At St. Stephen Baptist Church (SSBC) in Temple Hills, Maryland, creation care isn’t a side mission—it’s a spiritual calling, lived out in partnership with Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake and rooted deeply in the life of the congregation. Under the dedicated leadership of Elder Gwendolyn Gantt, Community Outreach & Missions leader, SSBC has become a beacon of environmental stewardship grounded in the Gospel and driven by love for both neighbor and nature.

“If I can help someone along the way, then my living won't be in vain.” These powerful words, shared by Elder Gantt, reflect the heart of a ministry that sees environmental justice and community outreach as inseparable. Her ministry follows the directive found in Acts 1:8—to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth”—and takes seriously the call to extend God’s grace beyond the church walls into the heart of the community. Through this lens, creation care becomes both a spiritual discipline and an act of discipleship.

Inspired by the belief that God's first instructions to humanity were given in the Garden of Eden, Elder Gantt emphasizes that we were called to steward the land—not dominate it. Genesis 2:15 reminds us that “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” This verse is more than an origin story—it’s a divine mandate. And at SSBC, this mandate is being fulfilled with vigor, purpose, and a joyful commitment to justice.

SSBC’s environmental ministry has blossomed over the years through their participation in our Trees for Sacred Places program by planting 90 native Maryland trees, and most recently an additional 8 through the help of Prince George’s County.

They also launched a thriving 400-square-foot garden with raised beds and four rain barrels to support watering—turning their church grounds into a living example of sustainability and abundance. Their vibrant community garden stands as a living classroom and source of nourishment, supported by the church’s food ministry. That ministry will soon expand its reach with the installation of a walk-in freezer, helping to serve even more families in need slated to open this summer.

Education also lies at the heart of this work. Through her book Seed to Table, this leader has been teaching youth about food, faith, and environmental responsibility—helping a new generation understand the sacred relationship between Creation and Creator. The church’s Vacation Bible School curriculum further nurtures this perspective, weaving together biblical teachings with practical lessons on stewardship.

A proud graduate of the Faithful Green Leaders Training program, this congregation embodies what it means to live out the Gospel with integrity and action. Her ministry is a testament to the power of faith in action—extending God’s love through creation care, food justice, and servant leadership. In the words of her own ministry mission: “Extending the arm of the church into the community—with God’s direction and grace, we are strengthening others and growing the body of Christ.”

Elder Gantt is leading SSBC into its next faithful act of service: a Rain Barrel Giveaway for the wider community. With 50 barrels available free of charge to Prince George’s County residents, this initiative not only supports sustainability but deepens relationships with neighbors through shared care for the Earth.

SSBC is one of hundreds of congregations across Maryland answering the call to protect our shared waterways and neighborhoods—living out the belief that faith and environmental action go hand in hand.

Interested in receiving a rain barrel? Contact Elder Gwendolyn Gantt at 240-481-8751 or [email protected].