A Climate Neutral Congregation

On a personal level, I have been hearing Christ’s whispering voice for me to align my life is a way more respectful of the world he created. The idea that my life style is part of the problem has been working on me mentally, and has even caused a few changes in behavior.
At the same time, I am a “body of Christ” kind of guy and really believe in and depend on my Church and my Christian fellowship.
So the question that has be haunting me is:

Should my local churches facilities and programs contribute to the consumption of resources in an unsustainable way for future generations?
I think not.

In my prayer life, I hear Jesus saying; “you have made my house a house of non renewable consumption”.
Like many early walks with the Lord, I am walking blindly. This is a whole new agenda and concern. In my life thus far the understanding was: If it’s morally OK, and I can pay for it, then it’s fine.
At Church, we thought much the same. Turn up the AC and keep it cool, use stirafome plates and cups because it’s cheap, hand out paper because it’s handy. There was some suggestion to turn off the lights, although someone else might be coming by later, so don’t worry about it.
Now I am learning there is so much more. Not only could our Congregations be in support of creation, we could be a positive force for leading our communities toward a more sustainable and fulfilling life together.

This is why the Institute for Discipleship launched a web site at SC called:
Creation Care for Congregations:
http://www.sckans.edu/other/creation-care-for-churches/
I invite you to take a look. We also held our first Creation Care Day last April and have our next one scheduled for April, --, 2011.
At BeADisciple.com, we will be hosting online workshops designed to help both individuals and congregations and communities to live in harmony with creation.

I hope you will make the web site a favorite, and check it periodically, I hope you will come to CCD if you are in the area, and I hope you will take an online workshop to give you direction and collaboration.