As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of God’s creation. Across the globe, a growing number of Christian environmental groups are heeding this biblical mandate, mobilizing believers to protect and restore the natural world. These organizations recognize that Christian environmental stewardship is not a political stance but a spiritual responsibility rooted in Scripture. By advocating for sustainable practices, combating climate change, and preserving biodiversity, they demonstrate how faith can be a powerful force for ecological renewal. Through their tireless efforts, Christian environmental groups are inspiring the church to embrace creation care as an essential expression of loving God and loving our neighbors.
The Biblical Mandate for Creation Care
Interpreting the Creation Story
In the first chapters of Genesis, we see God’s purposeful creation of the world and all living things. After forming the heavens and earth, oceans and land, plants and animals, God creates humanity in His own image. Adam and Eve are placed in the Garden of Eden and given the responsibility to care for it. This divine command establishes humans as stewards of God’s creation from the very beginning.
The word “dominion” in Genesis 1:28 has sometimes been misinterpreted as permission to exploit nature, but a closer examination reveals a call to responsible management. In Genesis 2:15, God instructs Adam to work and keep the garden. The original Hebrew word for “keep” is “shamar,” which means to watch over or preserve. This implies a role of protection and nurturing, not just use for human benefit.
Throughout Scripture, we see reminders of God’s love for His creation and our duty to care for it. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” while Colossians 1:16 affirms that all things were created by and for Christ. As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards, tending the earth with the same love and compassion that God shows us.
Environmental Stewardship in the Psalms and Prophets
The psalms and prophetic books of the Old Testament are replete with passages that celebrate the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Psalms like Psalm 19 declare that “the heavens declare the glory of God” and “the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). The psalmist marvels at the intricacy of the natural world, acknowledging that it testifies to the wisdom and power of the Creator.
The prophets, too, affirm the value of creation and our responsibility to care for it. In the book of Isaiah, God reminds us that the earth and all its fullness belong to Him (Isaiah 24:1). As stewards entrusted with the earth, we are called to tend and keep it (Genesis 2:15), treating it with respect and reverence. For more on the balance between biblical teachings and modern interpretations, see 5 common biblical misinterpretations.
The biblical vision of shalom, or wholeness and harmony, encompasses not only human relationships but also our relationship with the natural world. The prophets look forward to a day when all of creation will be restored and renewed, when “the wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox” (Isaiah 65:25). As Christians, we are called to participate in this restorative work, caring for creation as an act of worship and obedience to God.
Notable Christian Environmental Organizations
Evangelical Environmental Network
The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) is a leading Christian organization dedicated to mobilizing evangelicals to care for God’s creation. Founded in 1993, EEN believes that loving God and loving our neighbors means protecting the environment and safeguarding the health of our communities. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships, EEN equips evangelical Christians to put their faith into action and become responsible stewards of the earth.
EEN’s work is rooted in the biblical mandate to care for creation, drawing upon scriptures such as Genesis 2:15, which calls us to “work and take care” of the garden, and Psalm 24:1, which declares that “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” By highlighting the connection between faith and environmental responsibility, EEN helps evangelicals understand that caring for creation is an essential part of living out their Christian witness.
One of EEN’s key initiatives is the “Creation Care Champion” program, which trains and empowers evangelical leaders to become advocates for the environment in their churches and communities. Through this program, EEN provides resources, networking opportunities, and support for pastors, ministry leaders, and lay members who want to integrate creation care into their congregations’ life and mission.
EEN also engages in public policy advocacy, working to promote legislation and regulations that protect the environment and public health. By partnering with other faith-based and environmental organizations, EEN amplifies the evangelical voice in support of responsible environmental stewardship at the local, state, and national levels.
A Rocha
A Rocha is an international Christian conservation organization that operates in over 20 countries worldwide. Founded in 1983 in Portugal, A Rocha’s mission is to engage in scientific research, environmental education, and community-based conservation projects that demonstrate God’s love for all creation.
One of A Rocha’s flagship projects is the Atewa Forest Reserve in Ghana, a critical habitat for many endangered species. A Rocha Ghana works with local communities to promote sustainable land use practices and protect the forest’s biodiversity. In Canada, A Rocha operates a conservation center and sustainable agriculture project in British Columbia, providing hands-on learning opportunities for volunteers and visitors.
A Rocha also focuses on environmental education, offering resources and programs for churches, schools, and individuals. Their “Eco-Church” initiative in the UK encourages churches to incorporate creation care into their worship, teaching, and community engagement. Through research, habitat restoration, and advocacy, A Rocha demonstrates the Christian commitment to responsible stewardship of the earth.
By integrating scientific knowledge with biblical principles, A Rocha inspires Christians to actively participate in conservation efforts. Their work showcases the positive impact that faith-based organizations can have in protecting God’s creation and promoting a more sustainable future.
Catholic Climate Covenant
The Catholic Climate Covenant is a leading voice in mobilizing U.S. Catholics to care for God’s creation and advocate for climate justice. Founded in 2006, the organization works to inspire and equip Catholic individuals, families, parishes, and institutions to respond to the moral call to address climate change. Through education, prayer, and action, the Catholic Climate Covenant helps Catholics understand the deep connection between their faith and the duty to protect the environment.
The organization provides resources such as the St. Francis Pledge, a commitment to pray, learn, assess, act, and advocate for climate solutions. They also offer programs like Creation Care Teams, which empower parishes to integrate sustainability into their communities. Additionally, the Catholic Climate Covenant engages in advocacy efforts, urging policymakers to enact legislation that promotes renewable energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and assists vulnerable populations affected by climate change.
By collaborating with national Catholic organizations, partners, and interfaith allies, the Catholic Climate Covenant amplifies the voice of the Catholic Church in the United States on climate issues. Their work is grounded in Catholic social teaching, which emphasizes the dignity of human life, care for creation, and solidarity with the poor and vulnerable. Through their tireless efforts, the Catholic Climate Covenant inspires the faithful to embrace their role as stewards of the earth and advocates for a more just and sustainable future.
Practical Ways to Get Involved
There are many practical ways for Christians to put their faith into action and support environmental causes. One significant step is making lifestyle changes to reduce your ecological footprint. This can include conserving energy and water, reducing waste, eating sustainably sourced foods, and choosing eco-friendly transportation options when possible.
Volunteering with local Christian environmental organizations is another excellent way to get involved. Many groups organize community clean-up events, tree planting initiatives, and educational programs that how Christians can lead by example in caring for God’s creation. Participating in these activities not only makes a tangible difference but also provides opportunities to connect with like-minded believers and share your faith.
Christians can also engage in advocacy efforts to promote environmentally responsible policies and practices. This may involve writing to elected officials, supporting eco-friendly businesses, or raising awareness about environmental issues within your church and community. By speaking up and taking a stand, you can help shape a more sustainable future that aligns with biblical principles of stewardship.
Finally, prayer is a powerful tool in the fight against environmental degradation. Pray for wisdom and guidance in your own actions, for the work of Christian environmental organizations, and for global leaders to make God-honoring decisions that protect and preserve His creation. Remember that even small acts, when done in faith and obedience, can have a significant impact in furthering God’s kingdom on earth.
Conclusion
The growing Christian environmental movement reflects a profound awakening to the biblical mandate of creation care. As followers of Christ, we are called to be faithful stewards of the Earth, recognizing it as a sacred gift entrusted to us by God. By embracing environmentalism as an expression of our faith, we not only honor the Creator but also ensure a thriving world for future generations.
The spiritual importance of environmental stewardship cannot be overstated. When we protect and preserve the natural world, we bear witness to the love, wisdom, and goodness of God. Through our actions, we proclaim the gospel message of redemption and reconciliation, extending God’s restorative work to all of creation.
As the Christian community continues to grapple with the urgency of the environmental crisis, it is heartening to see the rise of dedicated organizations and initiatives that are mobilizing believers to take action. By joining forces with these groups, Christians have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, whether through lifestyle changes, advocacy, or hands-on conservation efforts.
In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, the creation care movement offers a powerful opportunity for unity and common purpose. By coming together as the body of Christ to address environmental challenges, we demonstrate the transformative power of our faith and its relevance to the pressing issues of our time.
As we move forward, let us embrace our role as faithful stewards with renewed commitment and passion. May our love for God and our neighbor extend to all of creation, inspiring us to build a more just, sustainable, and beautiful world for all.