State Baptists exceed ’08 CP goal despite tough economy

Despite the rough economic climate, Alabama Baptists came through again with their Cooperative Program  (CP) giving in 2008, according to the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM).

State Baptist churches exceeded last year’s CP base budget of $44,585,000 by $197,320 — a total of $44,782,320 — and in doing so met the largest base budget in the history of the convention, said Bobby DuBois, SBOM associate executive director.

“The year 2008 has presented some of the most challenging economic times we have faced in our nation’s history,” DuBois said. “The losses in terms of retirement account balances, jobs, savings accounts and consumer confidence have been staggering. Yet through it all, our churches have remained committed in efforts to faithfully follow the principles set forth in the Great Commission and Acts 1:8.”

Such sacrificial giving to support missions work makes Alabama Baptist churches “pacesetters within the larger family of Southern Baptists,” DuBois said. “A very large ‘thank you’ and ‘well done!’ are in order.”

SBOM Executive Director Rick Lance agreed.

“2008 will be a year to remember for our nation and our state convention,” Lance said. “Talk of a deep recession was the almost unanimous opinion of economists and observers. Despite that reality, Alabama Baptists were steadfastly committed to giving through the Cooperative Program, and the results were positive in negative times.”

Though the numbers are to be finalized in the coming days, it is clear that Alabama Baptists passed the budget goal, DuBois said. Totals for State Causes and special-offering receipts were not yet available.

As Alabama Baptists enter the new year, Lance said we will trust God to provide in regards to the 2009 budget.

“A year ago, when the base Cooperative Program budget was planned, the economic situation was far more positive than it appears today,” Lance said.

A base goal of $46 million for 2009 represents an increase of $1.2 million — or $100,000 per month, “which will be something of a challenge,” he explained. “Yet we live by faith, not by fear and … look forward to serving the Lord together in this New Year.”