Indiana Churches Illuminate a Path to Creation Care through Solar Initiatives

A coalition of evangelical churches in Indiana is embracing sustainability, citing biblical motivations to enhance environmental health through initiatives such as solar panels, recycling, and community gardens.

In the heart of Fishers, Indiana, Christ’s Community Church is at the forefront of a growing movement among evangelical groups advocating for environmental responsibility. Inspired by biblical teachings, this congregation is implementing various sustainability measures, including the installation of solar panels, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, native pollinator gardens, and organic food plots alongside composting initiatives. This grassroots approach reflects a commitment to what proponents term "creation care," signifying a religious obligation to protect and nurture the world.

Rev. Jeremy Summers, who directs church and community engagement for the Evangelical Environmental Network, describes the situation as a "quiet movement" gradually gaining traction throughout Central Indiana. Local evangelical churches and universities have started exchanging ideas and collaborating on sustainability projects, collectively known as creation care. They aim to transform their communities through environmental engagement and celebrations, including a dedicated event called Indy Creation Fest, which aims to raise awareness and promote eco-friendly practices among church members and the public alike.

This initiative is not an isolated endeavor but part of a larger narrative dubbed "50 States, 50 Fixes," which highlights local solutions to environmental challenges across the United States. By merging spirituality with sustainability, these Indiana churches embody the belief that environmental stewardship aligns closely with their faith, encouraging others to join them on the path to a more sustainable future.