“The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” – Psalm 24:1
1. Gather Your Core Team ????
- Start with at least two or three committed individuals—Jesus said that’s enough for him to be present!
- Identify additional people passionate about creation care and justice, to join the team
- Seek out a mix of skills and interests, including advocacy, education, and hands-on sustainability efforts.
- Invite someone to commit to praying for the team’s mission and growth.
2. Engage Your Church Leadership ⛪
- Talk to the pastor and church council about forming a Green Team.
- Keep leadership informed and encourage them to integrate creation care into sermons, liturgy, and ministry planning.
- Seek support from trustees and Sunday School leaders.
3. Identify Needs and Opportunities ????
- Look at the church’s land, building, traditions, and surrounding community.
- Identify issues like food insecurity, waste management, or energy efficiency that the team could address.
- Consider the assets available: space for gardens, members with expertise, or local environmental challenges to tackle.
4. Start with a Small, Meaningful Project ????
- Choose an initial project that is achievable and visible to build momentum.
- Examples: planting native trees, setting up a recycling program, replacing Styrofoam with reusable dishes.
- Celebrate small successes to encourage participation and engagement.
5. Educate and Communicate ????
- Provide Bible studies or book discussions on creation care.
- Host guest speakers, film screenings, or workshops on sustainability and environmental justice.
- Use church newsletters, social media, and worship bulletins to keep the congregation informed.
- Develop a Green Team logo, T-shirts, or posters to build identity and awareness.
6. Expand and Sustain the Team ????
- Recruit new members through personal invitations, announcements, and events.
- Encourage participation at different levels—some may want to take leadership roles, while others may contribute occasionally.
- Partner with other churches, community groups, and organizations for support and shared projects.
7. Incorporate Worship, Education, Practice, and Advocacy ✝️
- Worship: Organize Earth Sunday services, include prayers for creation, and integrate environmental themes into sermons.
- Education: Offer Sunday school lessons, Bible studies, and forums on environmental justice.
- Practice: Implement eco-friendly changes like composting, energy efficiency, and sustainable landscaping.
- Advocacy: Engage with policymakers, write letters, and support initiatives that promote environmental justice.
8. Connect to Larger Movements ????
- Use resources from our United Methodist connections: The United Methodist Creation Justice Movement; your conference staff, especially the Caretakers of God’s Creation coordinator, the conference green team, and the conference resilience and response efforts.
- Find out about potential funding sources, including the UMC Faith Foundation.
- Join regional or national environmental efforts, such as Interfaith Power & Light and local environmental groups.
- Encourage team members to become trained advocates or facilitators.
9. Keep the Momentum Going ????
- Schedule regular meetings and report progress to church leadership.
- Share stories of impact to inspire ongoing involvement.
- Recognize and celebrate accomplishments, both big and small.
10. Potential Green Team Projects ????????
Worship ????
- Organize a Creation Care Sunday service.
- Include environmental prayers in worship.
- Plan an outdoor worship service to connect with nature.
- Develop eco-friendly liturgy and hymns.
- Host a prayer vigil for environmental justice.
Advocacy ????️
- Write letters to policymakers advocating for environmental protection.
- Participate in local clean-up and conservation projects.
- Host an Earth Day fair or sustainability expo.
- Support fair-trade and sustainably sourced church supplies.
- Encourage congregation members to vote with environmental concerns in mind.
Education ????
- Offer Bible studies on creation care and environmental justice.
- Invite guest speakers from environmental organizations.
- Screen films and documentaries on climate issues.
- Host nature walks or eco-retreats.
- Organize children’s activities focused on creation care.
Practice ????
- Start a community garden or food forest.
- Install energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
- Set up a church-wide composting program.
- Plant native trees and pollinator-friendly plants.
- Reduce plastic and Styrofoam use at church events.
By following these steps, your Green Team can create a lasting impact, helping your church live out its calling to care for God’s creation and serve the community with justice and compassion.
???? “Then God saw everything that God had made, and indeed it was very good.” ????
– Genesis 1:31
More Green Team Resources.