Discipleship and Care of

Creation
Group 1
 Objective:
• discuss the principles of discipleship of creation.
• develop personal responsibility on being a steward of
creation.
• demonstrate practical actions to promote sustainability in
daily lives and communities.
Introduction
What is the discipleship of creation?
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of
Eden to work it and take care of it." Genesis 2:15

This verse illustrates the divine mandate for

humans to care for the Earth, which can be
interpreted as a call to environmental stewardship.

it emphasizes humanity's role as caretakers or

stewards of creation, entrusted with the task of
nurturing and preserving the natural world.
Why is it important in the context of the Christian faith?

The concept of the discipleship of creation is significant in the context

of the Christian faith for several reasons:

1. Stewardship Mandate: Christians believe that God created the

Earth and entrusted humans with the responsibility to care for it.

2.Love for Creation: Central to Christianity is the commandment to

love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). This love extends to
all aspects of creation, including the natural world.

3. Stewardship as Worship: Caring for the environment is viewed as an

act of worship in the Christian faith.

4. Justice and Compassion: Christianity emphasizes the principles of

justice, compassion, and social responsibility.

5. Eschatological Hope: Christian theology includes the hope of the

renewal and restoration of all things in Christ (Revelation 21:1-5).
What does the term "discipleship of creation" mean to you, and how do you perceive its relevance in
today's world?

Climate Change Biodiversity Loss

Environmental
Challenges

Pollution
The Role of Students

Psalm 24:1: "The earth is

the Lord’s, and everything
in it, the world, and all
who live in it."
 The Role of Students
What role do students play in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship?

Policy Development: Through their academic studies and extracurricular

activities, students can engage in policy discussions and contribute to the
development of environmental policies and regulations that promote
sustainability and protect natural resources.

Behavioral Change: By adopting sustainable practices themselves, such

as reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and using eco-friendly
transportation, students can serve as role models and inspire others to
follow suit.

Community Engagement: Students can get involved in

community projects focused on sustainability, such as tree
planting, beach cleanups, and urban gardening initiatives.
 The Role of Students
How can students advocate for environmentally friendly practices within educational
institutions?
Forming Environmental Clubs or Groups: Students can establish clubs
or groups focused on environmental issues, sustainability, and
conservation within their schools or universities.

Implementing Sustainable Practices: Students can advocate for the

implementation of sustainable practices within their educational
institutions.

Leading by Example: We students can lead by example by

demonstrating environmentally friendly behaviors and practices
in their daily lives.
 The Role of Students
What initiatives or projects can students undertake to promote the discipleship of creation on
campus or in their communities?

Community Gardens: Establishing community gardens on campus or in nearby

neighborhoods can provide opportunities for students to connect with nature,
learn about sustainable agriculture practices, and cultivate a sense of
stewardship for the land.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiatives: Students can organize waste

reduction and recycling initiatives on campus or in their communities, such
as organizing recycling drives, promoting composting, or advocating for the
reduction of single-use plastics.

Policy Advocacy: Students can engage in policy advocacy at the local, state,
or national levels to promote environmental conservation and sustainability.
 Practical
Application • A graphic picture of how sin hinders our ability to create
true community.

Despite the impact of sin, the Bible relates that God’s

How can individuals and communities practice redemption of our falleness always involves the building, or
discipleship of creation in their daily lives? rebuilding, of communities as places of growth. The nation of
Israel serves as an example of a community and its impact.
The people worshiped together as a community (Deuteronomy.
What are some examples of environmental 26-27).
stewardship initiatives inspired by Christian values?
• Through various initiatives and programs, the United
Methodist Church encourages its members to engage in
environmental stewardship practices. This includes
supporting sustainable agriculture, advocating for
environmental policies, and promoting energy conservation
within church facilities.
Challenges and
Solutions • We live in the culture of now, and because we do, we are the
people of now. My children’s generation is the first
generation that don’t know a life without the internet, that
don’t know what it means to have to do slow research in
What are some challenges to practicing discipleship of paper books or even wait for the regularly scheduled time for
creation in today's world? a TV program. We are a microwave people living in a
microwave world. And that craving for immediacy in all
things runs against discipleship, which is by its very nature a
How can these challenges be addressed through long, long road.
collective action and policy advocacy? • “Happy are the people whose strength is in You, whose hearts
are set on pilgrimage” (Psalm 84:5). Note particularly that he
didn’t say that our hearts are set in a sprint or a stroll; rather,
our hearts are on pilgrimage. It’s a long journey together with
Jesus.
Examples of environmental stewardship initiatives or practices rooted in specific faith traditions or ethical
philosophies

Environmental stewardship initiatives rooted in specific

1. Christianity: Creation care and community faith traditions or ethical philosophies also extends to the
clean-ups. Philippines and is practiced in local churches and GKKs.
2. BuddhismCompassionate practices and Examples include:
forest conservation.
3. Islam: Conservation and ethical •Laudato Si' Movement - it promotes organic farming and
consumption. environmental awareness among Catholics. And the;
4. Judaism: Tikkun Olam and eco-kashrut. •Pananampalataya sa Diyos, Pananagutan sa Kalikasan -
5. Indigenous Traditions: Land stewardship This is a campaign by the CBCP that advocates for
and traditional ecological knowledge. sustainable living and resource protection.
 Conclusion

• THINK • LEARN • ACT

 Activity

1. Reflect on how your faith intersects with caring for the

environment, what are your practical ways to be steward of creation,
and how will you integrate these practices into your daily life.
 Discipleship and Care of
Creation
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth
rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let
the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall
all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Psalm 96:11-12
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