Faith and Agriculture: A Strong Connection
In rural America, there’s a vibrant faith community intertwined with agriculture. It’s more than just attending church on Sundays or joining Bible studies. It’s present in the hands of families praying for successful crops and pastors blessing the harvests. As a small farmer from Georgia, I’ve seen firsthand how faith and farming are deeply connected.
The scripture in James 2:26 tells us that “faith without works is dead.” In farming, these works manifest through planting, harvesting, and caring for the land. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, it’s important to remember how integral faith and agriculture have been in shaping our nation. From the dust bowl to the civil rights movement, farmers of faith have nurtured not just crops but also strength, resilience, and community spirit.
Historically, the bond between farmers and churches has been quite practical. During colonial times, the church often served as the first public institution in rural areas, addressing spiritual needs and providing a space for news, markets, and support. Particularly, the black church has been vital, spreading the gospel while helping families endure through challenging times, including the Jim Crow era.
On my family’s farm, we carry forward this legacy. We grow hydroponically, cultivating herbs, vegetables, and even butterflies. We share our harvest with the church, using the food not only to nourish but also to educate.
However, we also need to think beyond our fields. There are significant challenges that partnerships between farmers and faith organizations can address. A pressing issue is food waste. It’s troubling that while over 30% of food in the U.S. is considered unsellable, millions still lack access to sufficient food.
Some waste begins at the farm, often due to surplus production or food deemed cosmetically imperfect. But what is overlooked by the mainstream market can still be nutritious and valuable. This is where farmers and faith leaders can collaborate.
By working together, faith institutions can help redirect surplus produce to those in need, transforming waste into nourishment and hope. Picture a church hosting a community dinner with donated ingredients or youths learning to prepare fresh meals. Faith organizations can also promote community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
Beyond the farms, faith groups can partner with restaurants, caterers, and hotels to collect untouched food, ensuring that it reaches people instead of going to waste. They can help organize community donations, making sure good food finds its way to those in need rather than ending up in landfills. Laws are in place to protect those making these heartfelt donations.
These initiatives do more than merely provide food; they bring back dignity and connection. They illustrate where food comes from and reaffirm the sacredness of all harvests.
This vision is supported by the American Policy Institute, which I am proud to chair. We are committed to empowering families and fostering prosperity, especially in underserved areas. Uniting farmers and churches aligns perfectly with our mission and creates a vital grassroots revival in America.
When churches embrace agriculture, they embody the Biblical principles of stewardship, generosity, and compassion through their efforts to minimize food waste and share blessings. For farmers, partnering with faith communities reveals new purposes in utilizing their resources for the betterment of others.
As my uncle, Pastor Martin Luther King Jr., once said, “Our life begins to end the days when we are silent about things that matter.” I believe that both faith and agricultural issues matter. When combined, they don’t just cultivate crops; they nurture hope.
Let’s avoid complacency and instead focus on fostering these partnerships. Let’s pray for their success and enjoy the blessings and prosperity they can bring to our communities. Together, faith and agriculture can help revive and fulfill the true promises of the American dream.
These reflections represent my personal views and do not necessarily align with those of the Department of Agriculture or the U.S. government.
