Green Congregation Summary


The Green Congregation Program (Summary) Why should Christians care for creation? The environmental state of the world: climate change, ozone depletion, loss of bio-diversity, depletion of forests/ arable land, waste, population. All people, particularly the poor, people of color, and third world countries, are affected by these conditions. The biblical view that creation is good and the biblical mandate for humans to take responsibility to care for creation—all of earth community The theological understanding that God is present and active in the ongoing creation of the world. What is the larger purpose of the Green Congregation Program? To contribute to the transformation of society so that humans live in harmony and justice with all life and preserve earth for future generations. The more immediate goal is the transformation of the congregation to be an intentional community celebrating and restoring creation. What is the goal for the congregation? To revitalize the identity and the mission of the congregation by integrating care for creation as part of all the congregation is and does. To make a difference as individuals and as faith communities. What is the function and role of a Green Team (or Earth Ministry Team)? A Green Team is a catalyst in the congregation for the transformation of the congregation to care for creation. A Green Team seeks to promote care for creation in every part of the life and mission of the congregation. How does the Green Team work? Share concern for environmental justice, explain the program, invite dialogue about ideas and concerns. Approach the church council for authority to proceed Seek to make care for creation part of the task of all committees, activities, staff tasks, and decisions. Listen to concerns and be pro-active in fostering open communication How does the Green Team make a plan of action and move ahead with some projects? Use the Five-Part program to set goals in each area (worship, education, building and grounds, lifestyle at home and work, and public ministry). Make a plan to implement each project. Identify the committee or group you think will be responsible for the project, and plan how to promote it. Seek ways to maintain each change for the long term.

The Green Congregation Program (Summary)

Why should Christians care for creation?

The environmental state of the world: climate change, ozone depletion, loss of bio-diversity, depletion of forests/ arable land, waste, population.
All people, particularly the poor, people of color, and third world countries, are affected by these conditions.
The biblical view that creation is good and the biblical mandate for humans to take responsibility to care for creation—all of earth community
The theological understanding that God is present and active in the ongoing creation of the world.

What is the larger purpose of the Green Congregation Program?

To contribute to the transformation of society so that humans live in harmony and justice with all life and preserve earth for future generations.
The more immediate goal is the transformation of the congregation to be an intentional community celebrating and restoring creation.

What is the goal for the congregation?

To revitalize the identity and the mission of the congregation by integrating care for creation as part of all the congregation is and does.
To make a difference as individuals and as faith communities.

What is the function and role of a Green Team (or Earth Ministry Team)?

A Green Team is a catalyst in the congregation for the transformation of the congregation to care for creation.
A Green Team seeks to promote care for creation in every part of the life and mission of the congregation.

How does the Green Team work?

Share concern for environmental justice, explain the program, invite dialogue about ideas and concerns.
Approach the church council for authority to proceed
Seek to make care for creation part of the task of all committees, activities, staff tasks, and decisions.
Listen to concerns and be pro-active in fostering open communication

How does the Green Team make a plan of action and move ahead with some projects?

Use the Five-Part program to set goals in each area (worship, education, building and grounds, lifestyle at home and work, and public ministry).
Make a plan to implement each project. Identify the committee or group you think will be responsible for the project, and plan how to promote it.
Seek ways to maintain each change for the long term.