At its core, Christian environmentalism is about transformation—of hearts, habits, and habitats; theology in action. Faith-based environmental organizations, such as Plant With Purpose, operate on the belief that the ecological crisis facing our world is deeply tied to spiritual brokenness. Restoring the land goes hand in hand with restoring our relationship with God and with one another.
Biblical Roots of Creation Care
The concept of “creation care” is rooted in Scripture. Creation care acknowledges that the Earth belongs to God and that humanity has been entrusted with its protection. Genesis 2:15 states, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” This is not a passive role; it’s a divine assignment to protect and nurture the world around us or, theology in action.
In Christian theology, the environment is part of God’s good creation. To harm it is to dishonor the Creator. Therefore, creation care is not just an environmental issue—it’s a spiritual one.
Throughout history, we have examples of those who embodied this integration of faith and environmental stewardship, such as George Washington Carver. A devout Christian and pioneering agricultural scientist, Carver believed that nature was a clear revelation of God’s character. He famously said, “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only will tune in.”
Carver’s agricultural innovations, such as crop rotation and soil restoration, helped farmers experiencing poverty in the American South replenish their land and livelihoods. His work was driven not by profit but by purpose—a desire to serve both people and the planet through his God-given talents. His theology in action serves as an inspiring blueprint for what faith-based conservation can look like: practical, redemptive, and deeply rooted in love for God’s creation.
A more contemporary example could include Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist and evangelical Christian, who has become a prominent voice at the intersection of faith and environmental action. As Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy and a professor at Texas Tech University, she communicates complex climate issues in a way that resonates with faith-based audiences. Hayhoe emphasizes that caring for creation is part of loving our neighbors—especially the world’s most vulnerable. In her words, “Climate change is profoundly unjust. It affects the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, and the sick—the very ones that Jesus tells us to love and care for.”
These leaders show that creation care is not a fringe concern but a faithful response to God’s call to serve and steward the world.
Why Christians Are Embracing Environmental Stewardship
Many Christians are increasingly motivated by a desire to protect God’s creation. While many concerns—like extreme weather or endangered species—are shared by the broader public, Christians are particularly driven by the belief that stewardship is a form of worship and obedience .
This sentiment is echoed in the lives of believers worldwide. Duang Dee, a participant in Plant With Purpose’s programs, links his passion for reforestation directly to his spiritual transformation. “God has changed me,” he shares. “Now I believe that the next part of my transformation is to help my community become a hub of sustainability.”
The impact of environmental degradation is most acute in the Global South—places where faith is also most deeply rooted. Approximately 84% of the world’s population identifies with a religion, with Christianity being the growing majority. Mobilizing these faith communities is critical to scaling environmental efforts.
Christian communities in Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and others exemplify what is possible when environmental and spiritual renewal are done together. In Haiti, for example, where extreme poverty and deforestation intersect, local churches help farmers adopt sustainable practices that restore the land and nourish the spirit.
Faith communities have proven to be some of the most effective catalysts for environmental change. From Thailand to Mexico, churches have led the charge in community-led conservation efforts. In fact, Plant With Purpose works with over 700 churches globally, integrating environmental restoration with spiritual renewal.
Why are churches so effective? Because they already serve as trusted institutions in their communities. When pastors preach about creation care, congregants plant trees together, and church groups manage savings circles that promote sustainable livelihoods, real change happens with theology in action.
A Witness to the World
In a time of division, creation care offers common ground. It’s a tangible way for Christians to live out the commandment to “love your neighbor” (Mark 12:31), particularly as climate change disproportionately affects those in poverty. Environmental conservation, when rooted in faith, becomes a form of justice—a way to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40).
It’s also a witness to the watching world. When Christians lead the way in sustainability, they show that faith is not just about beliefs—it’s about action. And in a generation increasingly concerned about climate, this witness can open doors for deeper conversations about faith and purpose.
From the Garden of Eden to the New Creation, the Christian story has always been connected to the land. Today, the call to environmental stewardship is more urgent than ever. But it’s also more hopeful. As Christians around the world embrace their role as caretakers of creation, we move closer to a vision of restoration that includes both people and planet.
At the intersection of faith and environmental conservation lies not just responsibility, but also opportunity. An opportunity to love, to serve, and to restore. Not only for the Earth’s sake, but for the glory of the One who created it.
Looking to make a difference? Partner with Plant With Purpose and join a global movement of faith-led restoration. Because when we care for creation, we live out our deepest calling.
