The March 15th Movement Café focused on the power of discipleship and included several presenters and possibilities. Opening the conversation was David Teel, Director of Laity and Leadership for Discipleship Ministries. A writer, editor, and Christian educator from Nashville, Tennessee, David Teel has also served United Methodist churches for fifteen years and is passionate about supporting lay leaders for engaged ministry within and beyond the local church. His presentation focused on the power of discipleship within the church and its intersection with creation justice work, or as UMCJM leader Cathy Velasquez Eberhart reminded us, “Discipleship is a calling to connect all of us in the church. No matter where we are working we have a role to play in this work.”

As a child when his grandfather was teaching him to ride a horse, David first learned to appreciate the beauty of creation and saw the challenge of stewardship. After an encounter with a rattlesnake, in which the snake was killed to protect him, his grandfather helped him understand that the death of the snake was not a celebratory moment but more a time to grieve. The experience opened up his eyes to the tenuous bond we have with the natural world. 

David explained that the mission of the discipleship program is to “challenge and support local churches and annual conferences as they equip leaders for the task of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Members are encouraged to live this ministry out in their daily lives. He and his discipleship team develop plans, work to encourage churches to reach out to those who are not involved, and provide many types of resources. 

He emphasized the importance of incorporating equity and anti-racist values in discipleship work. He also focused on the connection between treating others well and treating our earth well. He noted that “following Jesus means not hating people and not using up the world around us like it all belongs to us, not to God.”

His colleague, Ken Sloane, the Director of Stewardship and Generosity at Discipleship Ministries, pointed out the importance of seeing stewardship in a broad context and encouraged everyone to look at the impact of economic and climate justice on their stewardship endeavors.

Ken touched on the different ways that the Discipleship Ministries is working to reach Net-Zero by 2050. He also reviewed the various resources for leaders and laity 

available on the Discipleship Ministries website in the area of creation justice including ecumenical, eco surveys, children’s materials, music, and so forth.

David also recommended the Second Edition of Climate Justice: A Call for Hope and Action, by Rev. Pat Watkins,  and the lay servant leadership course, Loving People and Planet in God’s Name, which was the result of Bob Down’s Earthkeeper project. The course is available through Discipleship Ministries

Jennifer Gamaché spoke about her children’s book Climate Hero, which opens a new way for young people to begin interacting with the environment around them through observing and advocating for the environment. Jennifer also talked about the camping and retreat ministry she helps lead, which gets people outside of the day-to-day world and into holy space surrounded by creation, providing an opportunity for attendees to let go of societal pressure and focus on their discipleship.

Kristina Sinks and Rev. Laura Baumgartner of the UMCJM WorshipTeam talked about the connection between worship and discipleship. They introduced a six-week worship service guide centered on Earth Day, “New Life Is Breaking Forth.” The resource includes sermon starters, images, themes, children’s moments, and more. https://umcreationjustice.org/project/new-life-is-breaking-forth/

Tura Foster Gillespie, a provisional deacon from the Northern Illinois Conference, spoke about her work with cultural compassion. She pointed out the potential and value of developing children’s ministries to embrace the work of creation justice and cultural awareness.

Breakout rooms were led by David Teel (Discipleship Ministries), Jennifer Gamache (Climate Hero handbook), Kristina Sinks and Laura Baumgarther (worship and discipleship), Turna Foster Gillespie (children’s ministries), and Bob Downs (the intersection of discipleship and creation care).