Any of the following are suitable as one-off presentations or as a package, especially for a conference, eco-retreat or camp…
Seminars and Workshops
A seminar is a formal presentation usually given by one expert. A question time may follow.
A workshop is an informal discussion of a topic structured for a small group of participants.
(Note: limited attendance 30‐40).
Choose just one or string 2-3 together for a full-day, half-day or evening.
- An Ecological Crisis?
(explores the current situation in New Zealand and/or around the world) - Why On Earth Should We Care?
(explores the biblical basis/mandate for looking after what God had made, and why this planet matters to God) - Objections, Excuses and Eco-Myths
(addresses the reasons commonly given by Christians to avoid creation care) - A Christian Response to Climate Change
(sorts fact from fiction, delineates the extent and impact, explores how Christians might respond) - The Future of Planet Earth: Renewed or Replaced?
(explores these options in the light of an understanding obscured for 250 years, but recently re-asserted) - Saving Souls and Saving Seals?
(explores the scope of God’s redeeming and reconciling work through Christ and its practical implications) - Creation Care: A Matter of Morality?
(explores whether caring for creation is a moral imperative and has ethical connotations) - Nature as Spiritual Practice
(explores how delighting in the natural world can help us be attentive to God and enhance Christian life) - Creation Care as Mission
(explores how caring for creation proclaims the Good News and can be utilised by churches to impact the community and draw people towards the Creator) - Eco-friendly Living
(explores how to translate environmental stewardship from theory into practice at both the individual and collective level) - Eco-Poetry
(explores the natural world and creation care through the inspired works of poets, including some of our own NCNZ facilitators!)
Talks, Sermons, and Reflections
- 20-30 minutes of inspirational, Bible-based teaching on a creation-related theme, leading listeners to an application which is personal, practical and specific.
- Presentations of any duration which point to the need for creation care (with or without referring to the Bible, depending on the audience).
Panels, Forums, Interviews
These occasions are when we bring together an individual expert or group of experts who share their knowledge and advice. There are varying levels of interaction with the audience.
A panel consists of experts presenting specific topics with limited audience participation.
A forum is a broad discussion of a topic with high levels of audience participation.
An interview is a 1-to-1 interaction, in which a host poses questions one at a time to an expert, who then seeks to answer.
Contemplative Walks
These walks are in the outdoors and can be of any duration.
As we walk, we pause to consider the natural features around us using all five senses. We may focus on just one feature (e.g. trees) or on several different features that we encounter.
We think about what part they play in the web of life, what thoughts and feelings they inspire, what they might teach us, and how we might care for them.
The emphasis is on prayerful reflection.
The rationale behind these walks is that the more we are exposed to nature, the more we will fall in love with it and the more passionate we will be to preserve it.
Conversation Cafes
The format of the Conversation Café (usually 60-90 minutes) helps people have calm and profound conversations in which there is less debating and arguing, and more listening.
Sitting in a circle with a simple set of agreements and a talking object, small groups will engage in rounds of dialogue with little or no unproductive conflict.
As the meaning of their challenge pops into focus, a consensual hunch is formed that will release their capacity for new action.
After two facilitated rounds using the talking object, the host opens up the floor to free dialogue.
At this time, groups participate in open, spirited conversation, and the talking object is only implemented to control contention, domination, or to redirect tangent conversations.
The last 5-10 minutes is devoted to the final round, which reintroduces the talking object. The group takes a moment to reflect and briefly state how prior ways of thinking have changed, refined, or strengthened.
Financial help (equipment, training grants, etc)
NCNZ is sometimes in a position to provide financial assistance for study, training, practical projects, or equipment related to creation care. Each request is appraised by the Trustees.
Please get in touch if you think we may be of assistance.