Motivation and Calling for Environmental Mission
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What motivates people to spend time and energy on ‘care for creation’ projects? Answering this question requires some understanding of what motivation is and how it is understood.
Do people engage in eco-mission because of a sense of call?
...
The literature on motivation suggests that sustaining motivation for action requires finding a balance between the challenges we face in eco-mission and the ability (resources, or ‘agency’) we have with which to face them. This ‘sweet spot’ gives us the creative energy to propel us into action while protecting us from getting overwhelmed with the enormity of the task.
...
A Christian understanding of human motivation begins with the theological claim that God has intentions for the world which give purpose to human living. Faith raises the possibility that individuals and communities can become aware of God’s purpose for them in a direct personal and live-able way that goes beyond the application of general principles or values. We name this experience as ‘calling’. A sense of vocation or calling is a powerful motivating factor which can sustain people through difficult or unrewarding times. My research has found that some of those involved in Creation Care leadership can articulate a belief, based on experience, that God has called them to this.
What motivates people to spend time and energy on ‘care for creation’ projects? Answering this question requires some understanding of what motivation is and how it is understood.
Do people engage in eco-mission because of a sense of call?
...
The literature on motivation suggests that sustaining motivation for action requires finding a balance between the challenges we face in eco-mission and the ability (resources, or ‘agency’) we have with which to face them. This ‘sweet spot’ gives us the creative energy to propel us into action while protecting us from getting overwhelmed with the enormity of the task.
...
A Christian understanding of human motivation begins with the theological claim that God has intentions for the world which give purpose to human living. Faith raises the possibility that individuals and communities can become aware of God’s purpose for them in a direct personal and live-able way that goes beyond the application of general principles or values. We name this experience as ‘calling’. A sense of vocation or calling is a powerful motivating factor which can sustain people through difficult or unrewarding times. My research has found that some of those involved in Creation Care leadership can articulate a belief, based on experience, that God has called them to this.