© Chet Steele 2020

Why a Green Faith?

No matter your faith, most of us likely believe in treating each other with love, dignity, forgiveness and in God's desire for us to enjoy and care for His creation here on Earth. Being passionate about nature is a gift, and one we should use to ensure that all people have equal access to clean air, water, healthy environments and enriching lives in nature. We need to live sustainable lives ourselves, and support the conservation of nature. Working as a group is empowering and more productive. There's a lot of good ideas at work already out there - do you feel this is your calling?

• https://www.interfaithpower.org/

• https://watersheddiscipleship.org/ 

• https://greenfaith.org/

• https://creationcare.umcmission.org/

• https://www.faithinplace.org/

There are many faiths and faith organizations who believe that our world was created in beauty and love. As human recipients of this majestic creation, we should all care deeply about how our earth is loved and maintained in return. What can we do? 

Grassroots efforts, however individual, however small, can lead to great accomplishments. Below are shared some ideas from the United Methodist Church (UMC) - and all other ideas are welcome! There are two big ideas shared in the next sections, that I think are really fundamental in assisting grassroots efforts; training and working together:

1) The training offered by the Global Ministries branch of the UMC is called EarthKeepers Training. While this program is limited to UMC congregants, many of the links above may have similar programs. If you are affiliated with the Methodist Church, here is more information on EarthKeeper 2026 training: 

• •  Do you feel called to care for God’s creation and make a difference in your community? The Global Ministries EarthKeepers program equips United Methodists across the U.S. to lead environmental sustainability projects that create real impact.

  • Through this training, participants learn about eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing, and project planning, and develop projects that serve their communities. EarthKeepers have launched initiatives such as community gardens, energy conservation projects, food security programs, reforestation efforts, and more.

    • • Two opportunities to become an EarthKeeper in 2026:

        • • • Training dates: May 1–16  

            • Online Training – Applications open now through April 1

      •  In-Person Training – October 1–4 in Atlanta, GA 

      • If you’re passionate about caring for creation and mobilizing your community, we invite you to apply!

      •  For more information, go to: Global Ministries EarthKeeper Training

2) The United Methodist Church is recommending that churches start up "Green Teams". These Green Teams can take any shape needed to assist their church in becoming more environmentally friendly - whether by composting community food waste, installing solar power, recycling paper bulletins, holding rummage sales, starting a shower ministry (share those precious resources with those in the community who don't have access!). Ideas abound in the links above, and the flyers below have more specifics in starting a Green Team: