Simply put, ‘a co-operative is a democratic organisation, owned and controlled by its members for a common benefit’.
Ref. Business Victoria
There are other definitions, but the main emphasis appears to be the autonomy and joint ownership of an enterprise. You may well ask, what is the Biblical connection? Consider for a moment the following verse, “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener”
John 15:1 NIV.

Sometimes we get our relationship with the Father and the Son a little confused. Is it Jesus only, this belief is a travesty of Biblical truth! Or is it just the Father, well that on the other hand eclipses Jesus. Neither is an option, if we deny Jesus we deny the Father. If we deny the Father we deny Jesus. The Father and the Son are inseparable working together in the believers life. It is somewhat like a business partnership or co-operative where each member participates for the benefit of the whole; and we as branches are also a part.

So, Jesus typified as the vine, supports and sustains each one of us… the branches! His grace is sufficient for each day enabling us to function and of course bear fruit. Yet, over this arrangement is God the Father managing the vineyard operation as the owner.

In our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ we should also be encouraged to pray regularly to God the Father seeking his will and guidance in every aspect of our lives… A CO-OPERATIVE!