Christian Stewardship in Action: How Solar Power Sustains Our Church and Mission

Submitted by Bruce Hunn

As faith leaders, we carry the responsibility not only to guide our congregation spiritually, but to care for creation and to be good stewards of church resources provided by our Creator. It’s a delicate balance—making sure the lights stay on, while ensuring every dollar is spent with purpose. A couple of years ago, as our church’s energy costs continued to rise, I knew it was time to find a solution that met our needs, saved money, and aligned with our stewardship values. 

The answer was clear: solar power. Having worked in the solar industry for almost 40 years, it was a no-brainer. Transitioning to solar was a way to care for creation and offered a practical and lasting impact on our ability to serve the community.

As we formed a committee and began discussions, we realized the financial savings from going solar could free up funds for the ministries that matter most. This wasn’t just about lowering our energy bill; it was about strengthening our ability to feed the hungry, support families in need, and grow our mission. Solar power was a way to live out the biblical call to stewardship—not only of the earth but of the church’s resources.

The decision to make the switch wasn’t without challenges. The initial cost was significant. However, we weren’t deterred.  We launched a fundraising campaign, and through the generosity of our parishioners, we not only met our goal—we exceeded it,. Additionally, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act funding that is available to faith communities and non-profits installing solar, we will be applying to get up to 30% of our solar installation reimbursed to us in 2025! 

Now, two years later, it’s wonderful to see the fruits of this decision. Our church’s solar panels have dramatically reduced our energy costs, and that savings has been transformative. With lower utility bills, we’ve been able to increase outreach efforts and expand community programs, all while acting as stewards of creation. 

There’s something profoundly symbolic about a place of worship being powered by the sun—by God’s source of life itself. It reminds us that we are all part of something greater, that we are called to care for God’s creation, and the gifts we’ve been entrusted with.

For any other church considering solar power, I can tell you this: it’s one of the most practical and impactful decisions you can make. By reducing your energy costs, you open up new possibilities to serve your congregation and your community. Every dollar saved on electricity is a dollar that can be invested in your ministries, your outreach, and your mission.  Moreover, by generating our own clean power, we are reducing the environmental impacts of our electrical utility.

To make this happen, we partnered with New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, an organization committed to helping churches like ours transition to renewable energy. Their support has been invaluable, and I encourage any faith leader to reach out and explore what solar could do for your church.

By relying on the power from above, in every sense, we’ve found a way to ensure our church can continue its mission—stronger, more sustainable, and more connected to our faith than ever before.