When Churches Reimagine Land as Sacred Community with Forrest Inslee

In this conversation, Victoria Loorz and Dr. Forrest Inslee explore how Christian faith is expanding beyond human-centered concerns into a vision of beloved community that embraces all of creation. Drawing from his work with Circlewood and the Earthkeepers podcast, Forrest shares stories of churches learning to “listen to the land,” embrace ecological discipleship, and practice what he calls co-powerment—partnership rooted in humility and reciprocity. Together, they reflect on how theology, community development, and lived experience can guide us toward a new story: one where spirituality is woven through relationship with soil, water, creatures, and the wider web of life.

Dr. Forrest Inslee is a teacher, ethnographer, and spiritual guide whose work bridges culture, ecology, and faith. He is Associate Director of Circlewood, where he helps cultivate communities of ecological consciousness, and also serves as a Guide with Seminary of the Wild Earth. Forrest hosts the Earthkeepers podcast, drawing on decades of experience as a professor, social entrepreneur, and cross-cultural practitioner. His life and work reflect a deep commitment to reimagining Christian faith as a practice of belonging within the whole community of creation.

Connect with Forrest:

Circlewood Website: circlewood.online
Earth Keepers Podcast: earthkeepers.online
Ecological Disciple Program: ecodisciple.com

Mentioned in the episode:

Connect with the Center:

Website: wildspirituality.earth
Victoria's Website: victorialoorz.com
Email: [email protected]
Linktree: linktr.ee/ctrforwildspirituality
Instagram: @center_for_wild_spirituality

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
06:06 – Community Development Beyond Human-only Needs
12:35 – Stories From The Inside Edges
17:24 – Creation Care Is Part of Our Heritage
19:28 – Redefining Cosmos
22:48 – Listening To A Triangle of Land
30:03 – Co-Powerment
32:12 – The Transition is Holy and Messy
36:26 – The Circlewood Vision
42:04 – Collaborating Without Othering
43:46 – Broadening The Vision
45:10 – Integrating Vocation
47:56 – Forrest’s “Landscaping” Experience
51:43 – Coyote
59:44 – Sacred Invitation
61:34 – Harold and Honeybees
64:29 – Credits

Fler avsnitt av The Holy Wild with Victoria Loorz