Creation Care: Where Do We Start?
Below are some categories that may help your congregation think more broadly about your role as caretakers of the earth.
Download the list below as a score sheet in .pdf form. (1 page)
Download all discussion guides in one document. (15 pages)
Vision for Creation Care
Stewardship of creation is named in the congregation’s mission and core values. People understand caring for the earth as a key part of the Christian calling.
Vision Discussion Guide
Creation Care Leaders
The congregation includes people with a passion and gifts for guiding the church in stewardship practices. These people are recognized and the congregation has formally blessed their gifts.
Leaders Discussion Guide
Ecological Setting
The congregation has an awareness of its place in the local ecosystems, watershed and foodshed. Local soils, plants and animals are familiar to members and they understand how to be careful stewards in this setting. Members are aware of the environmental issues in their community. Ecological Discussion Guide
Creation Care in Worship
The worship experiences of the congregation recognize God’s care for all created things. Caring for creation is addressed in sermons and appears in visual elements, in sharing times, in confessions, in song. Worship Discussion Guide
Creation Care in Congregational Life
Groups and committees consider environmental impacts when making decisions. Structures are in place to enable practices such as recycling, carpooling, buying recycled materials. Congregational Life Discussion Guide
Energy Audit
The stewardship of your congregation includes evaluating energy uses in the church building. The facilities committee has established a historical baseline of heating, cooling and lighting costs. Energy Discussion Guide
Creation Care in Daily Living
Members are routinely challenged to adopt earth stewardship practices at home. Individuals have moved toward lower consumption lifestyles in the last five years.
Daily Living Discussion Guide
Practicing Ecojustice Locally
The congregation is aware that poor communities bear the brunt of many environmental problems. The congregation participates in mission activities that promote ecological justice within the local community and beyond. Ecojustice Discussion Guide
Creation Care Plan
The congregation has developed a comprehensive plan for reducing the ecological and carbon footprint of all areas of congregational life.
Overall Plan Discussion Guide
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