The Bible commands Christians to take care of the land upon which they live, evangelical environmentalist and author J. Matthew Sleeth told Disciples attending the General Assembly on July 31.

“Christian language is so organic,” said Sleeth. “The Bible is full of vines and trees. God’s language is unique. He said, ‘I am the true vine, my Father is the husbandman’ (John 15:1)." Living a simpler, greener life has become more than just a goal for Sleeth. It’s a way of life for the former emergency room chief and medical director who quit his job to preach God’s gospel on the environment. 

Sleeth headlined a Learning Track session entitled, “It isn’t easy being Green.” Participants discussed hands-on strategies and practices for greening their homes, churches and communities, and how they might better fulfill their responsibility as the Earth’s stewards.

“This life has given me an opportunity to be out in the world,” said Sleeth, author of the book, Serve God, Save the Planet. People are hungry to find out what Christians are for; not just what we are against. How can you not be for keeping the Earth? He said. The topic is timely. The world’s population faces rising carbon emissions, diminishing water supplies and unpredictable weather patterns. 

Gardening is a universal topic that speaks to everyone, said Sleeth, who after leaving his physician job in 2000, moved his family into a smaller home, purchased one of the first hybrid car models on the market, and got rid of his clothes dryer. His family now grows a lot of their own food.

Sleeth showed the audience copies of his “Green Bible,” which is a Bible with passages highlighted that are related to green issues. He cited Romans 1:20, the beginning of Psalm 24, Rev. 18, and the last five chapters of the book of Job as biblical scriptures that encourage Christians to take care of the Earth.  

“Job said there’s more to this whole picture than is evident,” said Sleeth. “Why are we born here? There is something about living this life as God made it.”

Angela Herrmann, director of Web site development and coordinator for environmental education and advocacy with Disciples Home Missions, said the hope is that Disciples will take the information they learn from the sessions back to their churches to put into practice. 

Sleeth has only one regret about leaving his top executive position and medical practice. “My only regret is not being able to practice medicine as a believer; not being able to mix prayer with medicine to help heal the sick,” he said.

By: James Patterson