Working on Climate Action with People of Faith

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!  In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Debra Rienstra for a conversation about pursuing climate action in partnership with people of faith. From early passions that shaped her calling, to the experiences that prepared her for this moment, Debra shares how her journey has evolved—and how faith communities can be powerful allies in creating meaningful change. Together, they explore what sustains this passion even in the face of discouragement, and how others can catch and carry the spark of hope forward. Along the way, you'll hear stories of collaboration, practical insights on engaging faith-based groups in climate work, and reflections on how day-to-day actions connect to the bigger picture of caring for our world. If you've ever wondered how personal passion, professional purpose, and spiritual conviction can intersect to drive climate action, this conversation will inspire you to imagine new possibilities—and invite others to join in.   Debra Rienstra is professor of English at Calvin University, where she has taught since 1996, specializing in creative nonfiction, early British literature, and environmental literature. Her most recent book is Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth (Fortress 2022), a book that combines theology, nature writing, and biological principles to consider how Christians must adapt our faith and practice for a climate-altered planet. In connection with her work on faith and climate change, Debra speaks frequently to church and faith groups, hosts the Refugia Podcast, and writes the Refugia Newsletter on Substack. Her essays also appear fortnightly at The Reformed Journal, where she writes about spirituality, pop culture, the church, the arts, higher ed, and more. Debra is the author of three previous books—on motherhood, Christian spirituality, and worship—as well as numerous academic essays, literary essays, and poems. Debra serves on the research advisory board of the BTS Center and the coordinating committee for Third Act Faith. She is also active in several of her university's campus-wide sustainability initiatives.