The Rev. Brandon Davis, Johnson City, Tennessee –
In August 2024, our congregation at Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church completed the installation of 41 solar panels on our church building. This decision was guided by a commitment to stewardship of creation and a desire to explore tangible ways our church could participate in the care of God’s Earth.
The process involved considerable planning, including consultation with solar providers, review of financial options, and conversations within our congregation about the long-term benefits and responsibilities of such an investment. With support from church leadership and members, we moved forward in faith, trusting that even a small congregation can make a meaningful difference.
As a result of the installation, we were able to apply for and receive a partial reimbursement through the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy incentive program that was recently expanded to include churches. This $19,835 reimbursement will be reinvested into the life and mission of our church, including making our solar panels more efficient with updates to our building. We are currently discerning how best to steward them in service to both our congregation and community.
While the financial benefit has been significant, the larger impact has been the reminder that caring for creation is a shared called. One that congregations of all sizes can take part in. And this experience has shown us that the Spirit can and will use even modest resources to light the way.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who encouraged us through this process. And we remain hopeful that through thoughtful action and faithful witness, we all can continue to reflect God’s love not only for people, but for the whole of creation.
Brandon Davis (He/Him)
Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church
610 E Watauga Ave.
Johnson City, TN 37601