Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

• Instead of hosting one-time events, offer studies and preaching series regularly throughout the year. Studies could include book study classes, podcast listening/discussion groups, or classes/Wednesday night lectures centered around creation. For preaching ideas, check out our page on worship.
  • Around Earth Day and during the Season of Creation (September in the Christian calendar) are good times to plan a service or study annually
  • If you don’t have the capacity to host regular events, reach out to other faith communities or organizations to form partnerships and facilitate events together–sharing the load and learning from one another
• Create an EcoChallenge team at your congregation, encourage community members to participate, and share the results
• In addition to providing education around climate/environmental issues in your congregation, create space for imagination around 1) how people of faith can play a role in creating the beloved community that God desires and 2) what that world would look/feel/be like. Spending time imagining a different way is vital to being able to create it. Check out The BTS Center and their workshop on imagination for more.

General Information Related to this Strategy:

• Drawdown EcoChallenge
• The BTS Center Leadership Commons
• The BTS Center
• Let’s Talk Faith and Climate: Communication Guide for Faith Leaders
• Christian Zine on Creation Care & Climate from Sojourners and THE WEIRDANDWILD
• Guidelines for Hosting a Speaker
• Podcasts:
  • How to Save a Planet
  • Hopecast
  • Environmental Awareness Rooted in Franciscan Spirituality
  • BioLogos featuring Katherine Hayhoe
• Climate Talking Points
• 15 Steps to Create Effective Climate Communications
• View segments of the film Renewal: Stories from America’s Religious Environmental Movement and discuss with your faith community
• “Christianity & Climate Change” videos from Katherine Hayhoe

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

• Creation Care Alliance upcoming events
  • Contact Sarah Ogletree at sarah@creationcarealliance.org
• Project Drawdown Workshops (in-person workshops reliant on COVID-19 safety)
  • Contact Charley & Pam Rogers: crogers216@gmail.com

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:

• First Baptist Church, Asheville, NC
  • Contact Brenda Denton: Bbelle2001@gmail.com
  • Contact Marian Arledge: MarianSadler@gmail.com