Greystone Baptist in Raleigh has become the first congregation in our state to complete the
requirements for Christians Caring for Creation (C3)’sCertified Congregation. Greystone has completed requirements in all four areas of C3’s assessment: worship, discipleship, outreach and facilities and grounds. The certification process is a quantitative self-assessment reviewed and approved by the C3
Board of Directors.
The church shared that its decision to seek certification came out of discussions within Greystone’s Spirit of Justice Group, which is
under the Missions & Advocacy Council. “Greystone has a history of caring about our membership, our community and our environment. Obtaining this official recognition just reinforces what we already believe—which is that God’s creation is important to all of us, and it is our
responsibility to care for it and to teach others, including our children, to care for it as well,” said Karen Brewer, the Greystone member who led the assessment.
Examples of ways Greystone meets the four areas of C3’s assessment include how the congregation embraces all of God’s creatures—welcoming deer, foxes, geese, and a variety of birds and reptiles as regular visitors. The church has hosted multiple educational and worship events centered on environmental stewardship.
In February 2025, Greystone devoted an entire Sunday to Creation Care, featuring Don Gordon, executive director of C3, as guest preacher and
teacher. Gordon returned in March 2025 to meet with Greystone’s Spirit of Justice Team, an advocacy group that promotes social and eco-justice initiatives within the congregation and community.
Greystone’s work extends to the next generation as well. Each summer, the church hosts Eco Camp, an alternative to traditional Vacation Bible School that teaches children about recycling, the environment and the care of God’s creatures.
Throughout the year, the church encourages responsible recycling practices by providing collection stations across the campus and by planning improvements such as installing water-bottle refill stations to reduce single-use plastics.
“Greystone Baptist represents what it means for a congregation to take creation care seriously—as a matter of faith, discipleship and witness,” said Don. “Their leadership sets a meaningful example for other churches who wish to honor God by caring for the earth and all who live upon it.”
To learn more about becoming a C3 Certified Congregation, visit www.christianscaringforcreation.org.
