The changing climate is making the world a less hospitable place and we greatly increase the risk of severe and pervasive ecological crises, especially for the disadvantaged, if we do not substantially reduce fossil fuel emissions. The First Reformed Church of Schenectady (FRC) has a long history and large carbon footprint. Returning to our God-given vocation within the world, FRC could, by the power of the Spirit and in accord with Christ’s self-giving love, become a leading creation care congregation. Despite recent activity and a widely published congregational covenant stating our “commitment to serve the world we touch” FRC has few positions, policies and practices and offers little help to members in this area; creation care remains a peripheral concern rather than a central priority of our common life and varied ministries. My initiatives to advance the prioritization of the care of creation within and beyond our congregation drew primarily upon Richard Osmer’s theological framework, Robert Quinn’s deep change theory, and John Kotter’s transformational leadership analysis. My initial efforts, beginning with my colleagues, were directed at: understanding our perspectives and practices regarding creation care; creating a sense of urgency regarding the crisis of climate change; deepening our identity and vocation as God’s faithful stewards and humble servant of creation, forming a collaborative partnership for deep change. Observer-participants reports, participant evaluations, and field notes were used to assess the impact of this work towards transformation.
