FCFI Conference Keynote Speaker: Biblical Earth Stewardship–Caring for Creation Through a Biblical Worldview – by Calvin Beisner

What does it mean for Christians to care for God’s creation?

For Dr. Calvin Beisner of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, the answer begins with Scripture. During the 2026 FCFI Conference, Beisner challenged attendees to consider the difference between modern environmentalism and what he described as biblical earth stewardship.

The Cornwall Alliance is a Christian think tank made up of evangelical scholars, including scientists, economists, theologians, and philosophers. Its work focuses on three closely connected areas: biblical earth stewardship, economic development for the poor, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Beisner explained that these areas are rooted in a biblical worldview and should not be treated as separate issues.

Understanding the Dominion Mandate

A central part of Beisner’s message was Genesis 1:28, where God commands humanity to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” and to exercise dominion over creation.

Beisner emphasized that biblical dominion should never be understood as permission to abuse or destroy the earth. Instead, because human beings are made in God’s image, their stewardship should reflect God’s character and His work in creation.

God brings order from disorder, light from darkness, and abundant life from what was previously without life. In the same way, Beisner argued, human beings can use knowledge, creativity, and work to make productive use of the resources God has provided.

Biblical stewardship therefore involves increasing the fruitfulness, beauty, and safety of the earth while seeking the glory of God and the good of our neighbors.

Stewardship and the Gospel

Beisner connected the dominion mandate with the Great Commission.

Because humanity is affected by sin, people do not always steward creation properly. Beisner explained that reconciliation with God through the Gospel changes the way people understand both God and His creation.

He pointed to Christ’s death and resurrection as the foundation for that reconciliation and emphasized Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 to make disciples and teach them to obey His commands.

For Beisner, the Gospel and stewardship belong together. Christians are called not only to proclaim Christ but also to understand how biblical principles apply to every area of life.

Caring for People as Part of Stewardship

Another major part of Beisner’s presentation was the relationship between environmental concerns and economic development.

He identified five social institutions that he believes are important for societies seeking to rise out of poverty: private property rights, entrepreneurship, free trade, limited government, and the rule of law.

He also emphasized the importance of abundant, affordable, and reliable energy.

Beisner argued that energy is essential to nearly every aspect of human flourishing, including food production, transportation, communication, healthcare, education, and housing. From his perspective, policies affecting energy and natural resources must therefore consider their impact on people, particularly those living in poverty.

He expressed concern about policies that, in his view, could make energy more expensive or less reliable for developing nations.

Stewardship and Human Flourishing

Beisner also challenged the idea that caring for creation necessarily requires limiting human productivity or economic development.

He emphasized that human beings are uniquely made in God’s image and possess creativity and productivity. Raw materials become resources when people discover how to use and transform them to meet human needs.

From this perspective, responsible stewardship involves developing the gifts, knowledge, and resources God has given humanity rather than simply restricting their use.

Beisner connected this principle to agriculture in particular, expressing appreciation for farmers and the work they do to cultivate and steward the land.

He recalled traveling through Iowa and being impressed by the beauty of the farmland and the stewardship practiced by farmers. Speaking to FCFI members, he expressed his respect for those who work the land and provide food and other necessities for their communities.

A Biblical Foundation for Every Area of Life

One of the broader themes of Beisner’s presentation was what he called the “whole counsel of God.”

He pointed to Acts 20 and the Apostle Paul’s commitment to proclaiming the whole counsel of God. Beisner argued that biblical principles should shape not only church life but every legitimate area of human activity.

Whether someone is farming, working in science, creating art, managing media, teaching, cooking, or serving in another profession, Beisner believes Christians should seek to understand that work through the principles of Scripture.

This approach calls Christians to see their daily work not as separate from their faith, but as an opportunity to live out biblical principles and honor God.

Restoring a Biblical Worldview

Beisner also spoke about the importance of worldview in understanding science, creation, humanity, and society.

He argued that Christians should approach science with the understanding that God created an ordered universe that human beings can investigate and understand. He emphasized the importance of testing ideas against real-world observations rather than accepting claims simply because they are widely held.

For Beisner, restoring a biblical worldview means recognizing both God’s authority as Creator and humanity’s unique role as His image-bearers.

Ultimately, he encouraged Christians to think biblically about creation, economics, science, human dignity, and the Gospel.

Stewardship That Points Back to the Creator

The message of biblical earth stewardship is ultimately about more than environmental policy. It is about recognizing that the earth belongs to God and that human beings have been entrusted with its care.

For Christians, stewardship is connected to worship, work, responsibility, and love for our neighbors.

As FCFI farmers and volunteers serve their communities through agriculture and Gospel ministry, Beisner’s message offers a reminder that caring for creation and caring for people can be part of the same calling: faithfully using what God has entrusted to us for His glory and the good of others.