Holy Ground: Where Faith, Food, and Community Take Root

In the heart of Detroit and its surrounding neighborhoods, congregations are reimagining what it means to steward the land—and the Spirit is moving through gardens.

During a recent visit to Michigan, Derrick Weston, Creation Justice Ministries’ Director of Theological Education and Formation, had the opportunity to witness firsthand how local churches are participating in our Thriving Earth project, transforming their properties into spaces of restoration, nourishment, and hope.

At New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan—where CJM board member Rev. Keyon Payton serves as pastor—a vision is growing. The congregation is working with their assigned community scientist to bring new life to a currently undeveloped plot of land beside their church. While their numbers have decreased in recent years, their commitment to serving their neighbors is growing stronger. With an abundance of land and a heart for innovation, they are discerning how best to turn open space into a community garden that will not only feed bodies but also build relationships and deepen their connection to the land.

A similar story is unfolding at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. Kevin Harris. This congregation already plays a vital role in food distribution for the surrounding community—and now they’re hoping to supplement that ministry with food they grow themselves. During his visit, Derrick met Rev. Harris and Amanda, a staff member from the Thriving Earth team, who walked the grounds where the garden may soon take root.

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Rev. Harris spoke of being inspired by a nearby vibrant community garden, imagining how his church could not only grow food but also grow trust, collaboration, and a deeper sense of neighborhood resilience.

With support from the Thriving Earth initiative and the passion of local leaders, churches like Nazarene Baptist are becoming anchors for food justice and environmental healing.

This work reflects the heart of what Thriving Earth is about: helping churches live into their call to care for creation in tangible ways, using the land they already steward to meet urgent needs and cultivate hope. As these gardens begin to take shape, they offer a glimpse into what it looks like when faith, science, and community come together for the good of all.

We will continue to keep our Creation Justice community updated as the Thriving Earth projects continue to evolve, but for now, we celebrate the seeds being planted—both literal and spiritual—by congregations choosing to grow something beautiful in the midst of challenges.