Frequently Asked Questions
Ngā Pātai Auau
Why bother? Why care for creation?
Because God does! Through Christ God creates, sustains, and restores creation.
That’s about God. Why does it involve us?
Humans are made in God’s image and commissioned to exercise God’s care for the Earth.
What does this have to do with the gospel / Good News about Jesus?
Christ is the true image of God and saves us by renewing God’s image in us. The care of creation becomes our primary witness and worship here.
Why does it need to involve our churches?
Eco Churches exist to be signs that God loves the world, and in Christ is working to see it healed. Eco Churches are signs of gospel hope, they can be models of a restored creation, they are places where we celebrate this story. Eco Churches value the gift of our creation and our partnership with everything else in reflecting the glory of God. Eco Churches want to connect the Good News of Jesus to the pressing environmental issues of our day. Eco Churches want to be places where we can model ways of living that give hope.
Isn’t this just more work?
Christians have always connected the good news of Jesus to the issues of the world in which they live. How are we to live here? Is there is any hope for the Earth? These are the critical questions of our day and Eco-churches are about making those connections and telling this Good News.
Does it cost anything to register as an Eco Church?
No, registration as an Eco Church is free.
What does registration as an Eco Church mean?
Registration is a statement of intent that your church is concerned about the environment and wants to do something about it in the future.
Is there currently a certification pathway or award system for Eco Church NZ?
No, our current strategy is focused on supporting churches through resources and self-assessment tools. We may offer an award system similar to A Rocha UK's Eco Church program in the future if there is enough interest in this.