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EDITORIAL: Budgets reflect low priority of cooperative missions_82503
Posted: 8/22/03
EDITORIAL:
Budgets reflect low priority of cooperative missionsBudgets make the best barometers of priorities. Unfortunately, a study of Baptist budgets from the past 15 years reveals a decline that has produced a missions-and-ministry drought.
From 1987 to 2002, Southern Baptist missions expenditures grew by only half the rate of churches' total receipts. Meanwhile, the portion of undesignated receipts those churches contributed to the Cooperative Program unified budget dropped by 30 percent. (See the full story on these trends here) Now, Baptist conventions and institutions at state and national levels are struggling to freeze or reduce budgets to reflect economic realities.
Of course, some Baptists believe budget talk is impious. But in this world, ministry efforts depend upon dollars. Just behind faithful, willing believers empowered by the Spirit of God, money is crucial to fulfilling Christ's Great Commission.
Pastors need to preach courageous sermons on tithing, churches need to tithe their incomes and leaders need to demonstrate why cooperative giving is a divine investment in a glorious eternity. 10/14/2003 - By John Rutledge
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