Creation Care Team

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Planting Seeds: Explore denominational resources regarding Creation and host a Creation Care Team formation potluck / interest meeting

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

  • Explore denominational/faith tradition resources for language and resources regarding this work of caring for Creation
  • Invite ideas and feedback from your faith community about hopes and dreams for a Creation Care Team
  • Invite a representative from Creation Care Alliance to come and share ideas with those interested in your Creation Care Team, book study groups, or worship service participants (CCA has participated in outdoor services, Sunday School classes, Wednesday night fellowship, preaching in worship, and group meetings).
  • Meet with appropriate member of your ministerial staff to request support for formation of a Creation Care Team. Continue to collaborate with him/her throughout the following steps:
    • Decide where/how this team will fit into the overall structure of your faith community
    • Compose a theologically based faith statement that undergirds your team’s work
    • Discuss typical responsibilities and goals of Creation care teams
    • Host an event to introduce the establishment and work of the Creation Care Team (such as a luncheon after worship)
    • Publicize the introductory meeting through several mediums: letters to members, church newsletter, announcements during meetings or services, word of mouth, church website, etc.
    • Plan a program for your introductory event. Include elements such as: greeting by minister, purpose of the CC Team, worship (songs, scripture, other readings, prayer), inspirational speaker, interest survey, question/answer time, etc.
    • Develop an interest survey regarding aspects of caring for Creation that might be of interest to those attending the event. Sample items to include: energy savings, recycling, food, composting, nature appreciation, educational events, eco-friendly products, legislative concerns and advocacy, etc. Gather the name and contact information of survey participants. Consider including a question asking if participants are interested in becoming a member of the core team of 5-9 members
    • Follow-up quickly to choose core team members (if not already identified)
    • Send acknowledgement and appreciation communication to event attendees. Indicate how you will keep them informed of ways they can continue to be involved based on their interest survey

General Information Related to this Strategy:

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:

Nurturing Growth: Establish a Creation Care Team that meets regularly

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

  • From the interest surveys completed at your introductory event and/or from knowledge of interest from personal relationships, invite individuals to become core team members.  Consider including representatives of relevant committees (such as Building & Grounds, Finance, Religious Education, Worship, etc.)
    • Find individuals who can be visible and active leaders in the church, typically 4-9 people with diverse connections in the community
  • Call your first organizational meeting of the Creation Care Team and use this meeting to determine specific areas of interest and expertise
  • Identify guiding principles for the team’s work (ex. “Love, Learn, Live”)
  • Decide on your organizational structure. Will team members work on different aspects of Creation care? Will you form sub-groups consisting of members who attended the introductory event?
  • Identify regular meeting dates, time, place, etc. (monthly meetings are suggested to maintain momentum)
  • Set long-term goals (at next meeting begin to break those down into short-term goals and actions)
  • Conclude meeting with each team member having something specific to address in the upcoming meeting
  • Consider an annual in-depth planning and/or training meeting
  • Invite a representative from Creation Care Alliance to come and share ideas with those interested in your Creation Care Team, book study groups, or worship service participants (CCA has participated in outdoor services, Sunday School classes, Wednesday night fellowship, preaching in worship, and group meetings).

General Information Related to this Strategy:

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:

Deepening Roots: Seek ways to collaborate with other Creation Care Teams and congregations locally

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

  • If  your faith community cooperates with or is affiliated with a larger body in Western North Carolina, make contact with the leader(s) of that body to inquire if their congregations/communities have existing Creation Care Teams
    • Call for a gathering of those teams to explore ways to join together in various projects. Consider joint worship services, hikes, retreats, stream clean-ups, educational events, movie or book discussions, community gardens, etc.
  • If  the faith communities in your larger area-wide body do not have members with Creation Care Teams, discuss with leaders the possibility of having an educational event to encourage those communities to begin addressing Creation care in their congregations
  • Offer to help fellow congregations begin a Creation Care Team
  • Invite other congregations to participate with you in your Creation care events
  • Consider joining the Creation Care Alliance
  • Consider joining the Creation Care Alliance, and follow on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter
  • Connect with others using social media by following organizations such as Interfaith Power & Light or Creation Justice Ministries on Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms

General Information Related to this Strategy:

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:

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