Under the Francis Tree

A Practical Theology for the Church Grounds in the 21st Century

Everything about our lives connects us with creation: our food and clothing, our transportation and recreation, the energy sources we use, and the waste we produce. We are connected to this world—and therefore to each other—through our homes, our workplaces, and even through the grounds of our churches.

In Under the Francis Tree, the spirituality inspired by the “patron saint of ecology” St. Francis of Assisi meets modern church
congregational life. In an age of ecological crisis, an ancient contemplative path helps us discover geographies of hope in the places we live and love today.

“It takes chutzpah to weave Baptist ecclesiology with Franciscan spirituality. But the idea of churches, and the few acres we inhabit, being a fulcrum for creation’s healing—that’s ludicrous. Unless it’s true. Eric Howell convinces me it’s true, and he’s offering us all good news.”

—Winn Collier, author of Love Big, Be Well
and A Burning in My Bones
and Director of the Eugene Peterson
Center for Christian Imagination

Eric Howell, D.Min. is Pastor of DaySpring Baptist Church in Waco, TX. He also teaches Creation Care as Spiritual Practice at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University.