God has intentionally created all species with purpose and interconnectedness, inviting them to participate in the shared breath of life. As partners in God’s mission, we are called to engage in a profound dialogue regarding the care for creation and re-examine the traditional anthropocentric understanding of the church’s nature and service. This challenges us to adopt a new approach to being a faith community, an ekklesia that acknowledges and embraces our relationship with the earth and its bio-history; an ekklesia which denotes being “called out” from something and toward something. What is the nature of this calling – it is solely a human prerogative or does this extend to all of creation?

Similarly, we must consider the contextual meaning and relevance of diakonia, the spiritual gift and ministry of serving (Romans 12:6–7) and its contextual nuances. Churches that seek to uphold Kingdom values must foster a transformative mindset that respects the Earth’s limitations. This necessitates a shift in mentality, addressing eco-justice concerns, and embracing the conviction to change our lifestyles, consumption patterns, travel practices, waste management, and values to promote eco-social transformation. The church’s diakonal mission extends beyond sustainable development goals (SDG) discourse and aligns with the priorities of all God’s people, rooted in local communities, culturally integrated, and transcending divisive partisan interests.

As the ekklesia, the church is called to be a vessel of diakonia, providing accompaniment, support, and contribution to address emerging crises and respond to the challenges of life. Diakonia encompasses acts of care, healing, reconciliation, service to marginalised communities, empowerment, advocacy, prophetic mission of speaking truth to power, and denouncing structural injustices. It also includes addressing environmental issues and ensuring climate justice as part of eco-diakonia, essential for the renewal and restoration of the broken creation. The Churcha on ‘Understanding Ekklesia and Diakonia: Supremacy and Self-referentiality, or Creative Collaboration?’ will deepen our understanding of the church’s calling and service should extend beyond human beings and encompass the well-being of all creation through a shift in mindset, practical changes in behaviour, and active engagement; as ekklesia, in eco-diakonia, for the restoration and flourishing of the earth.