Climate change is impacting the world God loves—will your church respond? Keep reading to learn more about this growing problem. And take Science Moms’ quiz to find out how your church can get involved today.
Imagine a world where 82% of Christians believe they have a God-given duty to protect the Earth, yet only 4% of them hear their church leaders addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario—it’s the reality facing the American church today.
As pastors and ministry leaders, we stand at a critical juncture. Our congregations recognize the biblical mandate to care for creation, but there’s a deafening silence from the pulpit when it comes to climate change. For many, this topic has become entangled with political ideologies, making it feel like treacherous terrain for church leaders who strive for unity.
But what if we could reclaim this conversation, grounding it not in partisan politics but in the rich soil of Scripture, our calling as followers of Christ, and our shared belief that God has instructed us to protect the earth? As Christians, we are connected by theological beliefs that run deeper than those which divide us into partisan factions. By standing on our common ground, says Jim Stump, vice president of programs at BioLogos, we have the opportunity both to fulfill our shared duty as caretakers of God’s creation and to demonstrate Christ’s love in a tangible, world-changing way.
Reclaiming a Biblical Vision of Creation Care
Jessica Moerman, a scientist and pastor, sees a unique opportunity for church leaders to begin those climate conversations “without some of the political and cultural baggage that causes a knee-jerk reaction of shutting down.” By grounding discussions in Scripture, pastors can help their congregations see that caring for the earth is not a partisan issue but a biblical calling.
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s concern for the vulnerable, those most affected by climate change, is evident. The psalms overflow with praise for the natural world. Romans 8 speaks of the power of the resurrection extending to all of creation. And 1 Corinthians tells Christians that we are co-laborers with God, invited and instructed to participate in the divine plan that only he can ultimately fulfill.
The goal is not to tack creation care onto an unrelated sermon or to overinterpret a passage to a partisan end. Instead, pastors can allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves, recognizing that God’s love for all appears on page after page.
Moving Beyond the Pulpit
While sermons are crucial, they’re just the beginning. There are many practical ways churches can engage in creation care:
- Small group studies—Encourage groups to read and discuss books on faith and environmental stewardship, such as Katharine Hayhoe’s Saving Us or Mitch Hescox and Paul Douglas’s Caring for Creation.
- Church audits—Engage congregants with relevant skills to conduct energy audits of church buildings, finding ways to reduce both carbon footprints and utility bills. Energy for Purpose provides energy audits for churches, seminaries, and Christian colleges, identifying an average of 20 percent on energy savings that can be reallocated to ministry efforts.
- Community projects—Start a church garden or organize a clothing swap. These initiatives can bring people together, meet physical needs, and foster a tangible sense of creation care.
- Leading by example—Share your journey of learning about climate change. Even small actions, like changing to energy-efficient light bulbs, can spark important conversations.
- Engaging the global church— “You cannot love or even understand what you do not know,” says Stump. Grow your knowledge about climate issues around the world by initiating conversations with global missionaries or organizational leaders already connected to your church.
Building Partnerships for Greater Impact
Katharine Hayhoe, cofounder of Science Moms, emphasizes the power of partnerships. “Reach out to other congregations that have started creation care initiatives,” she advises. Caring for the earth can be a unique, powerful way to build relationships across denominations, fostering unity in the common call to love God, one another, and the world God loves.
Several organizations offer resources specifically designed for churches:
- Cool Congregations provides tools for energy assessment and savings.
- The Evangelical Environmental Network offers video content, workbooks, and practical action steps for families.
- Green the Church empowers Black church communities toward environmental sustainability.
- The Catholic Climate Covenant assists parishes and schools in taking hope-filled action.
A Call to Action
As Christian leaders, we have a unique opportunity to reframe the climate conversation. “We can’t bring about the Kingdom of God on our own by enacting the right public policies,” says Stump. “There is something divine required beyond our efforts, but our efforts are somehow intimately bound up with the divine plan.”
By grounding our approach in Scripture, taking practical steps in our communities, and partnering with others, we can make a significant impact. And you don’t have to start with radical changes. Begin with conversations about the world God loves, the people who depend on it, and our opportunity to reflect God’s image through creation care. As Hayhoe reminds us, “What is climate change other than a failure to love?”
Are you ready to lead your congregation in this area of Christian discipleship? Start by taking Science Moms’ short quiz to find local organizations that collaborate with churches on climate action.
Together, we can demonstrate God’s love for the world in tangible, impactful ways.
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