What is Blessed Earth?
Blessed Earth is on a mission to inspire biblically-based stewardship of all creation. This isn’t just about environmentalism—it’s about faith in action, lived out through educational forums, workshops, classes, retreats, sermons, and a variety of other events. Founded by Matthew Sleeth, MD, a former ER physician who once lived the American Dream in a picturesque coastal town in Maine, Blessed Earth encourages people to care for God’s gifts in everyday life. The organization is a private 501(c)3, governed by a Board of Trustees and formed under Kentucky law.
The Main Benefit of Blessed Earth’s Mission
At its core, Blessed Earth aims to inspire faithful stewardship that touches every part of life. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its impact:
- Over 20 years of dedication to stewardship education
- Focus areas include earth stewardship (trees), Sabbath living (time), and suicide prevention (life)
- Eight books authored by the Sleeth family on various stewardship topics
- Numerous video teaching series covering themes from simplicity to Sabbath
- Hundreds of articles, chapters, and forewords, including the Introduction to The Green Bible
- Global reach through speaking engagements and sharing God’s Word worldwide
Stewardship of God’s Gifts
Blessed Earth’s approach is holistic. It embraces the stewardship of God’s gifts in three main areas: the gift of trees, which represents earth stewardship; the gift of time, expressed through Sabbath living; and the gift of life, which includes suicide prevention efforts. This broad perspective invites people to see stewardship not just as environmental care but as a spiritual practice that touches every aspect of existence.
Educational Outreach and Resources
Education is at the heart of Blessed Earth’s work. Through a variety of formats—forums, workshops, classes, retreats, and sermons—the organization equips individuals and communities to live out stewardship in practical ways. The Sleeth family’s extensive body of work, including books and video series, serves as a rich resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and practice of faithful stewardship.
A Personal Journey and Global Mission
Matthew Sleeth’s journey from ER physician and hospital chief of staff to executive director of Blessed Earth is a powerful story of transformation. Though no longer practicing medicine, he and his family remain deeply committed to the “life business.” Doors continue to open for them to travel the world, sharing God’s Word and inspiring others to embrace stewardship as a way of life.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through suicide prevention and promoting life stewardship
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – encouraging simplicity and Sabbath living
- SDG 13: Climate Action – advocating for earth stewardship and care for trees
- SDG 15: Life on Land – protecting and valuing God’s creation
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – fostering community and global connections through education and outreach
Governance and Organizational Structure
Blessed Earth operates as a private 501(c)3 organization, established under the laws of Kentucky. It is governed by a Board of Trustees, ensuring that its mission stays focused and its operations transparent. This structure supports the organization’s long-term vision of inspiring faithful stewardship rooted in biblical principles, while maintaining accountability and integrity.
