Visiting Flagstaff Community Church: An embodiment of faith in action
By James Beck, Eco Church Project Manager
On a beautiful spring morning, Kristel van Houte (National Director of A Rocha Aotearoa), Dr. Selwyn Yeoman (convenor of the A Rocha’s Dunedin local group), and I had the pleasure of visiting Flagstaff Community Church in Dunedin. As part of the Eco Church project, we have the privilege of visiting various churches and to experience first hand the inspiring ways in which they are integrating care for creation into what it means to do and be the church. Flagstaff Community Church was no exception.
When we arrived at Flagstaff Community Church, Rev. Brendon McRae welcomed us, dressed in his Hunting and Fishing gear, clearly in the midst of working on the church's native regeneration project. He is a pastor who truly embodies the phrase "faith in action." Not only is he deeply invested in the spiritual growth of his congregation, but he is also equally passionate about the church’s role as kaitiaki of God’s good creation.
From left to right: James, Brendon, Kristel and Selwyn at Flagstaff Community Church.
A Project Rooted in Community and Creation Care
One of the most impressive aspects of our visit was seeing firsthand how Flagstaff Community Church’s native regeneration project is seamlessly woven into its mission and an expression of its values as a community. For Flagstaff, creation care is not a separate “ministry” or a side project; it is an integral part of what it means to do and be the church. Their commitment to stewardship is not only evident in their Sunday worship but in the daily actions of the church community.
Brendon shared with us how this initiative began with a simple idea: to regenerate native bush on the church grounds and use this as a tangible expression of their commitment to God's creation. This project has since flourished and now includes planting native species, creating spaces for reflection and prayer, and providing educational opportunities for the community to learn about the importance of native biodiversity.
Building Bridges Through Creation Care
One of the standout moments of our visit was seeing how this project has allowed the church to connect with the wider Dunedin community. Their down-to-earth approach has enabled the church to develop relationships with local groups, schools, businesses and individuals who are also interested in environmental care. This spirit of openness and collaboration has led to remarkable partnerships that extend beyond the church walls.
For instance, Flagstaff’s native planting project has caught the attention of local schools, which now bring students to learn about native plants and participate in planting days. It has also attracted conservation groups who see the church as a vital partner in the mission to restore native habitats. The church grounds have become a shared space where people from all walks of life can come together, learn, and contribute to something greater than themselves. It’s a beautiful expression of how creation care can be a powerful tool for Christian witness, evangelism, discipleship and community engagement.
An Inspiring Example for the Eco Church Network
As we walked through the regenerating bush and watched the local birdlife flourish, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Flagstaff Community Church. It reminded me that the work of creation care is not just about environmental action; it’s about embodying the Gospel in practical, transformative ways that speak to the world around us.
Flagstaff Community Church is an incredible example of how churches can live out their faith in the context of environmental stewardship. For Brendon and his community, caring for creation is an expression of their love for God, their neighbors, and the earth. It’s a clear message that we, as a church, have a role to play in the flourishing of all creation.
If you haven’t yet experienced the wonderful community at Flagstaff Community Church or seen their beautiful native regeneration project, I encourage you to visit, connect, and be inspired.