Resources on the Climate Crisis

Updated September 2024

Discipleship Ministries wants to help you raise your congregation’s awareness of our collective responsibility to care for the creation God has entrusted to us. We believe this is intrinsically connected to our mission to form faithful disciples. Christ’s teaching often focused on living faithfully with the resources God provides, and with concern and compassion for the poor. We who have chosen to follow Jesus must be aware that in a interconnected world, our actions and decisions have a global impact. This is clearly evident as we consider creation care and the issues raised by climate justice.

Many may believe that the task of being faithful stewards of God’s creation is too large for one person, one congregation, or even one annual conference to make a difference. In reality, until we see the call to environmental stewardship as part of God’s call in our own lives—individually and collectively—lasting change is out of reach. The resources we are sharing here will help you convince your church and community that their involvement in creation care is an essential part of discipleship.

Stewardship That Can Save the World

The growing climate crisis has forced many congregations to adopt a wider understanding of the word “stewardship.” This wider understanding has proved healthy not just for the creation care movement; it is one more way to show that our stewardship and discipleship are not separate but intertwined. It can also help us move people to see that stewardship is not just about what we give, but also how faithfully we live with all that God has entrusted to us. This opens new possibilities for ministries of generosity, compassion, justice, and advocacy. Join Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane as he unpacks some ways you can empower your people to hear God’s call to be stewards of not just money but all of God’s creation!

Watch the recording on UMCDiscipleship.org.

'Loving People and Planet' Course Offers Insight into the Stewardship of God's Creation

Discipleship Ministries is excited about a new course that will be available in time for Earth Day, April 22 (or on the United Methodist Church calendar of Sundays, Festival of God’s Creation, on April 23). While the course was made available through our training resources for Lay Servant Ministries, it offers any lay or clergy an enlightening look into the urgent need to take better care of this lovely, blue ball that God has given us for a home. Make your plans now for a post-Easter course that celebrates the depth and breadth of a disciple’s stewardship responsibilities!

Read more on UMCDiscipleship.org

Taking an Eco-Survey of Your Home Church for Earth Day 2023

One of the simplest actionable steps you can take part in at your local church is doing an Eco-Survey, led by the young people in your congregation.

An Eco-Survey of your church’s physical building is a straightforward process that focuses on how energy efficient and earth-friendly your building and grounds are. Perhaps this could be an opportunity for a youth ministry gathering where youth and adult leaders survey the building with a checklist, looking for ways that the building or meetings could be made more efficient and friendlier for God’s creation, the Earth.

Read more on UMCYoungPeople.org.

What Can I Do About the Climate Crisis?

I attended the American Climate Leadership Summit 2022, a gathering of scientists, authors, and activists from the United States and other countries working to help accelerate the response to the damage being done to our environment and the resulting climate change. In many of the presentations I attended, there were discussions focused on responding to the question, “What Can I Do About the Climate Crisis?” There are a lot of ways to respond to that question. The answer I heard most often might surprise you: “We need to talk more about the climate crisis – every person, every day, at every opportunity!”

Read more on UMCDiscipleship.org.

Toolkit for Launching Your Creation Care Ministry

This page offers a biblical and historical foundation for integrating creation care into the life of a United Methodist congregation.

Read more on UMCDiscipleship.org

Worship Resources: 'For the Creation Waits'

Earth Day is April 22 this year, and Sunday, April 23, 2023 has been designated as Festival of God’s Creation Sunday. This could be observed on any Sunday in April or another time convenient to the congregation. But it should be celebrated!

Read more on UMCDiscipleship.org

Creation Care Children's Message

God's creation is too important to be left to the care of strangers or those who do not worship God. Followers of Jesus are God's hands and feet on the earth!

Read more on UMCDiscipleship.org

Earth Day: Whoever Has Ears, Let Them Hear

Stewardship of the earth and care for all creation must be part of our personal and communal discipleship. Young people can be key in helping your congregation identify ways to engage in sustainability and creation care.

Read more on UMCYoungPeople.org

Courageous Conversations About Climate Change

These lessons are designed with the goal for participants to be more aware of and assess their assumptions (right and wrong) about climate change.

Read more on UMCDiscipleship.org

What Has the UMC Affirmed about the Climate Crisis?

If you are wondering about the stance of The United Methodist Church on the climate crisis, check out these links to resolutions passed by previous General Conference sessions:

• Resolution 1001: Energy Policy Statement
• Resolution 1025: Environmental Justice in the US
• Resolution 1032: Principles for Just and Sustainable Extraction and Production
• Resolution 1033: Caring for Creation: A Call to Stewardship and Justice
• Resolution 1034: Environmental Health
• Resolution 1035: Climate Change and the Church's Response