Caring for creation as a mission imperative at St Luke’s Maidstone

“God cares about those outside the church”, he said, “He wants a personal relationship with everyone, and so we have to be a warm and welcoming space because often that's the starting point for people.”  

Unfortunately, when Rev Gareth arrived in 2020, that was not possible in the colder months. The heating system didn’t function very well and those who came to the weekly toddler groups, social group for the over 60s, Alpha courses, and a wider variety of other events, as well as a Sunday service, often kept their coats and hats on while they were inside the church in winter. 

The church felt it was important to change the old gas boiler for a heating solution that was better for the environment. “God wants us to look after creation, and we model that to our community,” said Rev Gareth, “and our community do know that we have been a church that have sought to address some of our carbon footprint.” 

As part of a wider project of building improvement works, St Luke’s became a Net Zero Carbon Programme Demonstrator Church. This meant they received a grant of £50,000 from the Net Zero Programme and £36,000 from the Benefact Trust to help them install a heating system which removed their reliance on fossil fuels.  

After exploring a series of options, they settled on infrared chandeliers alongside some infrared panel heaters, which heat the people rather than the air inside the church. They were installed over the summer and according to Rev Gareth the change has transformed the community “because we're seeing more people come, more people feeling welcomed, and more people are joining us on a Sunday.”  

And his advice to other churches considering making the same changes? “Be bold and courageous and go for it, because you can make small, incremental changes that have a significant impact on your carbon footprint for the better.”