How does economic development relate to PWCM mission strategies?

• A. It should be colonizing.
• B. It can enable sustainable church planting and community transformation, when done ethically and cooperatively.
• C. It is irrelevant.
• D. It always leads to failure.

Answer: (B)

Economic development can serve mission objectives by creating conditions that enable long-term church planting and community transformation, when pursued ethically and cooperatively. The PWCM approach views development as a means to empower people, not as a shortcut or a substitute for the gospel. When communities participate in economic initiatives—training, income opportunities, infrastructure, and sustainable enterprises—people gain stability and agency, which makes meaningful relationships and spiritual conversations more credible and enduring. Development that is locally led, culturally respectful, and aligned with community priorities builds trust, reduces dependency, and equips local leaders to sustain both social transformation and church growth long after outsiders have withdrawn. In this light, economic development becomes a practical ally to the mission, rather than a sidebar.

Colonizing or coercive approaches undermine dignity and partnership, so they don’t fit PWCM values. If development is treated as irrelevant, the link between material conditions and gospel access is ignored. And while poorly designed efforts can fail, properly planned and ethically implemented development that prioritizes cooperation and local ownership can enable lasting impact.