Commerce is at first sight the most surprising of the 4 Cs Christians are right to reject the increasing commercialisation of our society as it undermines the deeper meanings of life by reducing everything to its economic value. Commodification now extends beyond products and services, infiltrating areas like education, healthcare, and even religious institutions, which are increasingly seen through a transactional lens. This shift, risks diminishing human flourishing by eroding the moral and spiritual fabric of communities. In contrast to all of this there is the Christian vision of the Kingdom of God, where relationships, mutual care, and generosity take precedence over profit.

So Churches need to engage in business activities in ways that model what it believes and by the ways it employs people setting the good example of paying at least the Real Living Wage and sourcing fair-traded produce where possible. . The C for commerce challenges us as churches to look at our assets and be bolder and braver about exploring how we might generate income but in ways true to our Kingdom values.

There are many examples of commerce in churches such as cafes, hosting art exhibitions and charging commission on sales, developing social enterprises, installing a playzone or a gym facility, businesses such as a post office, partnering to build affordable homes on church land. Developing such income streams helps achieve financial sustainability and through practices that embody faith, hospitality, and generosity, promotes a vision of life that is richer and more expansive than what the market offers. In doing so we envision a future that transcends the narrow limitations of our commercialised society.