SBC surveying churches about Cooperative Program

Posted: 1/11/08

SBC surveying churches
about Cooperative Program

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Southern Baptist Convention is surveying its affiliated churches about the primary giving channel for the SBC and state conventions in an effort that could lead to changes in the way Southern Baptists support missions.

The survey asks church leaders about their thoughts on the Cooperative Program, how often they speak about it in their churches, their financial relationship with their state convention and what they think the Cooperative Program supports.

“I hope BGCT churches that receive this survey will take the time to respond because the Cooperative Program is critical to the future of Baptist work in Texas and around the country,” said Ferrell Foster, communications director for the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.

The questionnaire, which is due back to the SBC by the end of January, comes at a time when giving through the Cooperative Program is slightly up, but the percentage of funds that churches are giving from their budgets to the giving channel continues to drop, according to Bob Rogers, SBC vice president for Cooperative Program.

The survey will help convention leaders understand better how churches view the Cooperative Program, Rogers said.

“We really want to hear what churches have to say, what their perceptions are about the Cooperative Program, unfiltered,” he said.

Survey results will be compiled, analyzed and disseminated to state conventions that have churches affiliated with the SBC. The information will play a key role in determining Southern Baptist giving options and how those options are promoted.

Rogers noted the information will be used to help Southern Baptists fund mission and ministry efforts around the globe as effectively as possible.

The Cooperative Program was developed by the SBC and state conventions as a means for accomplishing kingdom work, Foster said.

The largest portion of Cooperative Program funds generally remain in each state, the remainder is used for national and worldwide efforts. While some BGCT churches direct their worldwide Cooperative Program funds to ministries of the BGCT and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, most direct their Cooperative Program funds to SBC ministries.