Congregations in this category have not fit creation care into their current theological or social perspectives for a variety of reasons. A church might be focusing on other issues, or they might feel that environmentalism is a politicized, polarizing issue that pastors cannot or should not address. A few creation care actions may have been accomplished, but not intentionally. (i.e. solar installation for financial stewardship, not environmental). Plan 1 is designed to reframe the conversation around creation care through the eyes of faith and explore low-risk creation care action ideas that fit the church’s current commitments.

Generally, congregations in this category are motivated to care for creation out of biblical responsibility and a concern for other people. This may look like doing a few facilities updates or a small group study on creation care, but the church lacks organizational structure and vision for accomplishing creation care projects. Plan 2 will help the church develop a Creation Care Team and walk through the initial stages of visioning, planning, and project execution.

Congregations in this category see creation care as a part of their congregational identity of living simply, stewarding resources, and caring for the world. They have been pursuing creation care for a significant period of time and have accomplished much in this area, but they have not developed a long term creation care plan. Plan 3 works through pastoral responses to environmental emotions, creation care communication strategies and long term planning exercises.

Congregations in this category see creation care as a form of stewardship of the land, stewardship of tradition and culture, and an integral part to a relationship with Christ. They see social awareness of economic and historical injustices as connected to creation’s treatment, and the church has a long history of activism in these areas. Plan 4 focuses on listening to the needs and injustices within their broader community and identifying and participating in reconciliatory actions alongside other local organizations.