Written by: Liezl Erlank
Article source: JOY! Magazine
The Bible affirms the responsibility of humanity to steward God’s creation. Genesis 2:15 reminds us, “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it” (NASB). This foundational truth establishes that caring for the earth is not merely an option, but a divine calling. From reducing pollution to promoting sustainable practices, creation care aligns with the mission of God (missio Dei), embodying justice, stewardship, and love for both humanity and the environment.
What is creation care?
Creation care is the calling to faithfully fulfil our God-given responsibility to cultivate, keep, and care for the well-being of the entire created order to which God has entrusted us. The Bible consistently affirms this duty, with Genesis 1:28 and 2:15, 19-20 outlining humanity’s three primary areas of responsibility:
- Social and familial – Be fruitful, fill the earth, and name creation.
- Economic and ecological – Subdue, cultivate, and keep the environment through environmental stewardship.
- Governance – Exercise dominion over creation in a way that reflects God’s justice and care.
These responsibilities extend beyond mere resource management; they encompass a holistic approach to sustaining and nurturing life in all its forms. Throughout the Biblical narrative, these obligations are expanded and deepened, affirming that humans are entrusted with the stewardship of the entire created order, not just their communities. Through the creation mandate in Genesis, students learn to live out the Gospel in ways that cultivate and protect the environment.
Why creation care matters in South Africa
South Africa is home to a stunning variety of environmental settings, from lush forests and rolling grasslands to arid deserts and breathtaking coastlines. Our country boasts an extensive network of national parks and protected areas, safeguarding its rich biodiversity. However, this beauty is under threat from severe environmental challenges:
- Air pollution – Major cities face significant air quality issues due to industrial emissions and vehicle pollution.
- Water scarcity/pollution – Droughts and contamination of water sources threaten both human and ecological well-being.
- Soil degradation – Overgrazing, mining, and deforestation contribute to land degradation and loss of arable farmland.
Missional University recognises these challenges and aims to address them through creation care, fostering environments where ecological vulnerabilities are transformed into opportunities to authentically cultivate, protect, and care for God’s creation. By engaging in education, community-driven conservation efforts, and sustainable practices, Missional University equips individuals to be stewards of the earth in alignment with the mission of God to restore all things.
Ecological vulnerabilities
The university integrates environmental stewardship into its curriculum, providing students with interdisciplinary training that bridges theology, ecology, and social justice. Students engage with Biblical narratives related to creation care while integrating an understanding of environmental studies and ecological biodiversity. Courses include: Theology of creation and stewardship | Theology of land and environment | Theology of hope and the new creation | Theology of the built environment | An agrarian reading of the Bible | Theology of food, virtue & moral formation | Theology of resilience.
These courses are rooted in Ecotheology and its relationship to the mission of God, to equip students with the skills to integrate a Biblical understanding with a missional focus. Whether through conservation and restoration ecology, natural resource planning, sustainable aquatic ecosystems, or ecologically sustainable development, environmental economics, or community sustainability and resilience – Christians not only fulfil their role as caretakers of creation, but also demonstrate Christ’s love in tangible ways.
Health vulnerabilities
Environmental issues are deeply linked to health vulnerabilities. Poor air and water quality, food insecurity, and climate-related disasters disproportionately impact marginalised communities. The Gospel calls us to care for the “least of these”, making environmental stewardship a crucial aspect of missional work.
South African initiatives: creation care in action
South Africa faces environmental challenges, but Christian-led initiatives are making a positive impact. Faith-based reforestation projects restore degraded lands, sustainable agriculture training helps farmers improve yields while preserving soil, and clean water initiatives provide safe drinking water to rural areas. Missional University supports these efforts, encouraging students to replicate these models in their communities. Caring for creation is an essential part of following Christ’s call. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a church leader, you can become a steward of God’s creation and a catalyst for change in your community.
This article is featured in the April issue of JOY! Magazine, which is now on sale nationwide! Pick up your copy from any leading supermarket, or read a digital version of this issue here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 10/04/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork from www.freepik.com
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