In The Beginning: Creation Appreciation #11

This is part 5 of our class discussion on how Christians can engage the green movement in ways that bless the Creator. Ephesians 1.22-23 and 1 Corinthians 12.27 remind us that we are the incarnate body of Christ on earth. Because we know and accept this truth, the church adopts practices that are Christ-like practices. For instance:
We think it is important to feed the poor so we feed poor.
We think justice is important so we live justly.
We think God deserves worship so we worship.
We think Jesus provides a better way of living so we disciple Him.

Then it follows that:
We think we should steward God’s creation so the Body of Christ should be stewarding.

My point is so simple that it could be missed here. It is illogical and unfaithful for us to believe that scripture teaches that God loves and values His creation and then live lives that are unaffected. In other words, to be faithful to God's call for stewardship of creation's resources, we must take action. We need to put theory into practice.

Since the church is the body of Christ on earth, certainly some of the action we take in favor of stewarding would show up in our local congregations.

Here is how one church practices stewardship:


Beyond being faithful and responsible to God, church practices are also ways of teaching and subversively transforming our culture. The light with which we live our lives (Matthew 5.14-16) and our unity in action (John 17.20,21) are witnesses to those around us.

So, in essence, we get a double return on our "investment" in our environment. We can reduce harm to our environment and teach others about God's love for His creation, including them.

In his book, "How to Save the Earth Without Worshiping Nature", Tony Campolo lists some practical things that churches ought to do.
1. Plant Trees / Become involved in an urban tree growth effort
2. Use recycled paper
3. Recycle waste
4. Use reusable cups, plates, cutlery
5. Use environmentally safe cleaning products
6. Use buildings efficiently – use facilities during the week
7. Recycle sales (benevolence stores)
8. Use the church grounds as a community recycle center w/ signs that read:
a. God wants to turn our trash into something good!
b. The God of creation is also the God of recreation – Recycle
c. Our God makes everything new again
9. Ongoing Effort – Creation Committee? (this one is the key in my mind)
a. Seek ways to involve the congregation in creation care
b. Remind/Teach the congregation how to steward
c. Create Worship Banners like:
i. Live Simply that others might simply live
ii. Be Good Stewards of God’s Creation
iii. Enjoy But Don’t Destroy what God Has Created

How will you invite your local congregation to participate in stewarding God's creation?