Fellowship and Stewardship

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Introduction

Dear Friend in Christ,

I'm happy that you are involved with a creation-care small group, or are interested in starting one. Here at the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) we believe that such groups are vital to helping Christians understand that creation-care is a natural part of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Our hope is that the materials on our web site will help you as you decide what is best for your particular situation. We also hope that you will keep us informed of your progress. We would love to have your group publicly listed as one of the many groups who work with us.

Here are some suggestions as to how to start:

• Begin to develop an understanding of the relationship Christ has to all of creation by studying Col. 1:15-20; then move onto other relevant biblical passages; remember that pollution hurts people, and thus loving your neighbor includes addressing "environmental" problems.
• Pray and ask for God's guidance.
• Start where you find interest and build from there. This could be one other person in your church.
• Talk with those who are interested and share this letter and Intro Pac with them.
• Discuss with them the best way to begin, i.e. what kind of group to have and strategy to employ. Pray with them about it.
• Start with the goal of sustainability of effort. Avoid burnout by sharing responsibility, being realistic about what you can accomplish, and keeping your efforts continually in prayer - which will remind you that God is ultimately in charge.
• Think of ways your group could benefit your church, e.g., evangelism, implementing an energy efficiency audit that saves the church money, community projects.
• Show these materials to your pastor. Consider helping to implement a "Creation Sunday" emphasis at your church one Sunday. (See our web site, www.creationcare.org for materials, or contact us for our Creation Sunday packet.)
• Take advantage of the staff and resources available to you from EEN, including EEN's web site, www.creationcare.org.

Please let us know how we can be of help, een@creationcare.org. (My apologies in advance if our reply is not in a timely manner!)

Friends through Christ,

Rev. Jim Ball, Ph.D.
EEN Executive Director

For more information about EEN's small group ministry, please contact us: een@creationcare.org.