On Sunday, May 5, 2024, Jon Terry of the Au Sable Institute presented the 2024 Creation Care Pastoral Leadership Award to Rev. Corey Nelson of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, CO. Rev. Nelson was nominated for the award due to his active and sustained commitment to the Biblical mandate of caring for God’s creation. Jon’s remarks are found below, followed by a short presentation video. In September 2024, Au Sable will accept nominations for the 2025 award.

It is my honor this morning to present the Creation Care Pastoral Leadership Award to Rev. Corey Nelson of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins. This recognition is given by the Au Sable Institute to a church leader who has shown an active and sustained commitment to the Biblical mandate of caring for God’s creation.

Corey - thank you for your leadership on an issue that many churches ignore.

Your regular sermons on creation care, deeply rooted in scripture, have inspired your congregation and others to view caring for the Earth as an essential aspect of Christian discipleship.

I know that your dedication extends beyond the pulpit, and I am grateful for the many extra ways that you have helped others better understand and care for God’s earth, including organizing and leading church camping trips, delivering sermons in the outdoors - like Jesus was fond of doing - and actively supporting environmental initiatives both locally and internationally.

The form that was submitted by members of your church to nominate you for this award sums it up best:

We believe Rev. Nelson has done a stellar job of reminding us of the importance of creation in our theology and of the importance of increasing our attention to and care of God’s earth. We have great respect and appreciation for Dr. Nelson’s biblical knowledge, scholarly achievements, service to First Presbyterian Church, and especially his service to God.

Rev. Nelson, on behalf of the Au Sable Institute and all those who share our mission, I am grateful for you and your commitment to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth.

Thank you, and congratulations.