Sacred Stories: A Creation Justice Church in Coal Country

Nestled in the heart of rural West Virginia—where extractive industries dominate both the economy and the culture—one congregation is choosing a different path: the path of creation justice.

Recently, Pastor Elizabeth, the only female pastor in her local area, reached out to Creation Justice Ministries seeking support to deepen her congregation’s environmental advocacy. What followed was a rich and inspiring conversation between Pastor Elizabeth and CJM’s Federal Policy Advocate, Madison Mayhew.

Pastor Elizabeth leads a vibrant and passionately progressive church with a deep commitment to creation care. Over the years, her congregation has taken bold steps to live out their values: installing solar panels on their church roof, cultivating a thriving community garden, and serving as a regional recycling hub. In fact, their church accepts recyclables from neighboring counties that lack proper facilities—personally transporting materials to ensure they don’t end up in a landfill. It’s a ministry of hope and hands-on action.

Yet, their story doesn’t stop there.​

During a recent roof repair, the congregation had to temporarily remove their solar panels. In that short time, their monthly energy bills skyrocketed from $100 to $600. The cost difference was a striking reminder of the tangible, economic impact that clean energy can offer to communities striving for both environmental and financial sustainability.

Despite being located in a region where creation justice isn’t always celebrated, this congregation continues to lead with courage, conviction, and compassion. They are a testament to how small, determined communities can drive powerful change—rooted in faith, resilience, and care for God’s creation.

Pastor Elizabeth’s story is also a reminder of why our work at Creation Justice Ministries matters. Supporting and amplifying the voices of grassroots congregations is essential to the broader movement for environmental justice. Following their conversation, Pastor Elizabeth signed up to become a Creation Justice Advocate—taking on new roles as an online, congregational, and congressional district advocate. 

We’re honored to walk alongside leaders like Pastor Elizabeth—those who are doing the work of justice not only on Sunday mornings, but every day of the week, in the communities they call home.

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