Green Teams are Key!

We were created to be in relationship, with each other, with the earth, and with God. We are generally more content and happier when we have friends. The old adages, “two heads are better than one,” and “many hands make light work,” are also true. Plus, tasks are more fun when we do them together.

I have noticed over and over that congregations who integrate creation care into the life of the community flourish. They have purpose and as they understand and nurture their connection to God’s good earth, their faith is deepened. The road map to greening your faith community begins with a team, committee or coalition. When we work together, we have more ideas, more creativity, and we learn from and encourage each other, have more energy, more fun, and accountability. 

The beginning of each New Year is the perfect time to start a creation care team at your house of worship. For established green teams, it is the perfect time to celebrate what you have accomplished and set new goals for the coming year. 

Whether your congregation is small or large, new to creation care or leading the way, it is important to take time annually to start afresh. Here are some questions and ideas to ponder:

1. Does your team reflect your congregation’s make-up? Be sure to include older and younger folks, males and females as part of the team. Remember while posting an invitation to the whole congregation is important, most people need a personal invitation to join something new. 
2. Create or review a mission or covenant statement. It is important that everyone understands the theological foundations, and knows and agrees on the Green Team’s purpose and priorities. 
3. Make a plan for the year, and start with a small, easy to complete project. Brainstorm on all the things people are interested in working on, and prioritize starting with easy wins.
4. Publicly celebrate your accomplishments in the congregation’s newsletter and with your larger denomination or organization news outlet.
5. Lead visibly in your community. Help the world know that our faith calls us to care for the earth. Contact the local news outlets about your commitment and actions or submit a Letter to the Editor encouraging all people of faith to lead in this way.

Recently BT Climate Ambassador Brenda Grove of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in the Great Valley, Philadelphia partnered with a green team leader at a neighboring church for a creation care event for youth and adults. They learned how to be better observers from indigenous wisdom through a hike and talk. This is a great example of how green teams can go beyond the walls of their congregation for impact. 

Blessed Tomorrow is here to support your green team’s efforts. Be sure that you subscribe to the BT Newsletter to receive monthly updates and resources. Check out the list below for more support for your congregation’s green team. 

Be a visible climate leader in your congregation and community this year! Take the first step by forming or reviewing a green team at your house of worship. Happy New Year!

Green Team Resources:
Join One Home One Future for green team check lists and resources.

Deepen the knowledge of your Green Team by taking the FREE, on-demand Climate Ambassador Training for Groups.

Become a Host for the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum for an in-person gathering for your community on April 25th.

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Additional Resources:

Apply Now: American Climate Leadership Awards 2026

Join the Campaign: One Home One Future

Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023

Blessed Tomorrow Resources

Blessed Tomorrow – Ambassador Training

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About the Author:
Rev. Carol Devine, Director of Blessed Tomorrow