Now that's an idea!

Start a community garden

Have you ever considered the missiological implications of a tomato plant? For churches in North Carolina, planting a community garden seemed a natural way to respond to the Great Commission. Mars Hill Baptist Church in Mars Hill, North Carolina, produced more than 27,000 pounds of produce from its seven-acre “Fields of Hope” garden, a yield big enough to help with hunger among low-income families in their area. Vietnamese Mission Church in High Point, North Carolina, plans to begin a garden for its members to grow food for their families and meet the needs of refugees in their community.

Set a goal. Will your church garden as a way of building community with a little fresh salad on the side, or will this tract of land possibly produce food for the community. Why are you spending time, money and soil?

Determine scope. Your goal will determine how involved the work will be. One hint: start small and expand if you can. With good planning, intensive management and irrigation, it is possible to produce a significant amount of vegetables on relatively small plots.


Enlist. Involve a broad swath of your membership. Gardening is a great experience for students. Gardening teaches a strong work ethic and a great appreciation for the food we eat!

Equip. While a number of your members will have knowledge of gardening, holding training events and hosting experts at your church will excite people by providing them the tools to take ownership of the project.

Enjoy. With proper planning and cooperation, a community garden can provide your congregation with gifts to enjoy for generations to come.

“Just seeing the reaction of families when you come in with a basket of fresh produce,” says Mark Rice, State Agricultural Missions Coordinator for the North Carolina State Convention. “It rewards those receiving and those serving.” Email mark_rice@ncsu.edu.

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