top of page

Creation Care

At St Matthias, we believe creation care, or earthkeeping, is not simply an environmental issue or political concern, but part of Christian discipleship and apprenticeship to Jesus. From the opening pages of Scripture, humanity is called to “work and keep” the earth, tending and protecting creation as people made in the image of God.
 

As we seek to practise the way of Jesus, we believe this shapes how we relate not only to God and other people, but also to the wider created world. Creation care is woven into the call to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did. It touches our habits, our attention, our consumption, our worship, our sense of justice, and our hope for the renewal of all things.
 

We also recognise that environmental breakdown affects the world unevenly, with communities already facing poverty and vulnerability often impacted most deeply. Caring for creation therefore connects closely with loving our neighbours and seeking the flourishing of all creation.
 

At the same time, creation is not only something to protect, but something to delight in. Throughout Scripture, the natural world is presented as full of beauty, wonder, and the presence of God. Many followers of Jesus throughout history have found that time in creation slows them down, reconnects them with their creaturely limits, cultivates gratitude and attentiveness, and opens space to encounter God afresh.
 

On this page you’ll find talks, resources, books, organisations, and practical tools to help you explore creation care as part of a life of discipleship and spiritual formation. We know creation care can sometimes feel overwhelming or emotionally heavy. The aim of this page is not perfection or guilt, but thoughtful, hopeful, sustainable participation in caring for God’s creation.
 

Resources

Talks
Earthkeeping series (Summer 2026)

This series explores creation care as a formation focus, asking what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in relation to the created world.
 

  1. Earthkeeping as essential discipleship - Clark Buys

  2. Earthkeeping as spiritual formation: Delight, belonging, and listening - Clark Buys

  3. Living differently in a culture of consumption - Ruth Valerio

Created series (Summer 2021)

Our earlier “Created” series explored theology, creation, environmental responsibility, and discipleship.​​​

Caring for Creation: Practical Action for Ordinary Christians

A practical guide produced by St Matthias exploring realistic and thoughtful ways Christians can care for creation in everyday life. Includes sections on:
 

  • money and banking

  • food and waste

  • travel

  • clothing and consumption

  • work and influence

  • reconnecting with creation

  • engaging society


 

Recommended Reading
Accessible and Practical Books

  • Saying Yes to Life - Ruth Valerio: A warm, accessible exploration of creation care, hope, justice, and discipleship through the lens of the Bible’s creation story.
     

  • L is for Lifestyle: Christian Living that Doesn’t Cost the Earth – Ruth Valerio: A practical guide to sustainable Christian living, offering accessible ideas for everyday choices around consumption, money, travel, food, and lifestyle.
     

  • Planetwise - Dave Bookless: An engaging and accessible introduction to creation care, mission, discipleship, and the biblical story.

Theology and Deeper Exploration Books

  • Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation - Richard Bauckham: A theological reading of Scripture that explores humanity’s place within the wider community of creation and challenges overly human-centred readings of the Bible.
     

  • Creation Care Discipleship: Why Earthkeeping Is an Essential Christian Practice - Steven Bouma-Prediger: A rich and practical theological account of earthkeeping as a core part of Christian discipleship and formation.
     

  • Introducing Evangelical Ecotheology: Foundations in Scripture, Theology, History, and Practice - Daniel L. Brunner, Jennifer L. Butler and A. J. Swoboda: A substantial introduction to evangelical approaches to creation care, drawing together biblical, theological, historical, and practical perspectives.
     

  • Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World - Douglas J. Moo and Jonathan A. Moo: A substantial evangelical theological introduction to creation care and the biblical vision of humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
     

Abundant Community Theology: A Tearfund resource on environmental and economic sustainability. 

A theological resource exploring how environmental sustainability and economic justice belong together. It develops a vision of ‘Abundant Community’, challenging individualism, scarcity, consumerism and exploitation, and inviting Christians to live as part of a shared household with one another and the wider creation. A full report, short version, and summary version are available as well as a short animated video. The project drew on consultations with theologians and practitioners from around the world.

 

 

Videos, podcasts and talks

Theology and Creation Care
  • Douglas Moo, What do Christians have to do with creation?
     

  • Hannah Malcolm presents on theology and the environment
     

  • Peter Harris, Connections: Spirituality and Conservation
     

  • Sandra Richter: Christians and Creation Care: What the Bible Says about Environmental Stewardship
     

  • Howard Snyder on Christians and the environment
     

  • Jack Wakefield, Resurrection Hope and the Renewal of Creation (A hopeful and accessible talk exploring resurrection, new creation, justice, overconsumption, and participating in God’s restoration of the world)

Understanding climate change:

Sir David Attenborough on Climate Change, visit the website

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), visit the website

The Royal Society on Climate Change, visit the website

 

Abundant community theology

A theological perspective on environmental and economic sustainability from Tearfund. 


Organisations and Websites

Children and Families

  • Planet Protectors - Paul Kerensa and Ruth Valerio: A fun book for kids with 52 ways to look after God’s world
     

  • Minno Life: Family devotions and faith resources connected to creation and discipleship.
     

  • Eco Kids Planet: A monthly nature magazine for curious kids aged 7–11
     

Get involved

Creation care at St Matthias is closely connected with our wider Justice work and our desire to grow as a church community marked by love, attentiveness, hope, and faithful action.
 

If you’d like to get involved, explore what we’re doing as a church, join conversations around justice and creation care, or help shape practical initiatives and future events, we’d love to hear from you.

Missed any talks?

All our Sunday talks are available on podcasts.

bottom of page