Empowering Christian Environmental Stewardship through Faith-Based Education: A Case of Gereja Isa Almasih

Abstract

This community service project was conducted by the Christian Religious Education (PAK) Study Program as part of its mission to integrate theological education with social and ecological responsibility. The activity took place at Gereja Isa Almasih, Belakang Padang, Batam, with Dr. Paskah Parlaungan Purba, M.A., M.Pd.K. serving as the main speaker. The event gathered 65 adult participants and 7 teenagers, reflecting broad community engagement and intergenerational learning. The program aimed to strengthen participants’ awareness of their Christian duty toward the city and the environment through biblical reflection, dialogue, and practical workshops. Using an interactive and participatory approach, the materials were structured around three core themes: (1) theological foundations of creation care, (2) Christian responsibility in urban and ecological contexts, and (3) practical steps for sustainable living inspired by biblical teachings. Methods included lectures, group discussions, scripture-based reflection, and action planning for environmental care initiatives in the local church and community. The results indicated a significant increase in participants’ understanding of Christian environmental ethics and a growing commitment to practice stewardship in daily life. Many participants expressed renewed motivation to engage in collective environmental actions such as waste reduction, community cleaning, and tree planting around the church area. In conclusion, the project demonstrated that faith-based education can effectively nurture environmental consciousness and civic responsibility. It reaffirmed that Christian education, when grounded in scripture and community practice, can transform faith into sustainable action for both people and the planet.