Beth Norcross

Beth Norcross brings her training and experience in both theology and ecology in founding and leading The Center for Spirituality in Nature. She is most at home, and at peace, in the natural world, where she loves to share her passion and affection for both Earth and Spirit with others. She regularly speaks, teaches and writes about the importance of immersion in nature as an essential way to encounter the Divine Mystery deeply and intimately, and to foster a healthy relationship with Earth.

 After receiving a B.A. in mathematics and a Master of Forestry from Duke University, Beth spent the early part of her career working as professional staff for the U.S. Senate National Parks and Forests Subcommittee. After leaving the Senate, Beth worked as Vice President of Conservation for American Rivers, then returned to school to study the interface between ecology and theology at Wesley Theological Seminary. There she completed Master of Theological Studies and Doctor of Ministry degrees, specializing in eco-spirituality.

Beth is adjunct faculty at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., where she has developed and taught courses on eco-spirituality and eco-theology. Along with colleagues Laurel Kearns and David Rhoads, Beth co-founded the Green Seminary Initiative dedicated to infusing care for the Earth into theological education.

Beth is the author of Inside Out: Practices for Going Deeper in Nature and Start SINGing: How To Form Your Own Spirituality in Nature Group. She has written articles and developed educational materials on deepening spirituality through nature, including a video education series through Wesley Seminary – Nature, Our First Way of Knowing God and a 6-part interactive video course, The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees: Insights from Our Elders, co-written with Leah Rampy and filmed by award-winning filmmaker, Jane Pittman, both released in 2021. She also wrote popular Christian and inter-spiritual study guides to Ken Burns’ film, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”  

When speaking and leading workshops, Beth engages audiences with thoughtful spiritual guidance and specific practices for experiencing first-hand the spaciousness, peace and healing the natural world offers.