Introducing the EngagingChurch Podcast: a New Resource for Pastors, Leaders, Small Groups

 EngagingChurch is a brand new, twice-per-month podcast that engages in the conversations that matter to the church. If you’re a pastor, lay leader, or small group member, this is a resource for you to continue the conversation with your ministry and community.

EngagingChurch 1: Creation Care, Interview with Dr. Matthew Sleeth

Our first episode is about creation care. What does the Bible say about our stewardship of the earth? How can Christians care for creation in a way that pleases God? The EngagingChurch crew discusses these questions and interviews Dr. Matthew Sleeth, whose film series for small groups (Hope for Creation and Hope for Humanity) is sort of like good organic coffee – tasty, invigorating, and hard not to share with friends.

 

Here’s the Blessed Earth trailer, and you can watch full sessions, free. And don’t miss the Hope for Creation Live Simulcast on April 21.

What are your thoughts on creation care and stewardship? EngagingChurch is about dialogue, so share your comments here or email us at engagingchurch@zondervan.com.

Full disclosure: the views expressed in the EngagingChurch podcast are the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Zondervan.

Comments

[Allison]

I think that there definitely is an incorrect tie between creation care and being a hippie. I'm labeled a hippie and "tree hugger" all the time at work because I often times hide all of the styrofoam products we have and force people to use "real" coffee cups. (I even
offer to wash them.) I, however, am not a hippie or a true "tree hugger". (Also, I'd be careful about using that term - as I know that I feel kind of judged when people use this term about me because most often when I hear it used its with a negative connotation.)

[William]

I've developed a slight knee-jerk reaction against the term "green." I'm not sure how many of the measures considered green are actually going to have any real positive effect on the environment. So maybe part of my mild aversion to the term is actually caused by skepticism about how much good it will do in the long run. Of course I don't want to be totally cynical about taking care of the world. I'm just not sure which green methods and ideas are beneficial, and which ones are mostly or entirely rigamarole.

[Adam (from EngagingChurch)]

William,
I can relate to what you're saying. When I think of myself as just a single person who recycles his quaint little pile of paper, the effects seem dismally small. But I realize I don't usually think in this manner when I'm interacting with other people - I don't think, "Why would I encourage that person to apply for the new job, it will have so little effect on global culture." I don't know if this is a fair comparison - what are your thoughts?

Allison,
I'd agree that "tree hugger" is usually said in a condescending way. I think it's funny that you hide the styrofoam products -but does that encourage your coworkers to find new insults for you? "Styrofoam Swindler" :)