The Gospel in the Marketplace?

Eleven years ago, a church in Honduras visited nearby communities and saw need. So, members began Cultivadores Del Reino or “Kingdom Growers.” They designed this coffee cooperative to teach farmers in those villages to grow quality products and to give them better market access. And while the Christians became business partners with these farmers, they also began to talk to them about Christ’s love. But, should you mix the Gospel with commercialization? Hugo Ortiz, the church’s pastor, explains why his congregation decided to try. Interviewer: There are many pastors who think that the church has no business being in business. Has that been difficult for you?Pastor Hugo: I do not see it as a difficulty, but I do agree. There are many pastors who believe that the ministry should be limited to the church—that is the development of church services, liturgy, visiting church members, evangelization through literature or movies, gatherings. I believe doing all that is good, but the work of ministry goes beyond that. It includes being with them [nonbelievers] on a day-to-day basis, understanding the needs of the people. It is fellowshipping with them and getting to know their needs, their frustrations, their desires. That is where we have embedded ourselves in the community so we can understand them while we experience with them their needs. That’s how we have come to realize it is also essential to help them improve their standard of living, and that often involves commercialization. In this case, it is generating enough income so they can provide for their families’ needs.Interviewer: What is the difference between paternalism and partnership?Pastor Hugo: Well, my concept of paternalism is related to solely waiting to receive help without contributing in any way. In which case, it creates an absolute dependency on those people being helped. We do not agree with that. Partnership, I believe, makes us co-participants in working towards the same goal, working together, shoulder to shoulder with the purpose of reaching those goals we have set before us.