Should We Walk to Church?

For most of us one of the largest contributors to climate change is our automobile. I have cut back tremendously on my driving both due to my commitment to environmental stewardship and the absurd price of gas. But the day I usually do the most driving is Sunday when I make the rounds to all three churches I serve. This got me thinking about the decision to attend churches that may cause us to drive more than necessary. Put bluntly, should we just go to the closest church?

The three churches I serve are relatively close by car. Sometimes it's silly to me that all three still exist separately. After all, we believe the same things and worship in virtually the same way. Once upon a time, the separation was necessary because people did walk and ride horses to church. But those days are over, and now people might commute for a while to go to church - likely passing many other churches (perhaps even churches of one's denominational preference). So does this decision (which is admittedly one of luxury) contradict our good stewardship of creation? I would say so, at least a little. Clearly we are putting our wants ahead of what is best for the planet when we drive further than necessary.

Now, I realize it's extremely important to most people that they attend a church that fits them perfectly. People more or less church shop until they find a great fit. Well, here's a modest proposal: start with the closest churches to your home, and then spiral out. You might also consider that a church is not really a place to meet all your "needs" but rather a place to form you as a disciple, which entails sacrifice. Thus, you could begin the way of discipleship by sacrificing a few things you'd prefer in a church for the health of God's creation.