28)
Nature itself reveals God’s wisdom, leaving no excuse for denying Him:
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)
”But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10)
Although we as humans are given the responsibility to care for it, the earth ultimately belongs to God, and all life is sustained by Him:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
What is environmental ethics in Christianity?
Christian environmental ethics is based on the belief that we, as humans, are caretakers of His creation, entrusted by God to us. This includes elements such as:
Obedience: Christians are called to follow God in every aspect of their lives. The Bible teaches us that God has entrusted us with the responsibility to care for His creation.
“Tell the Israelites that when you enter the land that I’m about to give you, you are to let the land observe a Sabbath to the Lord.” (Leviticus 25:2)
“You are to sow your land and gather its crops for six years, 11 but you are to let it rest the seventh year, leaving it unplanted. The poor of your people may eat from it,[a] and the wild animals may eat what they leave. You are to do the same with your vineyards and olive groves.” (Exodus 23:10-11)
Justice: God calls His people to be active participants in His plan to restore all of creation.
“For God was pleased to have all of his divine essence inhabit him. Through the Son, God also reconciled all things to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, thereby making peace through the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:19–20)
Compassion: God values the world and we should care for His creation. And just as Jesus Christ came to redeem the world, we are called to steward the earth with love and responsibility, protecting it as an act of faith and obedience.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)
Exploring Christian Environmental Jobs: What To Consider?
When choosing an environmental job as a Christian, first and foremost, seek God’s guidance.
Praying helps you discern where God is calling you, whether that means climate change research, sustainability and renewable technology, or environmental advocacy.
Pursue the right education and training to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need. That might mean a degree in environmental science, sustainable engineering, or even business development.
What are some real-life examples of Christian environmental jobs you can pursue?
Environmental economist: You’ll be able to measure climate impacts on poverty, health, and animal welfare.
Congressional staffer: Build a career as a US House or Senate representative and make use of your proximity to legislators and politicians to advocate for climate policies.
Nonprofit entrepreneur: You can found a charity that works to address environmental issues, including pollution and loss of biodiversity.
How to choose the right Christian environmental jobs? Continue reading our article on the best careers for Christians to help impact climate change for a detailed overview.
Where can you find opportunities that align with your purpose and faith?
Effective Environmentalism provides a few resources to help you get started:
Climatebase: for jobs and fellowships in organizations in the climate space.
JobsForHumanity for volunteer-led movement of job creation for specific causes.
VeganJobs for vegan job opportunities across the globe.
ClimateTechList: for job openings at thousands of high-impact climate & clean tech companies.
Learn more about how you can make an impact in climate change by choosing the degree and job that supports your values and faith.
Three Environmental Issues Christians Need To Know About
What are the top three environmental issues we need to be paying attention to? While the list can go on and on, these are the main areas we can focus on with the limited time we have in our careers, which is roughly 80,000 hours.
1️⃣ Climate Change
In this regard, climate change is not just about hotter summers. It’s wildfires, hurricanes, and food shortages. Read our full report on climate change to learn more about the implications of our modern-day behaviors and what Christians can do about it.
2️⃣ Pollution
Besides the issue of climate change, the polluted air and contaminated water are also hurting people, especially in low-income areas.
As followers of Jesus, God calls us not only to stop oppressing others but to go above and beyond to love and care for our neighbors (Luke 10:25-37).
3️⃣ Loss of biodiversity
Last but not least, actions like cutting down trees faster than we can plant them are heavily damaging biodiversity. We’re getting closer each day to passing critical biodiversity tipping points, such as a 99% decline in the world’s coral reefs. We need to act, and do it now.
Ultimately, taking care of the environment is an act of love for God, for others, and for future generations.
How Can Christians Today Help Improve the Environment?
What is something you can do today to have an impact on our environment? As Christians, we can take meaningful action in several ways:
Reducing waste and practicing sustainable living
Try to avoid single-use plastic. Easier said than done? Remember the 4 Rs: reduce, repurpose, recycle, and recover. Additionally, you could start supporting sustainable businesses, especially local businesses.
Advocating for policy change
Another way you can contribute to helping the environment is by speaking up for environmental policies that protect creation and marginalized communities.
Establish a clear objective, do your research on the topic, and identify and engage with relevant stakeholders. Make sure you stay updated on the topic and educate others around you to build the community and network you need to push your ideas forward and make an impact.
Volunteering and donations
Of course, you can join church-led environmentalist initiatives and sustainability projects. Engage in Christian-based climate action and mobilization through organizations such as:
Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN): UK-based community of young Christians aged 18-30 who are proactively fighting climate issues.
Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (YECA): US-based ministry and action-oriented community that empowers Christians to make an impact.
Operation Noah: Christian charity that supports fellow followers of Jesus in their journey to solving the climate crisis.
Green Christian: Faith-driven Christian organization that provides the resources, knowledge, and tools you need to respond to pressing climate issues.
A Rocha: Global network of conservation organizations, united to answer God’s call to protect creation and empower others to do the same.
Final Thoughts: How to Make a Difference
What is one simple action you can take today to start making a difference?
Choose one thing and start small.
Maybe that means eating more sustainably and supporting local businesses.
Maybe it’s biking instead of driving whenever you can.
Maybe it’s talking to your church about starting a green initiative.
Little changes add up. And who knows? Each of these small steps might lead you toward a career in Christian environmental jobs where you can make an even bigger impact.
God has given us a mission. Whether in our daily lives or in our careers, we can be faithful stewards of His creation. If this article inspired you, share it, take action, and let’s work together to make a difference.
Ready for the next big step in your environmental career? We offer free 1-on-1 career advice for Christian students where we match you to a Christian expert in the climate change space who can guide you, pray for you and connect you to opportunities.
