Brothers Jon ’06 (art) and Ben Zoba ’05 (Christian ministries) founded The Garden School: Beverly, a faith-based community centered around learning about and caring for God’s creation, in 2016. Jon continues to run the program. We sat down to ask them about how they see creation care and education as integral to the Christian faith and life. 

Participants work on a field at the Garden School.

What is The Garden School, and how did you guys get started?  

I studied Christian Ministries at Gordon, but I always knew I would like to produce something in ministry rather than just preach. After I taught high school in Puerto Rico for a year after college, I moved back to Beverly and learned about the U.S. food system. I noticed some vulnerabilities in it and wanted to grow healthy food for myself and my family. I also started working for the Food Project, a nonprofit in the area that bridged youth development with agricultural education. I got to work with youth there, something else I am passionate about, and learned about the symbiosis of soil, plant roots, microbes, etc. Everything I learned was blowing my mind, and I wanted to go deeper.  

Us brothers talked about starting a farm in Beverly where folks (including our beloved Gordon community) could come to cultivate horticultural skills, foster community and deepen their connection with our Creator; most of Jesus' parables are nature-based, so [nature is] another way of encountering God. I also wanted to create a community space that we could invite others into and offer a gap year element where people could learn agriculture skills before going to college.

When someone we knew from church was selling a camp property in 2016, we bought it and started The Garden School. The motto of The Garden School is "Learn by Doing". We offer student internships and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Volunteers help with seeding, planting, weeding, harvesting, stocking the farm stand and beautifying the property. We try to enable students, young and old, to leave having gained practical skills, a clearer sense of purpose and an idea of what steps they may want to take next in their life journey. 

How have you seen The Garden School impact your community? 

The Garden School offers a unique environment to meet community members where they are and dig into deeper questions about science, creation and God. One of the coolest moments was during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community around us was floundering amidst social distancing rules and regulations. People were desperate to socialize. 

Our outdoor space provided somewhere people could gather while staying safe. We hosted all kinds of events where people could see our garden, learn about the soil and harvest produce. During our spring plant sale that year, we sold so many seedlings for people to start their own gardens that at one point we had a line down the block! 

These gatherings gave us the chance to talk to people about faith and provided a unique space for them to hear about Jesus. Not everyone will go to a church if they’re curious about spirituality, but they’re far more likely to visit a garden or a park or be out in nature.  

A class is taught at the Garden School.

What has farming taught you about God’s creation? 

The wonders of the farm and garden, for me at least, are a material window into God’s goodness. God’s design is so brilliant. I was blown away to learn of the billions of unseen microbial allies the Creator has provided for us under our feet. There are more microbes in a teaspoon of healthy soil than there are people on the planet! 

God has called us as his children to take care of his creation, and I think taking care of the soil we use to grow our crops is a part of that. By working in partnership with creation, we can improve soil so much faster than nature could without us. If you take care of the soil and local ecology in accordance with our Creator’s pattern, the result is nutrient-dense food, which makes your body and brain healthier, which allows you to think more clearly about God and loving his people. It’s truly all connected, and I hope more people, not just Christians, see the benefit of that. 

What tips would you give people who want to take part in creation care? 

Nowadays there’s usually some framework for people to produce their own food, even in urban settings. Small container herbs are easy to grow indoors and tasty for food; they’re cheaper than groceries, too. Composting is also a worthy undertaking. Support your local farms; see if there are community gardens near you; volunteer at ecologically oriented, regenerative farms; or just go out and get into nature! People can find joy and healing just from being outside. 

The Garden School on a beautiful day.

How did Gordon help prepare you for your work at The Garden School? 

My ministry classes, especially the Life and Teachings of Jesus class with Steve Hunt, were so impactful. I learned about the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven, which Jesus talks about more than anything else in the synoptic gospels. Getting a closer relationship with Christ is invaluable and has influenced everything else I’ve done. Jesus’s project of revealing our Father’s love for us is what drives my agricultural efforts. 

I also need to mention Alton Bynum, a true hero of the Gordon grounds crew. I didn’t even know I was into nature until I worked with him. He had such a great love for plants and the grounds, and he was a remarkable mentor to his beloved workers. The Gordon campus is so beautiful and peaceful because of his work. He’s a different kind of minister, helping people get outside and laugh in nature.