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How Can a Church Power Both Spirits and Homes?

By turning the roof into a power plant, New Bethel AME Church is demonstrating that stewardship of the earth and care for the community are two sides of the same coin.

New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Lithonia, Georgia, recently unveiled a groundbreaking solar and battery storage system. This isn't just about lower utility bills; it transforms the church into a "resilience hub" capable of providing emergency power, charging medical equipment, and offering shelter to the community during natural disasters or grid failures. By leveraging renewable energy, the church is ensuring that its mission of service remains uninterrupted, regardless of the weather or the state of the local power grid.

What Happened?

In a move that blends modern technology with ancient mandates of stewardship, New Bethel AME Church has become a pioneer in the faith community. In April 2026, the church officially activated a 70.11 kW solar array paired with 41 kWh of battery storage. This project was a collaboration with Better Tomorrow Solar, Georgia BRIGHT, and the Capital Good Fund.

The system is expected to cover approximately 80% of the church’s annual energy needs. This translates to an immediate financial impact, saving the congregation more than $15,000 every year in utility costs. However, the true value lies in the church’s new role as a community resilience hub. The installation includes electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and bidirectional charging technology. This means during a crisis: such as a major storm or a heatwave: the church can keep the lights on, keep medicines refrigerated, and allow neighbors to charge essential medical devices when the rest of the city is in the dark.

The project was funded through a Solar Energy Procurement Agreement (SEPA), which allowed the church to install the system with zero upfront costs. By utilizing federal tax credits and grants available to non-profits, the church can pay for the system over time using the money they save on their power bills. It is a model of sustainable finance that many other houses of worship are now looking to replicate.

Both Sides of the Conversation

As with any major shift in how a church operates, there are different perspectives on the integration of renewable energy into ministry.

On one hand, supporters see this as the ultimate expression of stewardship. They argue that by reducing their carbon footprint and saving thousands of dollars, the church can redirect those funds into more direct ministry: feeding the hungry, supporting education, and caring for the elderly. For these advocates, the solar panels are a physical manifestation of the light of Christ, providing literal and spiritual warmth to the neighborhood. They see it as a proactive way to protect the "least of these" who are often most affected by rising energy costs and climate-related disasters.

On the other hand, some observers within the faith community express caution. There are concerns about the long-term maintenance of such high-tech systems and whether the focus on "green energy" might distract from the primary mission of evangelism. Others worry about the reliance on federal programs and tax credits, questioning if a church's independence is compromised when it becomes so deeply integrated with state-sponsored environmental initiatives. There is also the simple reality of aesthetics; not every congregation is ready to see their historic roofs covered in silicon and glass.

However, the leadership at New Bethel AME and the Sixth District of the AME Church seem to have found a middle ground. They view this not as a political statement, but as a practical necessity for 21st-century ministry. If a church cannot keep its doors open during a storm because the power is out, it cannot fulfill its role as a sanctuary.

Why It Matters

This story resonates far beyond the suburbs of Atlanta. For those of us in the Memphis area and throughout the Mid-South, we are all too familiar with the fragility of the power grid. Whether it’s an ice storm that snaps lines or a summer heatwave that pushes the TVA and MLGW systems to their limits, we know what it feels like to be vulnerable.

When a church in our community invests in resilience, it creates a safety net for everyone. Imagine a neighborhood in North Memphis or Cordova where, during a multi-day blackout, the local church remains a beacon of light, literally. It becomes a place where a neighbor can keep their insulin cool, where a parent can charge a phone to call family, and where a senior can find a cool room to rest.

This shift toward "resilience hubs" changes the narrative of the church from being a place you go to once a week to a place that is essential for the survival and well-being of the community every single day. It is a forward-thinking way to love our neighbors in a very practical, tangible way.

A Biblical Perspective

From the perspective of the Assemblies of God and the broader Pentecostal tradition, we often talk about the "full gospel": addressing the needs of the whole person: spirit, soul, and body.

The Bible begins with the mandate of stewardship. In Genesis 2:15, God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to "work it and take care of it." We are called to be wise managers of the resources God has provided. When a church uses the sun: a resource created by God: to power its mission, it is practicing a form of creation care that honors the Creator.

Furthermore, the book of Acts describes the early church as a community where people shared what they had so that "there were no needy persons among them" (Acts 4:34). By generating its own power and sharing that energy with the community during emergencies, New Bethel AME is mirroring that early church model. It’s about taking the "talents" we’ve been given (Matthew 25) and multiplying them for the benefit of the Kingdom.

We believe that God is a God of order and provision. Providing a safe, powered sanctuary for the vulnerable is a direct application of the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." It is an act of compassion that speaks louder than any sermon could on its own.

Life Takeaway

The lesson for all of us: whether we are church leaders or individual believers: is that stewardship is not just about "saving" but about "serving."

1. Look Up: What resources are literally hanging over your head? Sometimes the solution to a problem (like high costs or community needs) is hiding in plain sight.

2. Think Resilient: How can you make your home or your organization a place of refuge for others? It might not be solar panels; it might be an extra room, a stocked pantry, or simply a heart that is ready to help when things go wrong.

3. Be a Good Steward: Wise management of your finances and resources isn't just about your own security. It’s about creating a margin so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus when the world around you is in crisis.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, or emotionally drained by the news cycle: your reaction is not “weak.” It’s human. We invite you into a Jesus-centered community for spiritual family and care at BoundlessOnlineChurch.org. If you need private, personal guidance during a hard season, Dr. Layne McDonald offers Christian coaching and mentoring at LayneMcDonald.com. Stay grounded, stay hopeful, and keep pointing to Jesus.

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