From pulpits to parking lots, United Methodist congregations across the Baltimore-Washington Conference are bringing their faith to life through environmental action. As the climate crisis accelerates, these communities are responding with hope, commitment, and practical steps to protect Creation.

The Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church kicked off 2025 with a renewed and stronger commitment to Creation care! Over the years BWCUMC has been guided by the principle that:

All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings.”
— United Methodist Social Principles, ¶160

In this spirit the BWC Creation Care team reached out to IPC to explore a partnership where we would lead dedicated green team trainings for UMC congregations. This model allows for an intimate tailored training centered on unique denominational needs and hands on coaching by the IPC leadership development team. In June, a group of UMC leaders representing 7 congregations came together for the training and they are now forging ahead on the path to growing their teams and taking on meaningful Creation care actions. 

By grounding the training in Methodist theology, values, and decision-making structures, IPC’s approach helps congregations see how environmental action is not an add-on, but an expression of core United Methodist beliefs. Participants gain tools to create green ministries that are spiritually rooted, collaborative, and actionable.

"It was a pleasure to partner with IPC for the Green Team Training. Their expertise and commitment were instrumental in equipping UMC churches to take meaningful steps in Creation care. Together, we are empowering congregations to become faithful stewards of God’s Creation and make a lasting impact in their communities."

~ Rev. Sharee Wharton,
Chair BWC Creation Care Team

And they are not alone!

They are following in the footsteps of other UMC congregations like Jones Memorial UMC in Washington, DC, where the green team that has grown from 3 members at its founding to 16 members today. Over the years, this group has initiated several environmental initiatives, significantly managing stormwater runoff and flooding on their property through tree planting and installation of native plant gardens. Mount Olive UMC in Baltimore has also led the way by having regular creation care sermons, planting trees, installing a community garden and rain barrel. Likewise, Fairhaven UMC in Gaithersburg has committed to educating its community through an annual green fair, a native plant giveaway, and  promotion of smart road salt use among other Creation care efforts. These are just 3 example of the close to 30 UMC congregations that have already participated in IPC's Faithful Green Leaders Training.

Whether you're a seasoned Green Team or just starting to explore what Creation care could look like at your congregation, there’s a place for you in this movement. Let’s walk this path together—rooted in faith, inspired by hope, and driven by a shared love for our common home.

If you are interested in having a tailored training for your denomination?
See our information sheet here.