Caring for God's earth

Do churches and churchgoers see caring for God's earth as part of their worship or Christian responsibility? From our research we see that caring for God's earth is something that local churches are increasingly engaged in.

Earth care and mission

Caring for God’s earth is something that local churches are increasingly engaging in. For example, in 2021 38% of local churches reported they usually included environmental concerns in worship (through songs, prayers, preaching). This is up from 26% in 2011.

Since we first started asking 25 years ago, most church attenders have agreed that Christians have a responsibility to be active about environmental issues.

But what about when it comes to the relationship between environmental concern and the church’s mission?

For the first time in 2026, we will ask attenders whether they agree or disagree that “Caring for the earth should be part of the mission of this local church”. We’ll report the results back to every participating local church and to church denominations and regions.  

Is your church taking part?

2026 National Church Life Survey

 

 

 

Approaches to environmental issues by local churches and churchgoers: 2011 to 2021